Cafe General Manager

About Us : ALMA ("soul" in Spanish and Portuguese) is a neighborhood coffeehouse built around the heart and community of a farmers market - rooted in community, seasonal produce from local farms and makers, and genuine hospitality. With an excellent coffee program, baked goods, savory menus, takeout, and a small beer and wine list, we aim to be a warm and welcoming spot for both locals and tourists in San Luis Obispo.

The Role : We are seeking a Cafe General Manager to lead the opening of a new concept under our restaurant group. This role is ideal for a self starter- someone who enjoys mentoring a team, organizing clear processes, and leading by example. The Cafe General Manager will lead our team and oversee all aspects of daily FOH and BOH operations, creating a smooth, high functioning cafe where quality and hospitality are always top priorities. This is a "hands on" leadership role that blends operations, people management, and guest experience. You'll set the tone on the floor, guide and develop the team, and uphold consistent excellence in service, food and beverage, and guest experience.

Position : Cafe General Manager

Reports To : Ownership, Blue Mango Executive Team

Job Status : Hourly, Non-Exempt

Start Date : Tentatively mid-December

Primary Duties and Responsibilities :

Cafe Operations & Guest Experience

• Lead with warmth and genuine hospitality, inspiring the team to make every guest feel welcome and valued
• Oversee daily cafe operations across all areas and departments (FOH + BOH) : coffee, pastries, meals, desserts, takeout, beer / wine service, and catering or small scale events as needed
• Implement and uphold cafe operating standards to support a consistent level of service, cleanliness, safety, and product quality across all shifts
• Ensure all food and beverage offerings are consistently prepared and presented to the highest standards, delivered with efficient, attentive service in a clean, welcoming environment
• Oversee the overall guest environment, including music, lighting, signage, and presentation of displays to ensure the cafe always feels inviting and on brand
• Monitor and respond to guest feedback, using it as an opportunity to celebrate wins and improve service
• Ensure every guest receives an exceptional, hospitality driven experience by continuously coaching and inspiring the team to exceed expectations
• Be present on the floor to connect with guests and support the team, and be willing to step in during busy periods to stay closely connected to daily operations as needed.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of all coffee and food offerings, and communicate product information to guests with confidence and accuracy
• Keep a close eye on flow during busy periods, stepping in to support the team and making real time adjustments to ensure guests continue to receive smooth, attentive service

Team Leadership

• Hire, train, and develop a strong, supportive team
• Support a culture of versatility by cross training employees across cafe stations, so everyone feels confident jumping in where needed
• Responsible for managing scheduling to align staffing levels with business demands while maintaining compliance with labor goals
• Provide coaching and feedback to help your team grow
• Lead by example : set the tone with positivity, collaboration, and a hands on approach

Admin, Finance, & Brand Support

• Meet sales, labor, and cost goals by tracking performance and adjusting operations as needed
• Control expenses by managing ordering, inventory, and cash handling with accuracy
• Improve profitability by working with ownership on menu planning, pricing, and promotions
• Oversee Toast POS operations to ensure accurate menus, pricing, modifiers, labor reporting, and smooth daily functionality
• Ensure accurate inventories within the POS system and coordinate with kitchen / commissary teams to keep counts aligned
• Keep accurate records and ensure compliance with health, safety, and labor regulations
• Collaborate with the Marketing Director to roll out seasonal menu offerings, create promotable items, and post to the cafe's social media in alignment with the brand vision

Required Skills and Abilities :

• 2-3 years of cafe, coffeehouse, or restaurant management experience preferred
• Strong leadership, excellent communication, and team building skills
• Passion for great food, fresh produce, specialty coffee / beverages, and local sourcing
• Experience managing multiple food and beverage programs is a plus
• Flexible availability, including mornings, weekends, and holidays
• Proactive and self-motivated, with strong integrity and a collaborative mindset
• Skilled in Google Suite and comfortable with operational systems (Toast POS)
• Strong understanding of profit and loss statements and how to impact them
• Experience with scheduling, labor compliance, and basic HR responsibilities (training, coaching, and performance management)
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards; Serv Safe Manager certification required
• Accurate and organized with strong attention to detail, especially in ordering, inventory, and cash handling
• Confident decision maker with strong problem solving skills
• Committed to hospitality. Anticipates the needs of guests, team members, and the community
• Comfortable giving feedback and holding team members accountable
• Unshakable work ethic
• Empathetic, with a positive and solution oriented approach to challenges
• Unafraid to ask hard questions to help the team, guests, and business succeed
• Energized by ambitious goals and never satisfied with the status quo
• Able to maintain professionalism and composure in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements :

• High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing, upright position for long periods of time up to 8 hours
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, and transport furniture, equipment, and deliveries up to 50 pounds

Disclaimer : This description includes essential functions. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. In accordance with California law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. ALMA offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.