ABOUT HOURGLASS CAFE & BAR

Hourglass Cafe & Bar is a casual restaurant and cocktail bar on West 7th Street in Saint Paul with a focused, seasonal menu. Hourglass is located in the same building as The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe, an innovative entertainment venue providing a new type of escape room-style experience, and the Hourglass team works directly onside the Lodge team to provide the best overall experience for customers of both businesses. We are hiring a hands-on chef to lead a small kitchen team, keep operations tight, and deliver consistent, high-quality food to our patrons.

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a cafe, bar, or casual concept.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety and sanitation; ServSafe Manager or ability to obtain within 60 days.
• Proven inventory and ordering discipline (pars, counts, FIFO/FEFO, labeling, date checks).
• Calm, clear communicator who performs well when the board is full.
• Basic menu costing and vendor coordination skills.
• Able to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

ROLE SUMMARY

Own BOH operations end to end: menu development, inventory and ordering (kitchen and bar support items), sanitation and food safety, cost control, scheduling, training, and calm leadership during service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, train, and schedule a small team of cooks to match demand (lean on slow days, strong coverage on busy nights and events).
• Plan and execute seasonal menus; standardize recipes, portions, plating, and allergen notes.
• Manage inventory and ordering; set pars, do weekly counts, maintain accurate order guides.
• Keep stock current using FIFO/FEFO, clear labeling, and regular date checks.
• Maintain a clean, organized, inspection-ready kitchen; uphold food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Work the line during service; maintain ticket times and consistent quality.
• Track waste and contribute to food and labor cost goals.

WORKING CONDITIONS / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs which will include days, nights, weekends and holidays as well as emergency responsiveness as required (Wednesdays through Sundays)
• Able to work eight hour-plus shifts, plus ability to stand, sit, squat or walk for extended periods of time, walk up and down stairs
• Able to grasp, reach overhead, push, lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced, ever changing work environment
• Lead experience focused change management activities, ensuring effective and accurate communication of new products, services, and operational information and skillfully guiding the team to optimal performance
• Hire and train new cafe staff to uphold the standards of operation that Hourglass Cafe & Bar values
• Develop supervisors and other hourly team members to rise to their full potential
• Address disciplinary issues and coach staff when appropriate to ensure a fun & positive culture and productive team work environment
• Monitor labor and approve biweekly timesheets
• Attending weekly meetings with other members of TPR upper management
• Monitor inventories and take lead on vendor communication and ordering supplies
• Have knowledge of health and sanitation code and policies
• Be organized with strong attention to detail
• Have high integrity and professionalism
• Have a positive, upbeat and energetic attitude – lead by example