Front of House Manager @ Music Venue

World Cafe Live is a nonprofit organization founded on the principles of welcoming. Our mission is to open doors to shared music and culinary experiences that create connections, inspire learning and celebrate who we all are. We are a place for music. We are a place for learning. We are a place for community.

Since opening in 2004, we have been a vibrant hub for independent live music in Philadelphia. We invite over 150,000 people through our doors every year, supporting emerging and established artists, creating educational programs, and welcoming audiences of all ages and abilities. In addition to presenting over 500 shows each year, World Cafe Live offers great food and beverages daily and caters over two hundred special events annually.

Shifting from recovery to resilience, we are now celebrating the approach three years of beng re-open with a renewed focus on civic engagement, accessibility, and what it means to define a positive WCL experience for all employees, artists, and guests. As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to create a space where you can bring your authentic whole self to work. We look forward to you joining our team.

Front of House Manager

The Front of House Manager position at World Cafe Live offers a great opportunity for a talented, creative, and energetic hospitality professional to bring their dedication and excitement to two unique spaces in Philadelphia, as well as develop new opportunities. The World Cafe Live footprint includes both The Lounge (a restaurant and bar that accommodates 140 seated or 220 standing), and The Music Hall that comfortably seats 300 and expands to accommodate 650 standing. The Front of House Manager will oversee every aspect of service as part of a team and support in running operations for the venue during all events primarily during evening and weekend hours. We are looking for someone ready to redesign front of house operations and expand on our strong service foundation.

Reporting directly to the Assistant General Manager, the Front of House Manager will be responsible for hiring, training, and scheduling the front of house staff as well as running service and opening and closing the venue with the rest of the management team. This is a full-time salaried position.

Primary Duties

• Support hiring, scheduling, and training all FOH employees while maintaining a positive environment with support of other operational management.

• Work in tandem with the Front of House Manager, Bar Manager, Director of Food & Beverage and AGM to provide a seamless experience for not only the guests but for FOH, BOH & other operational staff

• Manage reservations and promote a strong first turn of service

• Create and enforce standards of service and guest experience for all FOH staff members and conduct daily pre-shift meetings

• Check out FOH employees and close down the building for maximum efficiency and cleanliness

• Balance cash drawers at the completion of every shift

• Support catering efforts and manage the FOH team during private catered events

• Maintain ServSafe and RAMPS certification and enforce and maintain all Office of Food Protection Health and Safety and PLCB standards

• Monitor the FOH team’s performance; promoting achievements and identifying areas for growth

• Attending weekly operational meetings and any other required meetings as requested

• Opportunity to participate in developing events, features, and other new ideas

• Assisting leadership in maintaining relevant budgetary and mission goals

The successful candidate will possess the following attributes:

• Positive attitude, especially in challenging situations

• Excitement about service best practices and number of covers

• Experience using Toast POS system preferred

• Team oriented mindset, with the ability to work autonomously

• Minimum of four years of experience in high volume hospitality management

• Ability to multi-task in a high-paced atmosphere

• Ability to work effectively under time constraints and deadlines

• Availability to work flexible hours primarily including nights and weekends

• Ability to stand for up to 8 hours at a time and move frequently around the building

• Appreciation for independent business and live music

Compensation: This is a full-time position for approx. 40-50 hours a week with an annual salary range of ($52,000-$55,000) commensurate with experience. Additional benefits include: PTO plan, 401k options, travel and cell phone reimbursement credits, and healthcare packages.