Cafe Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, high-energy Restaurant Manager to oversee day-to-day culinary and dining operations at Complete Cafe. The primary focus of this role is operational excellence: maintaining seamless front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) execution, upholding strict food safety standards, driving kitchen speed and accuracy during peak family rush hours, and delivering top-tier catering for our high-volume birthday parties and private event buyouts. The ideal candidate is a hands-on hospitality leader who thrives in a dynamic, family-centric environment, excels at inventory and labor management, and possesses the technical savvy to leverage our interactive ordering tech and POS systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain flawless daily operations across kitchen execution, counter service, table service, and pickup/delivery orders.
• Ensure rapid ticket times and high food quality during high-volume weekend open-play rushes and party meal shifts.
• Oversee the operation and guest experience of our interactive digital dining tables, ensuring tech is functional and staff are trained to assist guests.
• Enforce strict cleanliness, sanitation, and safety protocols adhering to NYC Department of Health (DOHMH) standards.
• Partner closely with the Playground Events Team to schedule, prepare, and execute seamless party catering for dozens of weekend birthday celebrations.
• Manage inventory and prep schedules for large-scale catering platters, custom party food packages, and beverage services.
• Ensure strict adherence to dietary restriction protocols (allergy awareness, gluten-free, dairy-free options) to safeguard all guests.
• Manage Food & Beverage (F&B) cost controls, vendor relationships, purchasing, and weekly inventory counts to minimize waste.
• Optimize labor costs through strategic scheduling aligned with playground foot-traffic patterns, party calendars, and peak hours.
• Monitor cafe KPIs, daily sales reports, average check size, and delivery platform performance.
• Hire, train, schedule, and mentor cafe staff, barista/cashiers, and line cooks.
• Foster a warm, empathetic, and inclusive customer service culture that aligns with Complete Playground’s values toward neurodivergent children and families.
• Lead by example on the floor during peak hours, stepping in to support the kitchen or front counter whenever necessary.

Requirements

• 3+ years of Restaurant Management experience in a high-volume, fast-casual, family entertainment, or multi-faceted hospitality setting.
• Valid NYC Food Protection Course Certificate required; CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Strong background in managing high-volume event catering or banquets.
• Hands-on leader with exceptional multi-tasking skills and a cool head during high-energy peak times.
• Must be able to work peak weekend hours (Saturday & Sunday), holidays, and select evenings during private buyouts.
• Comfortable operating modern POS systems, digital ordering platforms, and troubleshooting floor technology.

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Training & development
• Wellness resources
• Competitive base salary + performance incentives
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and health insurance options
• Complimentary employee shift meals and playground perks for immediate family
• Opportunity to lead a unique culinary concept within a mission-driven, expanding organization