Cafe Management
Abhilasha Rana | Founder & Partner | Evoke Cafe and BistroWhat is Cafe Management?
You may be curious about a Career in Cafe Management. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Cafe Management, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Cafe Management. Just like you would normally not trust a non Doctor with names of medicines, you should also not trust opinions about Cafe Management from non professionals.
Founder & Partner Abhilasha Rana is an experienced professional with 3 years & 3 months in Cafe Management. Founder & Partner Abhilasha Rana defines Cafe Management as:
Cafe or restaurant managers plan, run and oversee the activities of businesses that sell and serve food and beverages to the public, such as cafes, restaurants and fast-food outlets.
How Founder & Partner Abhilasha Rana got into Cafe Management?
I did my graduation and post graduation in business administration from Kathmandu and Pokhara. After working for the Himalayan Outdoors company, I started my own venture, Evoke Cafe and Bistro, with my three friends in Kathmandu city.
Founder & Partner Abhilasha Rana's Talk on Cafe Management |
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Navigating the World of Cafe Management with Abhilasha Cafe management is more than just serving coffee and pastries; it encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that ensure a delightful experience for patrons. Abhilasha, owner of Evo Cafe and Bistro in Kathmandu, shares her insights on navigating this bustling industry, offering a unique perspective from her journey into cafe management. This article explores the essentials of cafe management, including education, skills, positives, challenges, and a typical day in the life of a cafe owner. What Is Cafe Management? Cafe management is the comprehensive process of overseeing all operations within a cafe, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. It involves not just managing staff but also coordinating various departments such as kitchen, service, and finance, making sure they work seamlessly as a team. This synchronization is key to delivering an excellent product and experience to customers. As Abhilasha points out, it is a demanding job that needs a holistic approach to management, encompassing everything from inventory control to customer service. Education Required for Cafe Management A solid foundation in financial and accountancy principles is crucial for anyone in cafe management. This area covers budget management, daily expenses, and revenue tracking, which are fundamental to the sustainability of any cafe. Without effective financial management, cafes can quickly find themselves in a precarious position. Abhilasha, with her education from Kathmandu College of Management, emphasizes that understanding financial flows helps in making informed decisions that can either save or cost the business money. Management knowledge is imperative because it encompasses the skills necessary to lead and organize a team. This includes delegating tasks, conflict resolution, and creating a positive workplace culture. According to Abhilasha, effective management fosters a collaborative environment that not only enhances productivity but also boosts morale among staff. Without these abilities, a manager might struggle to maintain a harmonious and efficient workplace. In the competitive world of hospitality, creativity and communication stand out as essential components of effective cafe management. Having a background in arts and communication allows a cafe manager to bring innovative ideas and strong interpersonal skills to the table. Abhilasha notes that excellent communication enhances customer satisfaction, as connecting with guests can turn a simple interaction into a memorable experience. A culinary arts education can significantly benefit cafe management by providing valuable knowledge about food preparation, safety, and menu design. Understanding what goes into the dishes served lends authenticity and credibility to the cafe leadership. Abhilasha highlights that even basic culinary skills can help managers communicate effectively with kitchen staff and improve menu quality. Training in hospitality helps managers understand customer service dynamics and how to create inviting environments that keep guests returning. Abhilasha's perspective underscores the importance of outstanding service as a pivotal aspect of cafe management, where a high level of customer satisfaction translates to business success. Essential Skills for Cafe Management Strong leadership is the backbone of effective cafe management. It involves leading by example, inspiring the team, and steering the cafe towards its goals. As Abhilasha suggests, being a leader means possessing the ability to orchestrate the team's efforts, ensuring everyone is aligned and motivated. This is especially important in high-paced environments like cafes, where teamwork is critical. Motivation is vital for maintaining a productive workforce, especially during challenging times. Abhilasha stresses the importance of self-motivation as well as motivating team members. Approaching situations with optimism and encouraging others helps create a supportive atmosphere, which is beneficial for both staff and customers. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential in cafe management, encompassing interactions with both staff and patrons. Abhilasha notes that the ability to positively influence customers can enhance their experience and lead to increased sales. Being persuasive and approachable allows managers to foster relationships that can translate into long-term loyalty. Strategic planning is necessary for long-term success in the cafe business. This involves setting short-term objectives while keeping an eye on long-term sustainability. As Abhilasha explains, accurate forecasting allows cafes to manage inventory effectively and prepare for fluctuations in customer flow. Quick and informed decision-making is crucial in the fast-paced environment of a cafe. Abhilasha recognizes the unique challenges that arise in daily operations, where managers often need to make prompt choices based on limited information. Drawing from experience and intuition can guide managers through these situations successfully. Positives of Cafe Management One of the most rewarding aspects of cafe management is the opportunity to meet a diverse range of people. Abhilasha enjoys connecting with guests daily, which enriches her experience and broadens her understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. Such interactions not only keep the atmosphere vibrant but also foster community ties. Creating joy for customers is a fundamental benefit of working in a cafe. Whether it’s through a warm cup of coffee or a delightful meal, the satisfaction of fulfilling someone’s needs is uplifting. As Abhilasha points out, the happiness radiated by customers after a good experience makes the hard work worthwhile. Cafe management offers a wealth of experiences beyond what traditional education provides. Through her journey, Abhilasha has become more extroverted, honing her social skills, and learning to adapt in diverse situations. This exposure is invaluable, contributing to personal growth and professional development. Challenges in Cafe Management Operating a cafe comes with inherent uncertainties, including market fluctuations and customer preferences. Abhilasha highlights the anxiety of not knowing if the establishment will thrive as it currently does in the coming months. This unpredictability can be daunting but also encourages innovation and resilience. Maintaining consistent quality in both service and food is another significant challenge. As Abhilasha explains, it is crucial to ensure that every customer receives the same high standard, regardless of any staffing changes or other external conditions. This consistency builds trust and reputation over time. Compliance with government regulations can be complicated and constantly changing, presenting challenges for cafe owners. Abhilasha points out that staying informed and adapting to these regulations can affect operational decisions and impact business growth. Attracting and retaining quality staff is a continuous challenge in cafe management. Abhilasha faces difficulties with young employees seeking better opportunities elsewhere, coupled with personality traits that can complicate team dynamics. Building a supportive workplace culture can help mitigate some of these issues. Starting a cafe often requires significant financial investment, which can be a barrier for many aspiring owners. Abhilasha notes the struggle to secure initial capital, which can determine the success of the venture. However, finding alternative funding routes is possible, as she discovered during her startup experience. A Day In the Life of a Cafe Manager A typical day for Abhilasha starts with checking emails and notes to prepare for her responsibilities. She begins by assessing the overall state of the cafe and holds meetings with various department staff to outline the day's tasks, ensuring that everyone is aligned toward common goals. Daytime duties often include paperwork and appointments, followed by a busy evening where managing customer interactions takes precedence. Abhilasha values engaging with patrons to gather feedback and enhance their experience before concluding her day late at night after closing the cafe. In conclusion, cafe management is a multifaceted profession that requires a blend of education, skills, and passion. Through challenges and rewards, cafe owners like Abhilasha craft vibrant environments that not only serve food but foster connections and community. This career path exemplifies the importance of adaptability and interpersonal relationships in making each cafe a unique space filled with warmth and hospitality. | |
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How to get into
Cafe Management?
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The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Cafe Management is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.
Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Cafe Management, what education and skills you need to succeed in Cafe Management, and what positives and challenges you will face in Cafe Management.
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Links for this Talk
LifePage Career Talk on Cafe Management

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/cafe-management-3

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171128-0004

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUp6PwHUlS4
(Cafe Management, Abhilasha Rana, Evoke Cafe and Bistro, Hospitality, Cafe, Hotel Management)
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