Restaurant and Events Manager

MAKE Projects is a dynamic social enterprise located in San Diego, dedicated to merging agriculture, kitchens, and employment to create meaningful job opportunities and community connections. At the heart of this mission is MAKE Cafe, an all-day brunch restaurant and urban farm that serves as more than just a dining destination. It provides a unique platform for low-income refugee and immigrant women and youth to gain valuable social, communication, and job readiness skills through hands-on culinary and hospitality training. MAKE Projects envisions a diverse San Diego community united by a shared love of food, culture, and the power of flavors to cross social, racial, economic, and geographic boundaries. The organization operates with a clear commitment to inclusivity, workforce development, and community enrichment, making it a place where employees and participants alike are empowered to grow personally and professionally.

The Restaurant and Events Manager (REM) position at MAKE Cafe is a full-time, salaried role based in the vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Executive Chef, the REM is responsible for leading, training, and supervising the front-of-house operations, encompassing daily cafe service as well as special events and catering activities. This role is a blend of customer service excellence, operational leadership, and administrative management, requiring a passionate and organized individual who thrives in a fast-paced, community-focused environment. The REM not only manages the cafe's front-of-house staff including baristas, cashiers, event staff, and program participants but also ensures that MAKE Cafe maintains its reputation as a welcoming, well-operated, and socially conscious establishment.

Key to the REM's success is their ability to engage customers by sharing MAKE's story while ensuring the highest levels of service satisfaction. They will mentor and train front-of-house staff, uphold operational budgets, and maintain equipment and facilities in collaboration with management. The REM role also involves innovative thinking to develop menu and event experiences that align with MAKE's values of global inspiration and local sourcing. The ideal candidate is someone who loves fostering community, enjoys training others, and is highly organized with a strong attention to detail. This position offers a competitive annual salary of $70,300, along with health benefits, paid time off, paid sick leave, and a matching 401k retirement plan after six months of employment. Working hours are full-time, Wednesday through Sunday, primarily during breakfast and lunch service hours, with additional hours for events as needed. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a socially impactful enterprise while growing a career in hospitality management within a supportive and mission-driven environment.