General Manager – Char & Stave Coffee
Locations: Ardmore, PA Chestnut Hill and 3rd PA Expansion Coming Late Spring / Early Summer 2026
About Char & Stave Coffee
Char & Stave Coffee is the brainchild of the award-winning team behind Bluebird Distilling whiskey-making experts who applied their craft to the art of coffee roasting. Our flagship Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee anchors a lineup of premium roasts sourced from the world’s finest producers.
Each Char & Stave café is a hybrid experience: specialty coffee by day, craft cocktail bar by night, featuring drinks made with our own Bluebird spirits and coffee-inspired cocktails.
We currently operate two all-day cafés (7 AM – Midnight) and are preparing to open our third location in Late Spring / Early Summer 2026.
Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated, hands-on Manager to oversee day-to-day operations across our Char & Stave cafés. The ideal candidate will have a passion for coffee, cocktails, and hospitality—paired with strong leadership and operational skills to help guide our growing team and brand.
This role requires flexibility, creativity, and drive. You’ll collaborate with two other managers to maintain consistency, uphold brand standards, and ensure every guest leaves with an unforgettable experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise daily operations of both café and bar programs, ensuring exceptional service and product quality.
- Manage staff schedules, shift coverage, and team performance to optimize productivity.
- Recruit, train, and develop staff in customer service, barista technique, food & beverage handling, and cocktail preparation.
- Oversee inventory control, ordering, and cost management to maintain profitability.
- Utilize POS systems (Aloha POS or Micros POS) for cash handling and sales reporting.
- Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization in accordance with health & safety regulations.
- Execute special events and promotions that showcase our coffee & cocktail offerings.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and motivated team culture.
- Handle customer inquiries and complaints with professionalism.
- Work flexibly across locations, mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
Requirements
- 3+ years of management or supervisory experience in a high-volume café, restaurant, or bar environment.
- Proven success in staff training, leadership, and operational excellence.
- Strong understanding of food safety and ServSafe Food Handler certification required.
- Experience with inventory control, budgeting, and cash handling.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced setting.
- Deep appreciation for hospitality and guest experience.
- Barista and/or coffee industry experience highly desirable.
- Knowledge of cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits preferred.
Preferred Skills & Attributes
- Experience with POS systems
- Café, bar, or restaurant management background in both service and back-of-house operations.
- Event execution and community engagement experience.
- Conflict resolution and team motivation abilities.
- Quick-service, fine-casual, or high-volume dining experience a plus.
Benefits & Perks
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- 401(k) with company match
- Health & Dental Coverage
- Paid PTO
- Employee discounts at Char & Stave and Bluebird Distilling
- Career growth opportunities with future expansions
