Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Cafe General Manager
The Andrews Group
Operations
Ontario, Canada · Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Posted on Sep 10, 2025
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is a coffeehouse with several locations that celebrates classic cafe fare alongside globally influenced coffees and teas in an environment that is both classic and friendly.
Mission: To make our guests' day!
Vision: To be recognized globally as the neighborhood coffeehouse.
Purpose: To bring enjoyment through creative, extraordinary & attainable luxuries within our cafes.
Our Core Values:
- Communicate to build strong relationships.
- Create a contagiously fun environment for staff & guests.
- Be passionate about seriously great drinks, foods & service.
- Maintain healthy profitability as a measure of success & path for growth.
Sweetwaters seeks a Full-Time Cafe General Manager for two cafes located at the Westgate Ann Arbor Public Library and the Ann Arbor-Saline Road Meijer. The GM will manage and lead these cafes in pursuing excellent guest service, quality products, profit goals, and oversee all operations. This position is responsible for cafe working culture, brand culture, sales/financials, marketing, hiring, training, scheduling, terminations, purchasing, inventory, overall cafe, and equipment upkeep.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Uphold Sweetwaters brand standards, goals, policies, and procedures.
- Own cafe success through continuous improvement (Kaizen), strategy, and team wellness.
- Lead and foster a positive cafe culture with staff, founders, home office, and other locations.
- Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and manage staff.
- Manage budget, payroll, inventory, ordering, and safeguard inventory counts.
- Drive sales, profitability, and guest counts through operational initiatives and marketing, including LSM and social media collaboration.
- Maintain quality standards for all food and beverages; ensure food safety, sanitation, and compliance with labor, health, OSHA, and ADA regulations.
- Ensure cafe upkeep, equipment maintenance, and timely resolution of repairs.
- Communicate effectively with team, home office, and leadership to align on initiatives and outcomes.
- Manage profit & loss, keeping costs within Sweetwaters standards (e.g., COGS 28%, labor 20–24%).
- Respond promptly to guest feedback and advocate for team, guests, and leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- 3–5 years of cafe, restaurant, or retail management experience.
- Welcoming, inclusive leadership style with strong motivational and accountability skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication; able to give and receive feedback effectively.
- High service standards, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
- Knowledge of food service operations, safety protocols, facility management, and P&L oversight.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and G Suite.
- Strategic thinker with ability to see the big picture and drive long-term success.
- Flexible schedule availability, including evenings and weekends.
- Ability to thrive in diverse, multicultural environments while fostering a positive workplace.
- Active engagement in community and business events.
- Ability to work 40+ hours including evenings and weekends.
- ServSafe certified.
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $48,000 - $54,000. A comprehensive benefits package is also available including Health, Dental and Vision insurance, retirement match, paid time off, complementary beverages, and team member discounts.