Front of House Manager

4 years

Job Description
VERZENAY CHICAGO

Front of House Manager

Verzenay is a French patisserie, boulangerie, and cafe in Lincoln Park, woman-led and built on craftsmanship, sustainable sourcing, and a calm, unhurried guest experience. We are seeking a dedicated Front of House Manager to lead our service team, own our catering and online order operations, and ensure every guest in store, online, and through delivery receives warm, thoughtful hospitality that reflects who we are.

Position Snapshot

• Schedule: WednesdayMonday, 8:00 AM4:00 PM operation (closed Tuesdays); some early starts and event coverage.
• Reports to: Reports to the Owners - Executive Chef Arshiya and Co-Owner Aqeel.
• Directs: Leads and directs two or more Front of House team members on the floor.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in a relevant hospitality role, including at least 2 years in a management capacity.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead daily Front of House operations, ensuring all policies, procedures, standards, and training programs are followed and completed on time.
• Direct the work of FOH staff, delegate tasks, and build a positive, productive, and collaborative working environment consistent with our woman-led, care-first kitchen culture.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, retention, and performance feedback for FOH staff. Decisions regarding hiring, firing, and promotion are made solely by Executive Chef and Co-Owner Arshiya Farheen.
• Create and manage weekly staff schedules that play to each team member's strengths, assign duties, and set clear standards for performance and service.
• Lead and attend staff meetings, offer suggestions for improvement, and keep ownership informed on employee-relations matters (resignations, corrective actions, meetings).
• Be knowledgeable of and uphold all restaurant policies regarding personnel.

Catering & Online Orders

• Own the catering pipeline end to end respond to inquiries, prepare proposals, coordinate large party and event requests, confirm deposits and agreements, and ensure flawless execution and handoff.
• Proactively call and follow up with prospective and target clients to grow catering and online/delivery business.
• Manage all online, e-commerce, and delivery-channel orders accurate intake, fulfillment, packaging, and coordination of shipping and DoorDash delivery.
• Track catering and order volume to anticipate production needs and communicate them clearly to the kitchen.

Guest Service & Hospitality

• Set the standard for warm, sincere, unhurried hospitality on the floor in store and across every customer touchpoint online and by phone.
• Interact with guests regularly to ensure satisfaction; resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations promptly and graciously.
• Actively seek out guest feedback and reviews, and take appropriate action to improve service, increase return visits, and reduce complaints.
• Take dining reservations and manage venue rental and private event bookings.

Operations, Quality & Sanitation

• Maintain the Front of House facility, sanitation, and cleanliness through staff training and daily upkeep, in compliance with Health Department standards.
• Oversee presentation and packaging of both savory and sweet items assembling sandwiches, heating, serving, packaging, and preparing items for pickup, delivery, or shipping (assembly and finishing, not cooking).
• Receive and inspect food, beverage, and packaging deliveries for correct count, quality, and condition per receiving procedures; maintain inventory records and order supplies.
• Estimate food and beverage consumption to guide purchasing and requisitions.
• Review work procedures and operational issues to identify improvements in service, performance, and safety.
• Perform hands-on service tasks as needed clearing and bussing tables, serving food and drinks, brewing coffee and tea, operating the POS, preparing bills and handling payment, and general cleaning of the FOH area including restrooms.
• Fill in for team members wherever needed to maintain service standards and smooth operations.

Financial Accountability

• Control cash and receipts through daily reconciliation in accordance with restaurant policies.
• Help meet or exceed sales goals across in-store, catering, and online channels; identify and act on opportunities.
• Manage labor within established budgetary guidelines and maintain accurate daily records.

Marketing Support

• Collaborate on restaurant marketing, promotions, and campaigns, and keep menus and FOH signage current and accurate.

Experience & Skills

• 5+ years in a relevant hospitality role, with at least 2 years in management, ideally in a high-volume cafe, bakery, or restaurant.
• Genuine passion for food, pastry, and hospitality, with a warm, professional, guest-first demeanor.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills; reliable, responsible, and calm under pressure.
• Coffee and tea preparation skills and specialty coffee knowledge (Counter Culture Coffee, Palais des Thes).
• Comfortable with POS, online ordering, reservation, and catering/event software (e.g., Square, Shopify); solid email, word-processing, spreadsheet, and basic math skills.
• ServSafe Food Handler/Manager and Illinois BASSET certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand and walk for a full shift; use hands to handle objects and tools; stoop, kneel, reach, and occasionally climb or balance.
• Able to lift at least 50 lbs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: Salaried, $54K to $60K, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Paid Time Off, QSHERA health benefits pay, potential bonuses, dining discounts, and Illinois Secure Choice retirement plan.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be asked to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the business. Verzenay reserves the right to modify duties based on operational needs.

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Compensation: Salary ($54,000.00 - $60,000.00)

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Potential Bonuses, Dining Discounts, Illinois Secured Choice Retirement Plan

Coffee Making Skills

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Tea Making Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Specialty Coffee Knowledge

Attention to Detail

Team Player

Time Management Skills

Beverage Management

Ability to Train and Mentor Staff

Customer Service

Customer Relationship Management

front of house

Sales Acumen

Manager

Inventory Management Skills

Ability to Handle Complaints Effectively

Adaptability to Changing Situations

Creativity in Problem Solving

Ability to Work Collaboratively

Understanding of Health and Safety Regulations

Ability to Manage Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Strong Work Ethic

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