Food and Beverage Captain / Manager

About Cocoon Café

Cocoon Café is a forthcoming venture by The Rajbari Bawali located in Kolkata, Shakespeare Sarani. The café offers artisanal coffee, handcrafted beverages, gourmet food, and hospitable service, drawing on the heritage and excellence of The Rajbari Bawali to deliver memorable dining experiences through superb quality and inviting ambiance.

Job Summary

The Food & Beverage Captain leads the front-of-house team to ensure exceptional guest service standards. This role involves overseeing daily dining operations, coordinating with kitchen and barista teams, and mentoring service staff to uphold operational excellence and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide prompt, courteous, and personalized service to all guests.
• Assist the Hostess with guest seating during busy periods.
• Engage with guests by anticipating needs and ensuring satisfaction throughout their visit.
• Professionally manage guest concerns, complaints, and special requests.
• Foster positive guest relationships to encourage repeat visits and positive feedback.
• Supervise, guide, and motivate the waitstaff and service associates on shifts.
• Assign sections and responsibilities before services.
• Monitor staff to ensure compliance with service standards.
• Conduct daily team briefings about menu updates, promotions, reservations, and priorities.
• Train new team members on standard operating procedures, service etiquette, menu knowledge, and guest engagement.
• Ensure smooth coordination between front-of-house, kitchen, and barista teams.
• Oversee order accuracy and timely delivery of food and beverages.
• Maintain table setup, cleanliness, and presentation before, during, and after service.
• Manage opening, mid-shift, and closing operations effectively.
• Maintain an efficient table turnover while ensuring guest comfort.
• Promote specialty dishes, coffees, desserts, and seasonal items to increase sales.
• Encourage upselling and suggestive selling techniques.
• Support the Café Manager in meeting daily and monthly sales goals.
• Analyze guest spending patterns and suggest improvements for sales performance.
• Ensure compliance with established service standards and procedures.
• Perform quality checks on food presentation, beverage standards, and service speed.
• Maintain cleanliness of dining areas, service stations, and guest facilities.
• Ensure all service equipment is clean, functional, and properly maintained.
• Coordinate with Cashier for accurate billing and resolve payment discrepancies when necessary.
• Check that all guest orders are correctly recorded in the POS system.
• Monitor supply levels of service items like cutlery, crockery, glassware, napkins, and condiments.
• Collaborate with Store and Kitchen teams to maintain adequate stock.
• Report shortages, damages, or maintenance needs promptly.
• Adhere tightly to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Monitor staff personal grooming and uniform compliance.
• Follow all company health, safety, and fire safety procedures.
• Foster a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Assist with preparation of operational and sales reports.
• Maintain shift records, attendance logs, and service documentation.
• Report guest feedback and operational challenges to the Café Manager.
• Support special event coordination, VIP visits, and group reservations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Graduate or diploma holder in Hotel Management, Hospitality Management, or Food & Beverage Service.
• Hospitality or food safety certifications are advantageous.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in Food & Beverage Service, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or captain role.
• Preferably experienced in premium cafés, restaurants, hotels, or luxury hospitality settings.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food, coffee, beverages, and service standards.
• Proficient in guest service and complaint handling.
• Familiarity with POS systems and restaurant operations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask under pressure.
• Fluency in English and Hindi; Bengali language skills preferred.
• Professional demeanor, confident, well-groomed, and guest-focused.
• Positive attitude with a commitment to quality and hospitality excellence.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive during busy service times.
• Punctual, reliable, accountable, and passionate about continuous learning.

Working Environment

• The job involves rotational shift work, including weekends and public holidays.
• Requires prolonged standing and walking during service hours.
• Fast-paced environment requiring coordination with multiple teams simultaneously.

Performance Indicators

• Guest satisfaction and positive online reviews.
• Team productivity and efficiency of service.
• Accuracy of orders and speed of service.
• Success in upselling and increased average guest spend.
• Adherence to SOPs and hygiene protocols.
• Ongoing staff training and skills development.
• Efficient table turnover and attendance management.
• Effective leadership during shifts.

Why Join Cocoon Café?

Joining Cocoon Café by The Rajbari Bawali presents an opportunity to exhibit leadership and teamwork while focusing on premium hospitality. As an F&B Captain, you will play a vital role in inspiring the team, enhancing guest experiences, and contributing significantly to the café’s success and reputation.