Cafe Operations Manager Jobs in Cresskill, NJ (NOW HIRING)

About us:

From innovative menus and striking design to impeccable service and critical attention to detail, at Great Performances, we weave our mission into all we do. Serving New York City for over four decades, Great Performances has evolved from a waitress staffing agency to the leading catering, events, and hospitality companies in the greater New York area. We provide food services in an array of celebrated New York City cultural institutions including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Wave Hill, and The Apollo Theater. We are known for full-service catering and events, corporate workplace dining and amenity programs, and large-scale event and festival production. Great Performances is the nation’s first caterer to own and operate an organic farm, Katchkie Farm located in Kinderhook, NY. Progressive from the start, we consistently set the pace for industry best practices.

We are seeking highly motivated and talented individuals to join our team and to support our vision, mission, and values through everything they do. If you share our passion and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply. 

Our Vision: Building Community to Better Our World

Our Mission: Unleash Joy through Genuine Hospitality

Our Core Values:

Craftsmanship: developing new menus, designs, and moments to deliver engaging experiences to our clients and guests.

People: creating fair access, opportunity, and advancement for everyone. Our employees are our greatest asset.

Sustainability: upholding and elevating standards for sustainable behaviors that support our planet.

Collaboration: aligning with our clients’, colleagues’, and community’s visions to execute a successful experience.

Doing Good through Food: engaging in action around food access, health and wellness, education, and philanthropy.

We are seeking an energetic, customer-focused Café Attendant who is passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences! In this role, you'll be the welcoming face of our café, delivering outstanding hospitality while preparing and serving delicious food and beverages in a warm, inviting environment. You'll help keep the café running smoothly by maintaining a clean, organized, and fully stocked space, operating the point-of-sale system, and upholding the highest food safety and sanitation standards. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy connecting with people, and take pride in making every guest feel valued, we'd love to have you join our team and help create memorable experiences with every visit.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist guests in a warm, professional, and engaging manner. 
• Provide knowledgeable recommendations on menu items, beverages, and daily specials. 
• Deliver exceptional customer service while creating a positive dining experience. 
• Resolve guest questions or concerns promptly and professionally. 

• Prepare and serve coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and light café menu items. 
• Ensure food and beverages are presented according to company standards. 
• Replenish grab-and-go items, baked goods, beverages, and retail displays throughout the day. 
• Monitor product freshness and rotate inventory using FIFO (First In, First Out). 

• Accurately process cash, credit card, and digital transactions using the POS system. 
• Balance the cash drawer and follow all cash-handling procedures. 
• Maintain accurate transaction records throughout each shift. 

• Set up, stock, and maintain café stations before, during, and after service. 
• Keep dining areas, counters, beverage stations, and workspaces clean, organized, and fully stocked. 
• Assist with receiving deliveries, stocking inventory, and organizing storage areas. 
• Support opening and closing duties, including cleaning equipment and securing workstations. 

• Follow all NYC Department of Health regulations and food safety standards. 
• Maintain proper food temperatures, labeling, storage, and sanitation procedures. 
• Ensure a safe, clean, and organized work environment at all times. 

• Collaborate with café, culinary, and management teams to ensure smooth daily operations. 
• Assist coworkers during busy service periods. 
• Support special events and catering operations as needed.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a café, coffee shop, restaurant, or food service environment.
• Experience operating a POS system and handling cash transactions.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask effectively.
• Reliable, punctual, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of inventory and stocking procedures.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the shift.
• Flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed.

Location: Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center, 4900 Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471

Schedule: Part-time, On-site

Base salary: $17.00/hour + tips

Benefits: Accrued sick time + unpaid sick time

Must be able to provide valid documentation that you are legally eligible to work in the United States.

Great Performances is an equal opportunity employer. At Great Performances, we employ qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience. Great Performances does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based on race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.