Restaurant & Events Manager (MAKE Cafe)

MAKE Projects is a visionary social enterprise dedicated to merging agriculture, kitchens, and employment to foster community, empowerment, and workforce development. Located in the vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego, MAKE Projects operates MAKE Cafe, an all-day brunch restaurant and urban farm that serves as a dynamic platform for low-income refugee and immigrant women and youth to gain vital social, communication, and job readiness skills. Established to provide meaningful, paid real-world work experiences, MAKE Projects blends culinary excellence with social impact, creating opportunities that extend beyond food service into community building and professional growth.

The establishment thrives on its mission of using food as a powerful tool to bridge racial, social, economic, and geographic divides by celebrating diverse flavors, cultures, and histories. MAKE Cafe is not just a restaurant but a community hub where people gather to share culinary experiences inspired by global flavors and locally sourced ingredients. The cafe is also a sought-after venue for hosting various small to large community events, catering initiatives, and private functions, all coordinated with a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.

The Restaurant and Events Manager (REM) role at MAKE Cafe is a pivotal leadership position that combines operational oversight, customer service excellence, and administrative responsibilities. This full-time, salaried position reports to the Executive Director and requires close collaboration with the Executive Chef to ensure that the cafe and event services reflect MAKE's core values of quality, inclusivity, and innovation. The REM oversees front-of-house operations, including the performance and engagement of baristas, cashiers, event staff, and program participants who are trainees in the workforce development program.

Responsible for managing all catering and private event requests, the REM plays a critical role in setting a welcoming atmosphere and delivering exceptional service that tells the MAKE story. Key to success in this role is the ability to lead, train, and develop the front-of-house team, ensuring that all staff are aligned with the restaurant's mission and standards. The REM fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and community-building while maintaining rigorous operational standards related to budget management, equipment maintenance, and health and safety regulations.

An ideal candidate for the REM position is not only passionate about hospitality but also deeply committed to social impact. They have excellent interpersonal skills, a knack for mentoring and training others, and are highly organized with a keen eye for detail and time management. This role demands a proactive leader who can anticipate challenges, manage multiple priorities, and drive revenue growth through innovative menu and special event experiences.

MAKE Projects offers a competitive salary of $70,300 per year, complemented by health benefits, paid time off, paid sick leave, and a matching 401k retirement plan after six months of employment. The REM position requires a full-time, in-person commitment with workdays scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday, primarily during the cafe's operating hours of 9am to 2pm, with additional responsibilities during private dinners and special events. MAKE Projects prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce and community engagement.