Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-time
Who We Are
At Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, we believe that great food, exceptional coffee, and genuine hospitality bring people together. We’re a community-driven café dedicated to creating welcoming spaces, thoughtfully crafted beverages, and memorable guest experiences.
The Role
We’re looking for a passionate, dependable, and experienced Café Manager to join our team at the University of Chicago location!
As a Fairgrounds Café Manager, you’ll take an active leadership role in overseeing daily café operations, developing teammates, and maintaining high standards of quality, hospitality, and service. You’ll work closely with café leadership while taking ownership of key operational responsibilities, including scheduling, inventory management, ordering, and team performance.
You’ll play an important role in creating a positive team culture, supporting employee development, and ensuring a welcoming and efficient café environment.
What You’ll Do
Café Leadership & Team Development
- Oversee daily café operations, team performance, and shift execution.
- Lead, coach and develop Shift Leads and Teammates through hands-on training, feedback, and ongoing support.
- Manage team scheduling, shift coverage, deployment, and communication of daily expectations.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.
Hospitality & Guest Experience
- Lead by example in creating a warm, welcoming environment and delivering exceptional hospitality.
- Support teammates in providing attentive, efficient, and memorable guest experiences.
- Address guest questions, concerns, and feedback with professionalism and care.
Food, Beverage, & Café Operations
- Uphold Fairgrounds’ recipes, preparation techniques, and quality standards for all coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and food.
- Oversee opening and closing procedures, daily preparation, and consistent execution of café standards.
- Manage inventory, ordering, product availability, and waste reduction to maintain efficient operations.
- Ensure equipment cleanliness, organization, and compliance with food safety, sanitation, and operational procedures.
Operational Management & Collaboration
- Identify operational challenges and implement improvements to support café efficiency and performance.
- Coordinate the execution of café initiatives, promotions, and company standards.
- Monitor sales, labor, inventory, and operational performance to support café goals.
- Communicate team performance, employee concerns, and operational updates to café leadership.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous management or supervisory experience in a café, restaurant, or hospitality environment preferred.
- Strong knowledge of specialty coffee, food service, and daily café operations.
- Experience with employee scheduling, inventory management, and ordering preferred.
- Experience training, coaching, and developing team members.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to delegate responsibilities, provide constructive feedback, and make informed decisions.
- A positive, dependable, and team-oriented leadership approach.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and lead in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality, cleanliness, and food safety.
- Availability for early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
- Food safety certification or willingness to obtain one.
Why Join Fairgrounds?
- Employee Discounts: Discounts on eligible food, beverage, and retail purchases.
- Shift Drinks & Meals: Available in accordance with company policy.
- Training & Development: Hands-on training and opportunities to develop new skills.
- Growth Opportunities: Opportunities for continued professional development and advancement.
- Supportive Team Culture: A collaborative and inclusive workplace built on teamwork and mutual respect.
Ready to Lead? Apply today!
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.
The heartbeat of our restaurant isn't just the kitchen or the dining room—it’s the people who show up every day to make it run. We are a local staple dedicated to providing our community with exceptional service and memorable experiences. Whether we are serving a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner, our goal remains the same: to make every guest feel like they belong.
We take pride in our craft, but we take more pride in our culture. We’ve built a team that thrives on collaboration, respects the grind, and celebrates each other’s wins. When you join us, you aren’t just "hired"; you become an essential part of a fast-paced, high-energy environment where your contributions are noticed and your growth is prioritized.