Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe Cafe Manager (Specialty Coffee, Food & Beverage Management) Ankeny, IA · Full time

Apply for Cafe Manager (Specialty Coffee, Food & Beverage Management)

About Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe is Ankeny's newest family destination, combining custom indoor play areas for kids up to age 10 with a modern, high-quality cafe for parents and caregivers. Why We're Different: Elevated Hospitality: We provide a clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed environment where adults can relax while kids engage in imaginative, active play. Clean-Label & Quality Focus: Our cafe emphasizes premium coffee, craft beverages, and high-quality menu options. We believe the right food can help create better behavioral outcomes! Community & Connection: We host memorable private birthday parties, special events, and daily open play, operating with high operational standards and a supportive team culture.

About Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe is an imaginative, clean, and engaging indoor play space for children paired with a full-service espresso bar and cafe serving high-quality coffee, specialty drinks, and food for parents and caregivers.

Ideal Candidate

You are a skilled, detail-oriented leader with proven, hands-on experience in specialty coffee, espresso bar workflows, and food service management. You understand the precision of pulling great shots, dialing in espresso, and steaming silky milk, combined with the discipline required to oversee a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen.

You thrive in a welcoming, family-first environment and recognize that our cafe is a sanctuary for parents and caregivers. Bringing a strong work ethic, high standards for quality and consistency, and a creative eye for daily presentation, you are just as energized by running a smooth morning espresso rush as you are managing inventory and prep. You are patient, adaptable, and excited to build a vibrant community hub while growing alongside the business.

Mandatory Certifications & Prerequisites

• ServSafe Food Manager Certification: Active/current and must maintain throughout employment.
• ServSafe Food Handler / Prep Certification: Active/current and must maintain (or covered via Manager certification).
• CPR / First Aid Certification: Active/current or obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Management Experience: Minimum 2+ years of direct supervisory or management experience in a food service environment (cafe, restaurant, deli, or bakery) with direct responsibility for food prep, health codes, inventory, and staff management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Specialty Coffee, Food & Beverage Management & Quality Control

• Oversee the Specialty Coffee menu, inventory, and quality.
• Oversee the daily preparation and safety of all food, snack, and beverage items.
• Enforce exact portioning, recipe accuracy, and safe food-handling practices across all shift team members.
• Manage the rotation, stocking, and visual presentation of food display cases, grab-and-go units, refrigerators, freezers, and bakery items to minimize waste and ensure maximum freshness.

2. Content Creation & Social Media Marketing

• Capture high-quality photos and short-form video (Reels, TikToks, Stories) featuring seasonal drinks, food items, bakery specials, and behind-the-scenes cafe energy.
• Collaborate with the Owner to plan, post, and execute cafe-related social media content and promotional campaigns.
• Highlight new menu rollouts, daily specials, and cafe events on digital channels to drive foot traffic and guest engagement.

3. Inventory, Purchasing & Cost Control

• Conduct weekly inventory counts for all food ingredients, pastries/bakery items, coffee, dairy/alternatives, paper goods, packaging, and cleaning/sanitation supplies.
• Manage vendor relationships, place timely food and beverage supply orders, and control Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) through proactive waste tracking and portion control.
• Receive food deliveries, ensuring proper temp checks, safe storage, date-labeling, and FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory rotation.

4. Team Leadership, Training & Operations

• Lead daily shifts, direct team workflows across both the food prep area and espresso bar, and maintain warm, fast-paced customer service.
• Train, mentor, and hold staff accountable to strict health department standards, food assembly procedures, and barista craft standards.
• Oversee opening/closing checklists, line checks, equipment maintenance, and prep schedules.

5. Food Safety, Sanitation & Health Compliance

• Maintain strict, non-negotiable compliance with local health department regulations and food safety guidelines.
• Keep the prep kitchen, food assembly line, espresso bar, dry storage, refrigeration units, dish station, and customer seating areas spotlessly clean, sanitized, and organized.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift).
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 40 lbs (e.g., food inventory boxes, milk crates, syrup cases, stock deliveries).
• Bending, reaching, stooping, and repetitive hand/wrist motions required for food preparation, drink crafting, and kitchen sanitation.

Additional Qualifications

• Proven experience in food preparation, kitchen food safety, and managing food cost/waste in a restaurant or cafe setting.
• An eye for aesthetic food/beverage photography and experience creating engaging social media content (Instagram, Facebook).
• Hands-on familiarity operating and maintaining commercial kitchen and cafe equipment (espresso machines, grinders, commercial refrigeration, hot/cold prep stations, and dish washing stations).
• Proficiency with Point-of-Sale (POS) and inventory management software.
• Strong conflict-resolution skills and a calm, decisive leadership presence during fast-paced food and drink rushes.

Pre-Opening Phase & Schedule Expectations

• Pre-Opening Month (Onboarding & Setup Phase): Prior to our official grand opening, employment will begin with part-time/reduced hours focused on onboarding, setup, vendor integration, recipe testing, menu development, staff training, and pre-opening content creation. Final dates to be determined with the final candidate: September 15 - October 15th is estimated pre-opening month. 
• Post-Opening Schedule (Regular Operations):
• Type: Full-Time (35–40 hours per week).
• Schedule Expectations: Weekend availability is required (weekend morning/afternoon shifts during peak play and cafe hours).
• Shift Breakdown: Includes opening/closing shifts, peak meal/snack rushes, and weekend coverage. Exact schedules will be set in advance, but flexibility during peak business periods is essential.
• Hire/Start Date: Estimated - September 15, 2026 to September 30, 2026

Benefits & Compensation

• Pay Rate: $21.00 – $28.00 per hour (commensurate with experience).
• Health Benefits Reimbursement: Monthly tax-free health insurance stipend provided through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA/ICHRA) to help cover individual health plan premiums.
• Perks: Discounts on drinks, food, pastries, and retail items, plus employee perks on play passes and birthday parties.

How to Apply

If you are excited to join the Whimsy & Wonder team, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant management experience to [email protected]. Please include "Cafe Manager Application - [Your Name]" in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you!