SOUTH COAST PLAZA PANTRY BY MADHAPPY CAFE LEAD
Madhappy is a Los Angeles-based clothing brand made for a community of optimists, born in 2017. Madhappy uses apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces – including its permanent flagship in West Hollywood – to explore a personal expression as a means to an improved state of mind. Its own seasonal stores – with past and present locations including New York City (Soho), Aspen, Miami, East Hampton, and Tokyo – are each designed to reflect their site, while still sharing the brand’s DNA. The brand currently produces a selection of ever-evolving, evergreen classic styles, seasonally available collections and collaborations. Madhappy supports research and awareness in mental health through The Madhappy Foundation (a 501c(3) non-profit) and writes Local Optimist, a print magazine. Each to celebrate us as works-in-progress, and the personal and collective expression that is a part of that.
Pantry by Madhappy is a food, and beverage concept developed by Madhappy that debuted in their Melrose Flagship location.
About the job
We are looking to hire a full-time Cafe Lead for our Pantry by Madhappy flagship location at South Coast Plaza coming soon in Costa Mesa.
In this position will oversee staff and procedures at our South Coast Plaza location and support a team centered around efficiency, excellent customer service, and embodying our brand vision.
You must be based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area or Orange County to be considered for this position.
Responsibilities
Operations:
● Oversee inventory management, supply ordering, and staff scheduling to ensure efficient daily operations.
● Implement strategies to boost sales, including but not limited to upselling, promotions, and enhancing customer engagement.
● Maintain a high standard of cleanliness, organization, and preparation to create a welcoming environment for customers and team members.
● Use a proactive and solutions oriented mindset to troubleshoot day to day challenges in operations, staffing, or customer experience, always keeping a calm and composed approach.
● Partner with the LA Pantry team to ensure consistency in drink preparation and quality across all offerings, maintaining our brand standards and delighting customers with every sip.
● Coordinate and execute events such as drink launches, community pop-ups, and brand activations, managing logistics, team readiness, and overall experience from start to finish.
People Management & Development:
● Leverage deep knowledge of coffee and matcha preparation to train and coach team members, elevating the quality and consistency of every beverage served.
● Lead by example in delivering a memorable, personalized customer experience.
● Foster a supportive work environment by stepping in whenever needed to empower and support the team.
● Monitor team performance and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to enhance skills and efficiency.
● Foster a growth-minded team culture through regular coaching, positive reinforcement, and clear expectations, creating an environment where team members feel empowered, supported, and excited to show up.
About you
Qualifications:
● 2+ years of coffee and coffee leadership related experience
● Deep knowledge of coffee and matcha preparation
● Experience in recipe creation and development, with a strong ability to refine and adapt existing recipes while maintaining brand integrity and quality standards
● Previous experience working in a small team environment
● Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, holidays and weekends, as needed
● Proven interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate professionally, patiently and effectively with corporate and cafe team members
● Experience coordinating and executing events, including high-profile drink launches, community gatherings, and brand collaborations, ensuring seamless execution and a memorable guest experience
● Familiarity with the Madhappy brand and mission
Characteristics:
● Possess strong communication skills, with the ability to lead and collaborate effectively across all levels and teams within the organization.
● Demonstrated solutions-oriented mindset, proactively addressing challenges and driving results.
● Passionate about delivering a unique and exceptional customer experience that leaves a lasting positive impression.
Benefits
● Up to 96 hours of PTO annually
● Health, dental, and vision insurance
● Retirement plans available
● Quarterly fitness and mental health stipend
● Welcome gift :)
● Employee discount and early access to products
$24/hr plus tips
About Madhappy
Madhappy is a clothing brand for a community of optimists. Born in Los Angeles, 2017, the brand has built itself around an optimistic ideology, expressed through apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces around the world. Madhappy writes Local Optimist magazine, supports research and awareness in mental health through Madhappy Foundation.
About Local Optimist
Local Optimist is a space for radical discovery and connection. By focusing on open conversations and mindful exploration, we orient people with reliable, optimistic resources — available at any moment.
About The Madhappy Foundation
The Madhappy Foundation™ is non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) with a mission to improve mental health globally. Through The Madhappy Foundation™, 1% of proceeds from every sale benefit our efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and positively impact the mental health movement.
