Cafe Manager

Operations Manager - The Bread Room 

The Bread Room is the newest venture from James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin and High Street Hospitality Group. Located at 834 Chestnut Street in Center City Philadelphia, this innovative concept combines an artisanal bakery, cafe, and evening workshop/event space. By day, we offer handcrafted viennoiseries, locally-milled grain breads, specialty coffee, and savory items in a warm, industrial-meets-farmhouse setting. By night, we transform into a community hub for baking classes and private events.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of our unique bakery-cafe-workshop concept. This hands-on leadership role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment and is passionate about artisanal food, exceptional customer service, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities Daily Operations Management

• Oversee all front-of-house operations from opening through evening events
• Manage and coordinate counter staff scheduling, training, and performance
• Ensure smooth service flow during peak morning and lunch periods
• Monitor inventory levels for retail items, pastries, breads, and prepared foods

Coffee & Food Program Leadership

• Oversee coffee program execution and quality standards with Passenger Coffee
• Coordinate with Executive chef and head baker on daily production needs
• Manage pastry case presentation and rotation of seasonal offerings
• Supervise preparation and presentation of sandwiches, muffalettas, and daily specials

Retail & Sales Coordination

• Manage retail sales of house-milled grain miche and sourdough loaves
• Coordinate to-go orders and ensure timely fulfillment
• Oversee point-of-sale operations and daily cash reconciliation
• Maintain merchandising standards for retail bakery items

Workshop & Event Coordination

• Organize logistics for evening baking classes including "Sourdough 101," lamination technique, and pizza-making
• Coordinate space transformation from daytime cafe to evening workshop
• Manage class registration, materials preparation, and instructor support
• Oversee private event setup and execution in our intimate 16-seat space

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and develop counter staff team
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures
• Foster positive team culture aligned with High Street Hospitality Group values
• Conduct regular staff meetings and performance reviews

Customer Experience

• Ensure exceptional customer service standards throughout all dayparts
• Handle customer feedback and resolve service issues
• Build relationships with regular customers and community members
• Maintain the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines our brand

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of restaurant or cafe management experience
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Experience with coffee program management
• Knowledge of bakery operations and artisanal food products
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• POS system proficiency and basic financial management skills
• Flexibility to work varied hours including early mornings and some evenings
• Passion for food, hospitality, and community engagement

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in bakery or specialty food retail
• Event coordination or workshop management experience
• Knowledge of sourdough, viennoiseries, and artisanal baking techniques
• Familiarity with local grain and sustainable food practices
• Previous experience with educational programming or classes

More detail about The Bread Room part of High Street Hospitality Group, please visit