Our Cafe Managers are instrumental in our community impact!
KIND MUG — Flagship Café, Roastery & Community Hub (2026 Openings)
Austin, TX • Denver, CO • Dover, DE • Jacksonville, FL • Roanoke, VA • Williamsburg, VA
KIND MUG is redefining what a coffee company can be. As a mission-driven national coffee brand that donates 100% of its profits to nonprofits, KIND MUG is seeking experienced, values-aligned Store Managers to lead its flagship café locations opening in 2026. To learn more about KIND MUG’s upcoming café openings, launch plans, and mission-driven commitment, visit the Opening Press Release and explore Our Purpose & Commitment.
Each KIND MUG café is more than a coffee shop — it is a full-service café, on-site roastery, e-commerce fulfillment center, and community co-working space, all under one roof. This is a senior leadership role for operators who want responsibility, impact, and room to grow.
Role Overview
The Cafe Manager is responsible for the full leadership and performance of a KIND MUG location. This includes café operations, on-site coffee roasting, regional internet order fulfillment, and oversight of the café’s integrated business co-working center.
Each location roasts the coffee it serves and fulfills online orders based on geographic proximity, making Store Managers a critical part of KIND MUG’s national distribution and quality model.
This role requires a seasoned hospitality leader with strong operational discipline, people leadership skills, and a deep appreciation for specialty coffee, community impact, and long-term excellence.
Growth & Advancement Opportunities
KIND MUG is growing intentionally and nationally. As new locations open, Store Managers will be considered for advancement into broader leadership roles, including:
• City Manager
• State Manager
• Regional Manager
• Portfolio Director
Advancement opportunities are based on business needs, performance, leadership capability, and operational excellence. This role is designed for leaders who want to grow with the company and help shape the future of a purpose-driven national brand.
Advancement opportunities are not guaranteed and are subject to organizational needs and performance considerations.
Core Responsibilities
• Lead daily café operations while delivering exceptional hospitality and customer experience
• Oversee on-site coffee roasting for in-café service and regional e-commerce fulfillment
• Manage production schedules, inventory, and shipping coordination tied to online orders
• Supervise department leaders, including café leadership, roasting staff, and the Co-Working Center Supervisor
• Hire, train, coach, and retain high-performing teams aligned with KIND MUG’s values
• Ensure compliance with food safety, workplace safety, and operational standards
• Uphold specialty coffee quality standards and KIND MUG’s nonprofit mission
• Represent KIND MUG locally while participating in national leadership initiatives
Required Qualifications (Minimum)
Candidates must meet all the following:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry, including senior management responsibility
• U.S. passport or ability to obtain one, with willingness to travel internationally for origin visits and advanced training
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and stand for extended periods
• Strong leadership, operations management, and customer service skills
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-function operations in fast-paced environments
Preferred Qualifications
• Multilingual (Spanish strongly preferred; additional languages a plus)
• One or more certifications from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and/or Lavazza Training Center
• Experience with coffee roasting operations, production planning, or logistics
• Background managing flagship, multi-unit, or high-volume hospitality operations
• Experience working with mission-driven, nonprofit, or social enterprise organizations
Salary & Benefits
We believe great leaders deserve real support — not confusing fine print or outdated benefits.
Salary: $150,000 – $250,000 (based on experience and location)
Health & Dental: 100% employer-paid, zero-deductible medical and dental coverage
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): Adjusted based on store location
Paid Time Off: 45 days of paid vacation annually
International Travel: Family may accompany approved overseas training and origin trips at no cost
Retirement & Long-Term Security
Company-funded retirement contributions to an employee-owned IRA (no employee contribution required)
Employer-funded deferred compensation program designed to support long-term financial security beyond traditional retirement plans
Professional Growth & Perks
Paid international coffee education, origin travel, and professional certifications
Leadership development within a rapidly expanding national brand
The rare opportunity to lead a café where 100% of profits support nonprofits
Benefit programs are subject to plan terms, eligibility requirements, and may vary by location.
Why KIND MUG
At KIND MUG, Store Managers don’t just run cafés — they lead community hubs, roasting operations, and national fulfillment nodes for a company built on kindness, quality, and impact.
This role is best suited for leaders who care as deeply about people and purpose as they do about performance and quality.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply below with a resume and brief cover letter describing their leadership experience and interest in KIND MUG’s mission.
KIND MUG is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.