Cafe Manager

Café Manager (Winery Café) Job Description

Position Title: Café Manager

Reports To: Operations Manager

Location: Mount Pleasant Estates Winery

Position Summary

The Café Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the winery café, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, efficient food and beverage service, strong team performance, and adherence to company standards. This role leads café staff, manages inventory and cost controls, maintains food safety compliance, and works collaboratively with winery leadership to support events, wine sales, and hospitality initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience in food service management with catering and banquette experience, team development, customer service, and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee daily café operations, including opening and closing procedures.
• Ensure exceptional service standards and guest satisfaction.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming café environment.
• Monitor workflow efficiency and resolve operational issues promptly.
• Assist during peak periods and special events as needed.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise café employees.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and development opportunities.
• Foster a positive and professional workplace culture.
• Ensure all employees follow company policies and procedures.

Food & Beverage Management

• Monitor product quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Ensure food preparation complies with health and safety regulations.
• Manage café inventory, ordering, receiving, and storage.
• Minimize waste and control food and beverage costs.
• Collaborate with winery team to develop seasonal offerings and promotions.
• Chef experience and banquette/catering experience.

Financial Management

• Manage labor budgets and scheduling efficiencies.
• Monitor sales, expenses, and profitability.
• Prepare operational reports and performance metrics.
• Support budgeting and forecasting initiatives.

Guest Experience

• Address guest concerns and resolve issues professionally.
• Promote winery products, events, memberships, and experiences.
• Ensure staff possesses knowledge of menu offerings and winery products.
• Create memorable hospitality experiences that encourage repeat visits.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with local health department regulations.
• Maintain food handling and alcohol service standards.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and training.
• Ensure proper cash handling and security procedures

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Drivers License and reliable transportation to and from properties.
• Minimum 3 years of restaurant, café, hospitality, banquette, or food service management experience.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Experience managing schedules, inventory, and labor costs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field.
• Winery, brewery, tasting room, or hospitality destination experience.
• Food Safety Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent).
• Knowledge of wine service and winery operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong guest service orientation.
• Leadership and conflict-resolution skills.
• Financial and budget management.
• Inventory control and purchasing.
• Point of Sale (POS) system experience.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors during winery events.

Hoffmann Augusta Wineries is committed to providing exceptional hospitality experiences and values team members who demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a passion for guest service.