Front of House Lead (Full Time 35+ Hours)

FOH Lead (Full Time)

Company: 85°C Bakery Cafe (Illinois)

Location: Chinatown, Chicago (Training will be held at Niles, IL)

Grand Opening: Late October/Early November

Job Summary:

We are looking for an outgoing, proactive, patient, friendly and customer-oriented individual to lead our 85C Chinatown, Chicago location. The ideal candidate will provide exceptional service to our customers, handle transactions accurately and efficiently, and contribute to a positive and welcoming atmosphere in our store. This role is designed to give you full ownership of the store: driving performance, developing your team, and delivering an exceptional guest experience every single day. ​

Primary Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

• Act as Manager on Duty (MOD), overseeing daily service, take-out, delivery, catering, and in-store dining execution

• 90% Operations, 10% Administrative duties per shift

• Uphold 85°C brand standards for product quality, recipe accuracy, freshness windows, and timely order fulfillment

• Ensure store cleanliness and maintain a guest-ready, compliant facility at all times

• Manage all cash-handling procedures, ensuring accuracy and accountability

• Maintain Department of Health and company sanitation standards with zero critical violations

• Maintain physical condition of the restaurant through proactive maintenance and vendor management

• Oversee fulfillment execution across all channels: walk-in, takeout, delivery, and catering

• Execute and maintain brand standards across all partnerships and in-store activations

• Manage opening and closing shifts, which typically range from 8–10 hours.

• Oversee the setup and maintenance of the Customer Area, POS stations, and Bar areas.

• Conduct store inventory twice per week and assist with unloading and organizing shipments.

• Utilize Jolt software to manage food safety checklists and monitor cooling unit sensors.

Team Development & Leadership

• Support General Manager and Shift Supervisor (AGM) with onboarding and training new team members

• Provide hands-on coaching to all staff members

• Model and enforce company policies, recipes, service standards, and professional conduct

• Offer timely, professional coaching and corrective action when necessary

• Foster a supportive, high-performing team culture aligned with 85°C Bakery values

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of 5-10 Associates per shift.

• Ensure all team members adhere to company policies, including uniform and grooming standards.

• Guide the team in the "Fresh Bread!" and “Hi, welcome! tradition, ensuring enthusiastic participation.

Guest Relations & Hospitality

• Resolve all guest concerns and issues with professionalism and a calm demeanor

• Monitor POS transactions and ensure the secure processing of credit/debit information through Clover terminals.

• Ensure preorders, takeout, and delivery orders are managed efficiently alongside walk-in guest services.

• Deliver consistently superior customer service with attentiveness and positivity

• Act as a brand ambassador inside and outside the restaurant

Administration & Communication

• Complete daily Manager Daily Reports (MDRs), detailing shift performance, incidents, and key operational suggestions

• Maintain accurate inventory records and track regular product counts

• Communicate proactively with vendors to resolve supply, quality, or facility issues

• Execute and manage local catering orders in coordination with the Area Leader and Marketing

• Collaborate with support departments across HR, Training, Culinary, IT, Marketing, and Facilities

Qualifications:

• Previous retail or customer service experience preferred
• High School diploma or higher
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask effectively
• Basic math skills and attention to detail
• Must be reliable, punctual, and have a positive attitude
• Acceptable verbal English communication skills
• Excellent work ethic and teamwork concepts
• Enforce Health Department Regulations and be ServSafe certified;
• Available to work at least 35 hours a week; open weekend and holiday availability
  

Benefits:

• Competitive pay
• Flexible scheduling
• Opportunities for advancement within the company
• Employee discounts on delicious bakery items! We offer free meal plan, free tea, 20% off products off duty, accelerated career advancement, and FUN work environment!

If you are passionate about customer service and enjoy working in a fun and energetic environment, we would love to hear from you! Apply now to join our team at 85°C Bakery Cafe.

This position requires moderate physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting. This position requires nearly continuous standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, and reaching overhead. Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including extreme temperatures of coolers and freezers. Job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

How to apply: Click on the Apply Now button to apply through Zapid.