Cafe Manager | New York City

As a Cafe Manager at Blank Street, your primary responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, managing team training, and ensuring exceptional customer service. You'll handle product quality, inventory management, and maintain a clean and safe environment, all while leading by example and inspiring your team to perform at their best.

To qualify for the Cafe Manager role at Blank Street, candidates should possess a New York City Food Protection Certificate, 4+ years of management experience in hospitality, as well as a deep knowledge of specialty coffee. Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to multitask are also critical for success in this position.

Blank Street is committed to the growth of its Cafe Managers through continuous training and mentorship opportunities. You'll attend regular meetings designed for skill enhancement and have access to resources that promote leadership development and community-building among fellow managers.

At Blank Street, we pride ourselves on a supportive and team-oriented environment. You’ll work alongside passionate teammates who value collaboration and hospitality, creating a culture that appreciates detail and encourages fun, even during busy periods.

Cafe Managers at Blank Street enjoy a competitive salary, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, a quarterly bonus program, and even coffee-based perks! You'll also delve into a vibrant work culture that includes unique swag and a strong community feel.

When answering this question, be sure to highlight specific examples of your management style, team development strategies, and any notable successes you've achieved in customer service and product quality. Share any challenges you've overcome to illustrate your adaptability.

Discuss your philosophy on training by emphasizing the importance of clear communication, consistent feedback, and creating an engaging learning environment. Provide examples of training initiatives you've implemented and the results they yielded.

Answer by outlining your approach to inventory management, recipe adherence, and quality assurance processes. Be sure to mention the significance of leading by example on the bar to inspire your team.

Provide a structured response, beginning with listening actively to the customer's concerns, then addressing the issue empathetically. Mention how you strive for resolution and view feedback as an opportunity for improvement, both personally and for the team.

Share specific strategies like promotional events, effective upselling techniques, and community engagement initiatives. Discuss how you'd encourage the team to contribute to achieving these sales goals collaboratively.

Explain how you would create an engaging work environment by celebrating successes, incorporating team-building activities, and maintaining open lines of communication. Share personal experiences where you’ve successfully built morale and camaraderie.

Discuss current coffee trends and how you believe they shape customer expectations. Highlight your willingness to adapt and incorporate these trends into your cafe's offerings while ensuring consistent service quality.

Provide a concrete example of a project where you demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills. Emphasize the planning process, team collaboration, and positive outcomes, including metrics of success when possible.

Explain your approach to prioritizing tasks, such as maintaining flexibility in managing staff, focusing on customer engagement, and keeping an eye on product quality. Share specific techniques for efficient time management.

Share your passion for coffee culture and how it aligns with Blank Street’s values. Mention the importance of hospitality in your work and how you appreciate the company's commitment to creating meaningful customer experiences.