Cafe Manager

About Purslane Cafe

Purslane Cafe sits inside the historic Prospect Park Boathouse, serving coffee, pastries, and all-day cafe fare to park visitors in one of Brooklyn's most beautiful settings. We're looking for a hands-on manager to lead daily operations and keep the cafe running smoothly and profitably in a high-traffic, seasonal, park-based location.The Role

As Cafe Manager, you'll own the day-to-day operational, guest facing, and people-management side of the cafe. You'll lead the team, manage inventory, and make sure every guest — from park regulars to first-time visitors — has a great experience. This is a hands-on leadership role with a mix of operational and administrative responsibilities.

• Seasonal position running through October 2026
• Full time, 5 days per week, including weekends
• Hands-on presence during service, with admin time scheduled during quieter periods
• Seasonal volume swings (park foot traffic, weather, events) require flexibility

Responsibilities

• Lead, hire, train, and schedule baristas and front-of-house staff; set the tone for a positive, high-performing team
• Oversee daily service on the floor and ensure consistent food and beverage quality
• Manage inventory, par levels, vendor ordering, and reconciliation to minimize waste
• Handle cash management, register reconciliation, and Toast POS operations
• Ensure compliance with Prospect Park Alliance standards and procedures
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and compliance with NYC Department of Health standards
• Manage opening/closing procedures, equipment upkeep, and general facilities
• Resolve guest issues promptly and professionally
• Stay current on permits, labor rules, and DOH requirements for a public park concession

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in a cafe, coffee shop, or restaurant setting
• Experience with Toast POS
• NYC Department of Health Food Protection Certificate at the managerial level (or ability to obtain one shortly after hire)
• Strong leadership, scheduling, and team-development skills
• Comfort with inventory management and basic financial/business reporting
• Highly organized and proactive, with the ability to stay calm under pressure
• Availability for early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Nice to Have

• Specialty coffee or barista background
• Experience with vendor negotiation and contract management
• Familiarity with park, museum, or other public-space concession operations

What We Offer

• $24.00 – $28.00 per hour
• Growth opportunities as Purslane expands
• A team culture built around hospitality in one of NYC's most iconic outdoor settings
• Affordable health care available for you to opt-in to through our benefits provider, OS Benefits