Position Summary

The Tryst Trading Company Food Group is seeking a passionate Café Lead (CL) to join our team of hospitality professionals at Open City at the National Cathedral.

We are looking for a personable, self-driven, highly organized individual who communicates effectively, works well collaboratively, and embodies our Core Values: unpretentious, fun at heart, passionate, mindful in the moment, and all-for-one-and-one-for-all.

The Café Lead supports daily café operations, staff development, and guest experience while assisting the Café Manager in maintaining operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership

• Run floor shifts as Lead on Duty (LOD).
• Perform Barista, Counter, Cook, and Porter tasks as needed or directed by the Café Manager (CM).
• Assist with inventory, ordering, and cash handling.
• Support troubleshooting of facilities and equipment issues.
• Assist with monitoring and reporting quality control issues to CM.

2. Team Support & Development

• Manage guest expectations and maintain strong guest relations.
• Ensure staff compliance with company policies and standards.
• Notate staff performance and behavior issues in Paycom Discussions.
• Assist with staff training and development initiatives.
• Support Private Dining and special events as needed.
• Perform and/or assist with projects and additional duties as assigned by CM.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English required.
• Conversational Spanish is a plus but not required.
• Good people management and active listening skills.
• Computer proficiency required.
• Demonstrated time management, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and some holidays.
• High School diploma desired.
• 6+ months of Front of House experience with The Tryst Trading Company preferred or
  6+ months of café or restaurant supervisory experience.
• Food Handler license required.
• Alignment with Core Values: unpretentious, fun at heart, passionate, mindful in the moment, and all-for-one-and-one-for-all.

Benefits & Perks

• Employer-sponsored Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• 401(k)
• Transportation allowances
• Dining perks
• Licensing* (company covers license costs; see Tryst Trading Company Licensing Policy)
• Growth and advancement opportunities through internal promotion

Growth Path

The growth path for a successful Café Lead is:

Café Assistant Manager -> Café Manager -> Restaurant AGM -> Restaurant GM -> Central Corpora

Equal Employment Opportunity

Tryst Trading Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our policies reflect a commitment to fair employment practices and the elimination of discriminatory practices.