Company description

Dandelion Delicatessen is more than just a café and catering company—it’s a community-driven food hub in the heart of Missoula, Montana. Rooted in hospitality, quality ingredients, and equity, we create an inclusive space where good food brings people together. At Dandelion, we believe food has the power to connect, nourish, and create change. Whether we’re serving a handcrafted espresso, preparing a seasonal salad with locally sourced ingredients, or catering an event that brings people together, we approach everything with intention and care.

Job description

Café Chef-Manager– Housing Included – Lead a Chef-Driven Café in Missoula, MT!

Dandelion Delicatessen is seeking an experienced Café Chef-Manager to lead our team, oversee daily operations, and help cultivate a vibrant neighborhood food hub in beautiful Missoula, Montana.

We are not just a café—we are part of a shared-use, co-working kitchen space, bringing together local chefs, bakers, and food entrepreneurs to create a dynamic and collaborative food community. This is a full-time, year-round management position with housing included, making it a perfect opportunity for someone looking to relocate for a meaningful, leadership-driven food career.

Why This Opportunity is Unique
✨ Housing Provided – Private housing included as part of your compensation.
✨ Chef-Driven Café + Food Hub – Be part of a unique culinary space where community, creativity, and collaboration thrive.
✨ Live in Missoula, MT – A vibrant town known for its outdoor beauty, thriving food scene, and strong community spirit.
✨ Leadership Role with Growth Potential – Shape the future of a growing café and food incubator space.

About the Role
As Café Chef-Manager, you will oversee daily operations, lead a team of dedicated food professionals, and help shape the evolving identity of our café within a larger shared kitchen and food entrepreneur space.

You'll be responsible for:
✔️ Team Management & Training – Hire, train, and support a small café staff, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.
✔️ Food & Beverage Operations – Oversee high-quality, consistent food products and service with a focus on creativity and efficiency.
✔️ Menu Development & Seasonal Specials – Work alongside your team to curate offerings that reflect our ethos and make use of local ingredients.
✔️ Customer Experience & Service – Ensure a warm, welcoming environment where hospitality and community connection come first.
✔️ Financial Oversight – Manage inventory, food costs, labor budgets, and ensure the café operates efficiently.
✔️ Catering & Event Coordination – Support pop-ups, community gatherings, and collaborate with local food entrepreneurs.

This role is ideal for someone who is:
✨ Passionate about food, hospitality, and community-driven businesses
✨ A strong leader who enjoys building and mentoring teams
✨ Organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in restaurant, kitchen or café management
✨ Excited about being part of a collaborative food space that supports local makers & chefs

Compensation & Benefits
✨ $18–$22/hr (DOE) + Private Housing
✨ Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
✨ Employee discounts on meals and catering
✨ Opportunities for growth in our expanding food business

Why Move to Missoula?
Missoula is a beautiful, welcoming mountain town with a thriving food and arts scene, a strong sense of community, and endless outdoor activities like hiking, fly fishing, and river floating. It’s a perfect place to put down roots, build a meaningful career, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

Ready to Join Us?
📩 To Apply: Send your resume and a brief letter of interest by April 4, 2025.

Come be part of Dandelion Delicatessen, where food isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about connection, creativity, and community. 🌿✨

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $18.00 - $22.00

Application instructions

Deadline

April 04, 2025