Cafe Manager

About Emma’s Torch

Emma’s Torch is a non-profit social enterprise that empowers refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking through culinary training, job placement support, and professional development. Through our paid, full-time culinary apprenticeship programs, students gain hands-on experience while working in our social venture businesses, including our cafes, catering operations, and CPG production.

We believe in celebrating the talent, resilience, and potential of our students and honoring our namesake, Emma Lazarus, whose words on the Statue of Liberty continue to inspire our mission.

Learn more: www.emmastorch.org

Position Summary

The Café Manager is a key operational leader responsible for driving revenue growth and ensuring operational excellence at Emma’s Torch’s Carroll Gardens café in Brooklyn. Reporting to the Director of Social Ventures, this role oversees all front-of-house operations, sales performance, and team development to ensure both financial sustainability and an exceptional customer experience.

This role is highly hands-on and requires a strong balance of hospitality leadership, business acumen, and team development. The Café Manager will build and lead a high-performing barista team, implement revenue-generating strategies, and maintain efficient, compliant day-to-day operations.

The ideal candidate is an energetic operator who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is deeply committed to customer experience, and is excited to contribute to a mission-driven organization.

Key Responsibilities1. Drive Revenue Growth (40%)

• Implement and continuously refine sales strategies to grow café revenue and meet annual targets for the Carroll Gardens location.
• Monitor sales performance using systems like Toast and MarginEdge; generate regular reports to identify trends and opportunities.
• Ensure data insights are shared across teams and translated into actionable improvements.
• Partner with the Director of Social Ventures to test new earned income opportunities (e.g., partnerships, seasonal promotions, specials).
• Collaborate with Marketing to increase foot traffic, strengthen neighborhood presence, and drive repeat business through mission-aligned campaigns.

2. Optimize Operations & Efficiency (30%)

• Oversee daily café operations, ensuring smooth workflows from open to close and consistent service standards.
• Manage ordering, inventory, and staffing to control costs and reduce waste.
• Maintain compliance with DOH regulations, cleanliness standards, and safety protocols.
• Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges to minimize disruptions.
• Document and refine systems to support scalability and consistency across locations.
• Manage ResQ account and coordinate maintenance to maximize café uptime and operational continuity.

3. Lead & Develop a High-Performing Barista Team (30%)

• Recruit, train, and retain a strong barista team aligned with Emma’s Torch’s values of hospitality, inclusion, and excellence.
• Provide consistent coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a positive team culture that prioritizes morale, accountability, and growth.
• Create clear pathways for professional development and advancement to support retention and long-term team stability.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in café, hospitality, or retail food service management.
• Proven track record of driving sales and managing daily operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong financial and operational management skills, including inventory and cost control.
• Experience leading, training, and motivating customer-facing teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with POS and inventory systems (e.g., Toast, MarginEdge).
• Food Protection Certificate required (or willingness to obtain).
• Full-time availability, including weekends.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Commitment to a trauma-informed, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
• Opportunity to lead and grow a community-centered café in Carroll Gardens.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.
• A supportive team culture grounded in dignity, empowerment, and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emma’s Torch is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities—including refugees, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities—to apply.