Front of House Manager

The Reed's Bistro is a distinguished dining establishment known for its commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience in a warm and inviting café setting. As part of the larger National Botanical Gardens (NBG) community, the bistro not only offers a unique culinary experience centered around quality coffee, fine wines, wines, and gourmet food but also embraces a culture of hospitality, professionalism, and community engagement. The Reed's Bistro prides itself on delivering consistently excellent food and beverage service, enhanced by an environment that promotes a welcoming atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy their meals. It operates under the principles of high standards in customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and employee development.

The Front of House Manager position at The Reed's Bistro is a full-time, non-exempt role averaging 40 hours per week. This critical leadership role reports directly to the Senior Director of Food & Beverage and carries responsibility for the smooth and efficient operation of front-of-house activities. The manager leads the front-of-house team, oversees the barista program, ensures beverage quality, and supports the wine and beer service elements. This position demands a hands-on leader with strong hospitality background, operational know-how, and the ability to inspire a team toward sustained excellence in guest experiences. The typical café hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but the role requires management coverage outside these times and availability for mornings, weekends, holidays, and special events based on operational demands. With a salary range between $50,000 and $60,000, commensurate with experience, the role offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

In this role, the Front of House Manager will oversee daily operations ensuring consistency, organization, and exceptional service from the moment guests walk into the bistro until their departure. Key duties include supervising and developing the front-of-house team, maintaining coffee and beverage standards, managing labor costs and inventory, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. A significant emphasis is placed on maintaining expertise in espresso preparation and the coffee program, supporting and training barista staff, as well as upholding knowledge of the wine and beer offerings to enhance the overall guest experience.

The manager will also be responsible for administrative tasks such as developing weekly staff schedules, overseeing POS operations, and assisting in financial and operational goal achievement. The role is physically demanding, requiring the ability to stand and move for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator with leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for hospitality. Advanced knowledge of POS systems, ideally Toast, and a proven track record in managing café or restaurant front-of-house teams are essential.

This position is more than a managerial function; it is a leadership role that fosters a positive, cohesive team environment, ensuring that every guest receives personalized, attentive service. The Reed's Bistro values inclusivity and is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination on all legally protected bases.