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Cafe Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Urban Air Adventure Park

Café Manager

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$18/hr

CAFÉ MANAGER - ($18.00+/HOUR) (Weekend Availability Required - Saturday & Sunday) JOB SUMMARY The Café Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Café and guiding ...

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Manager

Mokena, IL · On-site

CAFÉ MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Café Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Air Café and guiding the performance of Team Members. This is a practical, hands-on ...

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Manager

Merrillville, IN · On-site

CAFÉ MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Café Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Air Café and guiding the performance of Team Members. This is a practical, hands-on ...

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

CAFÉ MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Café Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Café and guiding the performance of Team Members. This is a practical, hands-on role ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Cafe Manager

Mokena, IL

CAFÉ MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Café Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Air Café and guiding the performance of Team Members. This is a practical, hands-on ...

Onni Group

Cafe Manager

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Solette Chicago is looking for a hands-on, hospitality-driven Cafe Manager to helm daily operations at Dialtone Cafe and Wine Bar. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, lead by example, and know ...

Onni Group

Cafe Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Solette Chicago is looking for a hands-on, hospitality-driven Café Manager to helm daily operations at Dialtone Café and Wine Bar. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, lead by example, and ...

Life Time, Inc.

Cafe Manager

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

Manages key business drivers such as food and labor costs, tracks performance metrics, and takes action to meet financial goals * Hires, trains, and develops team members, providing on-the-floor ...

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Manage the Café Team, ensuring they always work to the expected standards * Adhere to scheduled shifts and have the willingness to stay beyond when business or circumstances dictate * Train Café ...

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Lead

Merrillville, IN · On-site

Manage the Café Team, ensuring they always work to the expected standards * Adhere to scheduled shifts and have the willingness to stay beyond when business or circumstances dictate * Train Café ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Cafe Lead

Lincoln Park, IL

Manage the Café Team, ensuring they always work to the expected standards * Adhere to scheduled shifts and have the willingness to stay beyond when business or circumstances dictate * Train Café ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Cafe Lead

Merrillville, IN

Manage the Café Team, ensuring they always work to the expected standards * Adhere to scheduled shifts and have the willingness to stay beyond when business or circumstances dictate * Train Café ...

Barnes & Noble

Cafe Team Expert

Joliet, IL · On-site

In this role, you present viable business strategies and work collaboratively with the Store Manager (SM) to implement and adapt café action plans to deliver expected results. You'll make a great ...

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Cafe Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do cafe manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe manager in Chicago, IL is $23.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cafe manager do?

A Cafe Manager oversees the daily operations of a cafe, including managing staff, handling customer service, ensuring food and beverage quality, and maintaining inventory. They are responsible for creating work schedules, implementing health and safety standards, and managing budgets. Additionally, Cafe Managers often handle marketing efforts, resolve customer complaints, and help develop the menu. Their goal is to ensure a pleasant customer experience while maintaining profitability and efficiency.

What does a cafe manager do?

A café manager is in charge of a café or similar small restaurant. As a café manager, your job involves managing all day-to-day operations and staff. Duties include taking inventory, ordering food and other supplies, developing a menu, and interacting with customers. This career requires an extensive background in customer service, specifically in the hospitality or food service industry. Many café managers gain experience by working in the same restaurant, advancing their way to a management position. While this is the traditional route, many top employers now prefer those with an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Additional qualifications include strong communication and management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafe manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafe Manager, you need experience in food and beverage operations, staff supervision, and basic financial management, often supported by hospitality certifications or relevant work history. Familiarity with POS systems, inventory management software, and food safety protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help you create a positive team environment and ensure guest satisfaction. These skills are vital for maintaining efficient operations, excellent service quality, and a profitable business.

What are some common challenges faced by cafe managers and how can they be addressed?

Cafe Managers often encounter challenges such as managing staff schedules, maintaining consistent service quality during busy periods, and handling supply shortages. Effective communication, proactive planning, and fostering a positive team environment are key to overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, implementing efficient inventory management systems and providing ongoing staff training can help ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

How much do you get paid as a cafe manager?

A cafe manager's average salary typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and the size of the establishment. Some managers may earn higher with additional responsibilities or certifications, and wages can vary based on the specific cafe environment and hours worked.

What do you need to be a cafe manager?

To be a cafe manager, you typically need previous experience in food service or hospitality, strong leadership and customer service skills, and knowledge of inventory management and point-of-sale systems. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, and some employers prefer candidates with relevant certifications or managerial training. Good organizational skills and the ability to work flexible hours are also important.
More about Cafe Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafe jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Cafe jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cafe Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cafe Manager job openings:

Cafe Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafe Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,042 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Café Manager

Saint Charles, IL

Urban Air Adventure Parks
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Urban Air Adventure Parksexternal

$18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

CAFÉ MANAGER - ($18.00+/HOUR)
(Weekend Availability Required - Saturday amp; Sunday)

JOB SUMMARY

The Café Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Café and guiding the performance of Team Members. This is a practical, hands-on role, with much of the working hours spent in the kitchen and service area, cooking, preparing, and serving food. S/he must work fast with a sense of urgency, while being friendly to guests and supportive of the Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support the proper execution of all processes, systems, and standards
  • Ensure all deliveries are received correctly and logged
  • Maintain effective inventory control, storage, and rotation to minimize wastage
  • Manage the Urban Café Team, ensuring they always work to the expected standards
  • Adhere to scheduled shifts and is willing to stay beyond when business or circumstances dictate
  • Train the Urban Café Team in preparing the full menu and the front of house staff in preparing drinks and ready-to-eat foods to the consistently high standard required
  • Establish amp; maintain a high standard for the Urban Café Team regarding punctuality, attendance and attitude and ensure these standards are always maintained
  • Establish amp; maintain a high standard and good example for the Urban Café Team regarding cleanliness and hygiene, including a regular deep clean schedule
  • Maintain a clear, well-organized and easy-to-access the Urban Café
  • Handle guest concerns pertaining to the Urban Café
  • Participate in regular staff meetings and training as and when required
  • Other duties as tasked by General Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required, some college preferred
  • Minimum of two (2) years’ previous F amp;B experience (quick Service and/or restaurant experience)
  • 1-3 years’ management experience in the hospitality field preferred
  • Must be available Friday-Saturday-Sunday-Monday
  • Must have a current ServSafe or similar Food Handling Certification, or be willing to attain within the first 30 days of employment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to lead, motivate and empower Team Members
  • Ability to align Team Members with Urban Air culture by balancing seriousness and having fun
  • Ability to take initiative
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to recognize problems and problem-solve
  • Ability to set goals and convert plans into action
  • Ability to see patterns in performance and strategize solutions
  • Exercise good judgment in decision making
  • Open to feedback and self-improvement
  • Ability and willingness to hold oneself accountable for high personal standards of conduct and professionalism
  • Serve as a role model by demonstrating and upholding Urban Air policies and standards

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Work days, nights, and/or weekends as required
  • Work in noisy, fast-paced environment with distracting conditions
  • Move about facility and stand for long periods of time
  • Lift and carry up to 30 lbs.

If this is you, apply now!

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

ABOUT URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARKS

Urban Air is the preeminent indoor adventure park and the market leader in location-based entertainment. The Dallas-based entertainment company pioneered the adventure park concept and is the largest adventure park operator in the world. Urban Air's purpose is to help kids have fun and aim higher, achieving those things that they never thought they could do.

Urban Air St. Charles is an equal opportunity employer.

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