Cafe Manager

Description
Café Manager
Company:
Verde Canyon Railroad
Location:
Clarkdale, Arizona

Reports to:
VP of Operations / General Manager
Classification:
Exempt, Salary, Full-time

Position Summary

The Café Manager oversees all food and beverage operations at the Depot, ensuring a safe, high-quality, and memorable dining experience for guests. This role manages staff, maintains exceptional preparation and presentation standards, controls inventory, and ensures full compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations. The Café Manager builds and leads a knowledgeable team committed to exceeding passenger expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise all Copper Spike Café staff, including cooks and bartenders, ensuring operational excellence.
• Hire qualified team members; conduct interviews, complete onboarding paperwork, and verify certifications.
• Manage and motivate staff to meet performance goals; provide coaching, recognition, and corrective action as needed.
• Train all staff to deliver high-quality food and beverage service; conduct periodic training and evaluations.
• Create and maintain monthly schedules, prioritizing full-time staff and managing an "extra board" for part-time employees.
• Hold pre-shift and post-shift briefings; communicate relevant updates from upper management.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, operational guidelines, and health code regulations.
• Maintain a professional workplace, enforcing cleanliness and grooming standards.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee ordering, receiving, storage, and inventory of all food and beverage products.
• Develop and maintain menu offerings, ensuring quality, consistency, and presentation that reflect the Verde Canyon experience.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation regulations; create and implement cleaning checklists.
• Manage catering and special events in coordination with the group coordinator.
• Open and close the café according to established procedures.
• Monitor food and beverage quality and remove non-applicable or outdated items from storage.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business operations and team needs.

Inventory & Financial Management

• Conduct monthly inventory and twice-weekly partial inventory checks in coordination with the Inventory Manager.
• Order products as needed to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Manage the café budget, monitor sales performance, and control food costs.
• Set and update retail pricing for merchandise and beverages in line with wholesale changes and POS updates.
• Oversee all money-handling procedures within café operations.

Interdepartmental Coordination & Guest Services

• Ensure all guests have a high-quality dining experience; handle and resolve complaints effectively.
• Coordinate with reservations to meet special passenger needs.
• Serve as a liaison for special requests between the café, kitchen, and other departments.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college or culinary degree preferred.
• Minimum age 21 with at least five years of supervisory experience in food and beverage service.
• Proven leadership, budgeting, and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations; Arizona Manager's Food Handler Certificate and Title 4 Certification.
• CPR certified with proficient knife skills.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, and POS systems.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts.
• Must pass drug screening and background check.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Maintain a proactive leadership approach to ensure the well-being of staff and passengers.
• Present a professional image and uphold cleanliness and grooming standards.
• Continuously monitor employee conduct and ensure compliance with company standards.