Job Description: Restaurant Manager (FT) at The Playground Café

Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol, CA

 

About The Playground Café: The Playground Café is a groundbreaking new concept community space café, serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and beer and wine (and hopefully dinners in the future).  Nestled within the serene 4-acre property of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, the café is poised to become a vibrant community hub where families and individuals can unwind, socialize, and savor delicious food and beverages. Surrounded by majestic oak trees and gardens, the venue also features a dedicated children's play area and picnic tables, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and community building.

 

Mission of The Playground Café: To be a space where community forms through food, play, deep conversation, and a shared spiritual journey that embraces diverse spiritual backgrounds.

 

Job Opportunity: We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Restaurant Manager to lead the operations of The Playground Café. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate food service professional to contribute to a unique community-oriented environment and to help shape the culinary experience at The Playground Café.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operational Management

    • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the café, ensuring smooth and efficient service.

    • Develop and manage the café's menu, focusing on quality, variety, and community preferences.

    • Implement and maintain health, safety, and cleanliness standards to ensure a safe dining environment.

  • Staff Management

    • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise café staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

    • Schedule and manage staff shifts, ensuring adequate coverage and optimal service levels.

    • Lead by example, demonstrating excellent customer service and operational standards. 

  • Inventory and Ordering

    • Manage inventory levels, placing orders for food, beverages, and supplies as needed.

    • Develop relationships with vendors and negotiate contracts to ensure the best quality and pricing.

    • Monitor and control costs to meet budgetary goals while maintaining product quality. 

  • Community Engagement

    • Work closely with church leadership and community members to ensure the café aligns with the mission and values of The Playground.

    • Organize and participate in community events and activities to promote The Playground Café as a welcoming space for all.

    • Gather feedback from patrons and staff to continuously improve the café’s offerings and atmosphere.

  • Financial Management

    • Oversee the café’s financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

    • Implement strategies to increase revenue, manage expenses, and achieve profitability.

    • Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including food safety and labor laws. 

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience as a Restaurant Manager or in a similar role within the food service industry.

  • Strong leadership and team management skills.

  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.

  • Knowledge of health, safety, and hygiene regulations.

  • Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost management.

  • Exceptional customer service and communication skills.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

  • Passion for creating a welcoming and inclusive community space. 

Compensation:

  • Salary range: $70,000-$75,000

How to Apply: Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and vision for The Playground Café to The Rev. Christy Laborda Harris at Christy@StStephensSebastopol.org.