Cafe Manager (Fremont Cafe)

Grand Central Bakery is a pioneering bakery that started a bread revolution in 1989 by introducing rustic artisan loaves to tables across the Northwest. The company has a deep commitment to sustainability, reflected in every aspect of its operations—from sourcing ingredients to caring for employees and investing in local communities. Certified as a B Corporation, Grand Central Bakery is part of a global movement where businesses use enterprise as a force for positive social and environmental change. Known for its high quality, locally sourced, and sustainable products, the bakery continues to be a leader in the artisan bread and cafe sector.

The Cafe Manager role at the Fremont Cafe is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary of $73,316.40 and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This role is central to ensuring the successful operation of the cafe, which means leading all facets of daily operations to uphold Grand Central Bakery's mission and values. The Cafe Manager oversees a single location's cafe operations and is responsible for recruiting, training, and developing cafe staff to deliver exceptional products and outstanding customer service. This involves motivating and supporting the team to maximize sales and ensure profitability while maintaining the highest standards of food quality and customer experience.

The position involves balancing administrative duties with hands-on leadership on the floor, making the Cafe Manager a visible and active team leader. The manager must foster a positive, team-oriented environment, encouraging strong community connections and ensuring safety and health standards are strictly followed. They are also tasked with controlling costs, managing finances, and analyzing performance metrics like sales, product assortment, scheduling, and waste management to optimize overall cafe operations.

Strong leadership skills are essential for this role, including the ability to communicate the brand's mission and inspire team members to deliver excellent customer service consistently. The Cafe Manager will also act as a conduit for feedback between customers, staff, and the product team, impacting menu decisions and quality. They manage various systems and procedures, enforce company policies, and promote inclusive and culturally competent work practices. This role requires adaptability and the ability to juggle multiple shifting priorities while maintaining focus on strategic goals.

In addition to operational oversight, the Cafe Manager plays a vital role in talent development, ensuring continuous learning and growth opportunities for team members through coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations. They partner with higher management and HR to address any performance issues and develop succession plans, creating a deep bench of talent within the cafe.

Physical demands of the role include moderate lifting, standing, walking, and frequent interaction with various cafe equipment such as espresso machines, POS systems, and baking tools. The position also requires maintaining a valid Food Handler's Card and adhering to health department regulations. Overall, the Cafe Manager is expected to embody Grand Central Bakery's values and contribute actively to the brand's ongoing success and community impact.