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Cafe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perky Beans Coffee & PB Cafe

Cafe Server

Leander, TX

$24 - $30/hr

We are family-owned and operated, and since 2021, we've offered two concepts under one roof. Perky ... Located right next door is PB Cafe, where our customers can sit down and order all the breakfast ...

Perky Beans Coffee & PB Café

Cafe Server

Leander, TX · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

We are family-owned and operated, and since 2021, we've offered two concepts under one roof. Perky ... Located right next door is PB Cafe, where our customers can sit down and order all the breakfast ...

Glen Ellyn Public Library

Cafe Attendant

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Wait on and serving the public, which includes * preparing and serving food and beverages for customers' orders, * operating the cash register, * providing backup to other cafe employees, and ...

Perky Beans Coffee & PB Café

Cafe Server

Leander, TX · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

We are family-owned and operated, and since 2021, we've offered two concepts under one roof. Perky ... Located right next door is PB Cafe, where our customers can sit down and order all the breakfast ...

FROZEN ROPES ORANGE LLC

Cafe Assistant

Chester, NY · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Familiarity with operating a turbo-chef or similar equipment is a plus. Compensation: $15-20/hr + Tips! If you enjoy working in a café setting, interacting with customers, and contributing to a ...

FROZEN ROPES ORANGE LLC

Cafe Assistant

Chester, NY · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Familiarity with operating a turbo-chef or similar equipment is a plus. Compensation: $15-20/hr + Tips! If you enjoy working in a café setting, interacting with customers, and contributing to a ...

outpost

Cafe Supervisor

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

Ensure café staff is following department standard operating procedures. * Assist café manager with employee job performance. Properly document employee performance during shift, when necessary ...

New

FROZEN ROPES ORANGE LLC

Cafe Assistant

Chester, NY · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Familiarity with operating a turbo-chef or similar equipment is a plus. Compensation: $15-20/hr + Tips! If you enjoy working in a café setting, interacting with customers, and contributing to a ...

Outpost Natural Foods

Café Supervisor

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$16/hr

Ensure café staff is following department standard operating procedures. * Assist café manager with employee job performance. Properly document employee performance during shift, when necessary ...

New

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Lead

Westminster, CO · On-site

CAFÉ LEAD JOB SUMMARY The Café Lead is primarily responsible for overseeing the SHIFT ... operator in the world. Urban Air's purpose is to help kids have fun and aim higher, achieving those ...

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Lead

Fayetteville, NC · On-site

CAFÉ LEAD JOB SUMMARY The Café Lead is primarily responsible for overseeing the SHIFT ... operator in the world. Urban Air's purpose is to help kids have fun and aim higher, achieving those ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Cafe Lead

Augusta, GA · On-site

CAFÉ LEAD JOB SUMMARY The Café Lead is primarily responsible for overseeing the SHIFT ... operator in the world. Urban Air's purpose is to help kids have fun and aim higher, achieving those ...

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Cafe Operator information

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How much do cafe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe operator in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafe operator?

Cafe operators are individuals or businesses responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a cafe. Their duties typically include overseeing staff, ensuring quality customer service, managing inventory and supplies, handling finances, and maintaining health and safety standards. Cafe operators may also be involved in menu planning, marketing, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers. They play a key role in the success and reputation of the cafe.

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

To thrive as a Cafe Operator, you need experience in food and beverage service, basic business management knowledge, and often a food safety certification. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and local health regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help you create a welcoming environment and manage staff effectively. These skills ensure smooth operations, regulatory compliance, and high customer satisfaction, which are critical for business success.

What are some common challenges faced by cafe operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafe operators often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating customer volumes, maintaining consistent service quality during busy periods, and handling inventory efficiently. To address these, successful operators focus on effective staff scheduling, clear communication within the team, and implementing reliable inventory tracking systems. Staying adaptable and fostering a positive team environment also help in delivering great customer experiences and smooth daily operations.

What is the difference between Cafe Operator vs Barista?

AspectCafe OperatorBarista
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in cafe managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; barista training or certification
Work EnvironmentOversees entire cafe operations, manages staff, handles inventoryPrepares and serves coffee and beverages, interacts with customers
Industry UsageUsed in cafes, coffee shops, and small restaurant settingsCommonly used in coffee shops, cafes, and specialty coffee outlets

The main difference between a Cafe Operator and a Barista is that the Cafe Operator manages the overall cafe operations, staff, and business aspects, while the Barista focuses on preparing beverages and providing customer service. Both roles are essential in a cafe setting, but the Cafe Operator has broader responsibilities related to management and business oversight.

Is working in a cafe operator a stressful job?

Working as a cafe operator can be stressful due to fast-paced environments, managing customer service, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. It often requires good communication skills, multitasking, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during busy hours.

What work positions are there at a cafe?

At a cafe, common work positions include barista, cashier, cook or kitchen staff, manager, and cleaning staff. These roles require different skills such as customer service, food preparation, and cash handling, often involving shifts during busy hours. Some positions may require certifications like food safety training.

What job categories do people searching Cafe Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafe Operator jobs are:

Cafe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafe Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,098 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Student Cafe Operating Officer (UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH)

Saxbys

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Accepting applications for Fall 2026 and future semesters!

Who We Are: Saxbys is a hospitality company fueled by our rave-worthy menu, driven by its mission to Make Life Better, and fiercely dedicated to social impact in the communities it serves. But Saxbys greatest resource of all? Our people. We're not looking for employees: we're looking for teammates. We're not hoping to hire you for a job: we're hoping to help build your career.

Join us in our goal to bring our Experiential Learning Platform to college campuses across the country. We are looking for team members who are passionate about equipping the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs with the skills they will need to succeed in the future workplace. If this is the type of work that gets you up in the morning, we'd love for you to consider joining our team.

Job purpose: As the Student COO of a Saxbys cafe you will gain invaluable experience developing a team, and managing the financials & business fundamentals of a bustling cafe.  While you will have the full support and resources of the Saxbys headquarters team, you will also have unparalleled ownership of the entrepreneurial and operational processes. 

What You Will Own

  • Team Development: Build and lead a high-performing team of peers through effective recruiting, training, coaching, and performance management to create a positive work environment that embodies Saxbys' values and culture.
  • Community Leadership: Establish the cafe as a community cornerstone through exceptional hospitality, meaningful partnerships, and impactful initiatives that demonstrate Saxbys' commitment to making life better.
  • Financial Management: Drive cafe profitability by managing sales growth, labor costs, inventory, and overall operational efficiency while maintaining Saxbys' high standards for product quality and guest experience.
  • Brand Representation: Serve as the face of Saxbys on campus, effectively communicating the company's mission, values, and Experiential Learning Platform to stakeholders, guests, and potential team members.

Who You Will Support

  • Operations Lead: Collaborate on strategic initiatives, provide regular updates on cafe performance, and implement feedback to continuously improve operations.
  • Marketing Team: Generate content for social media, implement local marketing initiatives, and execute promotional campaigns to drive cafe awareness and sales.
  • Recruiting Team: Assist in identifying, recruiting, and developing talent for both cafe positions and future Student COO succession planning.

Who You Will Supervise

This position will supervise an average of 7 direct reports

What Success Looks Like

  • Cafe achieves or exceeds budgeted revenue targets
  • Cafe operates at or above budgeted Net Operating Income
  • 30%+ of cafe staff are developed into Team Leads
  • Guest satisfaction metrics consistently above 4.5/5

Where You Excel

  • Confident Communicator
  • Developer of Individual Contributors
  • Master of Prioritization
  • Adaptable to Change
  • Autonomous Problem Solving
  • Financial Acumen

What You Have Done

  • Completed at least one year of undergraduate studies
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, professional, or volunteer settings
  • Experience in customer service, hospitality, or retail preferred

What is Required

  • Support, exhibit, and promote Saxbys Mission and Core Values in all daily activities. 
  • Must be an undergraduate student of the partner organization in good academic standing
  • Ability to work 20 hours per week during cafe operating hours
  • Physical requirements:
    • Able to stand, walk, and smile for extended periods of time 
    • Able to stoop and kneel
    • Push, pull, lift or carry up to 35 lbs
    • Ascend or descend ladders, stairs, ramps

Apply