Coffee Shop Manager – Hands-On Operations & Barista Leadership

Coffee Shop Manager

Company: Pistachio Café
Location: New Haven, CT
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000–$70,000 per year, depending on experience
Additional Compensation: Up to $10,000 annually in performance-based bonuses
Schedule: Full-time, including weekends and holidays as needed

Job Description

Pistachio Café is seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands-on Coffee Shop Manager to join our current management team, oversee daily operations, lead our hospitality staff, and deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Pistachio Café is a distinctive New Haven destination combining specialty coffee, elevated dining, desserts, art, and warm hospitality.

This is a hands-on, working management position—not a desk job. We expect our managers to lead from the floor, work behind the coffee bar, prepare beverages, serve guests, and actively support the team throughout daily operations. The successful candidate must have practical barista experience and be fully capable of stepping into any front-of-house position when needed, especially during busy service periods.

We believe the best managers lead by example. While scheduling, financial oversight, staff development, and administrative responsibilities are important, the majority of this role is spent actively participating in café operations—not sitting in an office supervising others.

We are looking for a strong leader who combines genuine hospitality, operational expertise, financial discipline, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team.

This position offers competitive compensation, performance-based financial incentives, and opportunities for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Café Operations & Guest Experience

• Actively work behind the coffee bar, preparing espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and other menu items to company standards.
• Work alongside baristas and servers during regular shifts and peak service periods.
• Step into front-of-house positions as needed, including taking orders, serving tables, running food, and assisting guests.
• Lead by example through active participation in daily service rather than managing exclusively from behind a desk.
• Maintain high standards for beverage quality, food presentation, cleanliness, efficiency, and hospitality.
• Ensure attentive table service and effective communication between front-of-house and kitchen teams.
• Handle guest feedback and resolve service issues promptly and professionally.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, interview, hire, train, and develop employees.
• Personally demonstrate proper beverage preparation, service procedures, and operational standards.
• Prepare and manage staff schedules based on business needs and labor budgets.
• Set clear expectations for attendance, productivity, professionalism, and performance.
• Coach employees through direct observation and hands-on training.
• Build a positive, accountable, and service-oriented workplace culture.

Financial & Business Performance

• Manage labor costs, staffing levels, and scheduling efficiency.
• Monitor daily and weekly sales, expenses, and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue and improve profitability.
• Oversee inventory, purchasing, waste reduction, and cost controls.
• Review performance reports and recommend operational improvements.
• Maintain financial accountability while protecting service quality and customer satisfaction.

Systems & Administration

• Oversee POS operations, cash handling, daily reconciliation, and employee timekeeping.
• Maintain accurate operational records and reports.
• Ensure compliance with Connecticut labor laws, food safety requirements, and company policies.
• Support private events, catering, and other revenue-generating activities.
• Communicate regularly with ownership regarding operational results and business needs.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 3 years of restaurant, café, or coffee shop management experience.
• Hands-on barista experience, including preparing espresso-based beverages and operating commercial coffee equipment.
• Willingness and ability to work behind the bar and alongside employees throughout regular shifts.
• Proven experience managing employees, schedules, and labor budgets.
• Strong understanding of hospitality and customer service.
• Experience supervising high-volume food and beverage operations.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and solve problems effectively.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Availability to work weekends and peak business periods.

Preferred

• Experience in specialty coffee, upscale cafés, brunch restaurants, or full-service dining.
• Familiarity with Square POS, Homebase, QuickBooks, or comparable systems.
• Experience managing teams of 20 or more employees.
• Experience with inventory management, cost controls, and restaurant financial reporting.
• Experience supporting catering and private events.

Compensation & Performance Incentives

We believe strong leadership and measurable results should be rewarded.

• Base Salary: $65,000–$70,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Performance Bonuses: Opportunity to earn up to an additional $10,000 annually.
• Performance Criteria: Incentives are based on measurable results, including business growth, labor management, operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and team performance.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities to take on additional leadership responsibilities and contribute to the continued development of the business.

Specific performance targets, bonus eligibility, and payment terms will be discussed during the interview process.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a manager who leads by example, takes initiative, and understands the importance of both exceptional hospitality and sound business management.

If you prefer managing from an office rather than working alongside your team, this is not the right position for you.

Our ideal candidate enjoys being behind the bar, interacting with customers, supporting employees during busy shifts, and taking personal responsibility for the success of the café.

The right person will be equally comfortable preparing a cappuccino, coaching a new employee, handling a busy brunch service, and reviewing labor reports.

We value accountability, professionalism, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for hospitality.

If you are an experienced hospitality professional who enjoys building strong teams, improving operations, and creating memorable guest experiences, we encourage you to apply.

Pistachio Café is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 50.0 – 65.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Application Question(s):

• How many years of restaurant or coffee shop management experience do you have?
• Have you directly managed employee schedules and restaurant labor budgets?
• Are you available to work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday?
• What is the largest team you have directly managed?
• Describe a specific example of how you improved profitability, sales, or labor efficiency at a previous restaurant.
• Which POS, scheduling, and restaurant management systems have you used?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $70,000