Cafe Assistant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About GA·RA

GA·RA is a Vietnamese American coffee brand and creative space built on community, culture, and craft. Inspired by the meaning of “garage” in Vietnamese, GA·RA represents creativity born from humble beginnings. It is a space where ideas, culture, and people come together. Our mission is to connect people through meaningful coffee experiences while honoring our Vietnamese heritage and elevating the craft of coffee from seed to cup.

We are looking for passionate, thoughtful individuals who care deeply about coffee, hospitality, and culture. We want people who are excited to help build something special from the ground up.

About the Role

The Cafe Assistant Manager is a hands-on management position responsible for supporting the General Manager with the day-to-day operations of the cafe.

This is a working management role. The Cafe Assistant Manager will work daily shifts alongside the cafe team while also supervising and supporting staff, maintaining service and operational standards, and helping ensure the cafe runs smoothly.

The ideal candidate has previous management experience in food service, strong barista and customer service experience, and is positive, outgoing, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable leading a team in a fast-paced cafe environment.

You Will

Cafe Operations & Management

• Assist the General Manager with day-to-day cafe operations and staff management.
• Work daily cafe shifts alongside baristas and other cafe team members.
• Supervise, lead, and support cafe staff throughout the shift while actively participating in service.
• Maintain consistent standards for service, hospitality, cleanliness, and cafe operations.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members and management.
• Coordinate service flow between the bar, kitchen, and front of house.
• Step into barista, cashier, line service, or other cafe duties as needed.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and ongoing coaching of cafe team members.
• Help identify and resolve operational issues during the shift.
• Ensure opening, closing, cleaning, and daily checklists are completed properly.
• Ensure stations are stocked, organized, and prepared for service.
• Take responsibility for maintaining the cafe in a clean, organized, and pristine condition throughout the day.
• Help reinforce cafe procedures, standards, and expectations with the team.

Guest Experience

• Provide warm, friendly, and professional customer service.
• Create a welcoming environment for guests.
• Help resolve guest concerns calmly and professionally.
• Lead by example in hospitality and customer service.
• Maintain a high standard of service throughout each shift.

You Are

• Positive, outgoing, and approachable.
• A strong and confident communicator.
• Comfortable supervising and leading a team while working alongside them.
• Flexible and willing to step in wherever needed.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Reliable, responsible, and accountable.
• Calm and solution-oriented in a busy cafe environment.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation.
• Passionate about hospitality and creating a great guest experience.

You Have

• Previous management experience in a food service operation, cafe, or restaurant.
• Previous barista experience.
• Strong customer service experience.
• Experience supervising, leading, and supporting staff in a fast-paced service environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to bend, reach, and move comfortably in a busy cafe environment.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage
• Full-time position
• Food, beverage, and merchandise discounts
• Training and growth opportunities
• Additional benefits for eligible employees

GA·RA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.