4 Essential Coffee Shop Manager Interview Questions

Why hire a manager? Beyond trust, it’s about easing your load. A skilled manager handles training, feedback, inventory, and reporting—tasks our barista training courses prepare people for daily. Don’t let guilt stop you from seeking help; running a coffee shop solo leads to burnout. Embrace that two heads are better than one, and let’s dive into the barista interview questions that predict success.

A Note on Open-Ended Questions: Our questions are open-ended to let candidates shine with their own stories. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, though—so if a candidate stumbles, it’s not a dealbreaker. Have examples ready to prompt them, like ones from our coffee barista training, to keep the conversation flowing.

Tell me about a time you had to make a quick decision without all the info. How did you handle it?

Coffee shops move fast—there’s no escaping it. A manager faces snap decisions daily: a customer issue, a missing ingredient, or a broken machine. Our barista course teaches quick thinking, and your manager needs it too.

Look for a candidate who sets the scene, walks through their process, and picks a practical solution. It’s less about the “perfect” fix and more about rational action under pressure. For example: “Our espresso machine died mid-rush. I alerted customers and suggested alternatives from our barista lessons online—keeping the line moving.” The outcome? A decision was made fast, with reflection saved for later.

Tell me about a time you faced a big change. How did you handle it? What did you learn?

While question one tackles daily chaos, this digs into personal growth—a must for managers. Our online barista course emphasizes adaptability, and we want managers who turn challenges into lessons.

A strong answer reveals how they navigate tough shifts and grow from them. Share your own story to spark theirs: “Starting my shop was a whirlwind. I took on too much, learned my limits, and sought a manager. That’s why I’m here!” Whether they’ve mastered barista classes online or life’s curveballs, growth matters.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it? What did you learn?

Mistakes happen—even the best managers slip up. What counts is owning it and improving. Our barista training instills accountability, and your manager should set that tone for the team.

Listen for how they fixed it and prevented repeats. A top answer might be: “I forgot to order syrup, so I set reminders and added it to a checklist.” Proactive fixes signal leadership. Try sharing a mistake from your own café days—maybe one you nailed or one you’d tweak—to see if their approach aligns or inspires.

We have daily (weekly, monthly) team sales goals. How would you achieve them? How would you share them with the team? What’s your follow-up?

Even without set goals, this question tests business savvy. Coffee shops aren’t charities—managers must keep numbers in mind. Our online barista training covers sales strategies, and your manager should too.

A great candidate will outline motivating the team (think baristas meaning skilled sellers, not just brewers) to boost tickets—maybe suggesting add-ons or coaching strugglers. Example: “I’d set mini-goals from my barista course, share them in huddles, and check in weekly.” They should balance team spirit with profit focus.

Brewing Success Starts Here

Hiring a manager isn’t about cloning yourself—it’s about finding someone who excels where you need support. These interview questions for a cafe cut through the noise to reveal capability, not just likability. At OnlineBaristaTraining.com, our barista classes online and barista training courses prepare pros for every role—barista or boss. Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our online barista course to sharpen your team—or yourself—today!