Shift Leader

About Playa Bowls

Playa Bowls started in 2014 as New Jersey’s original acai shop with a simple goal: serve fresh, high-quality superfruit bowls in a fun, welcoming environment. Since then, the brand has grown from a small startup with a few blenders and a patio table into one of the fastest-growing fast casual concepts in the country, with more than 300 locations and continued expansion nationwide.

Our shop is looking for a dependable, upbeat Shift Leader who enjoys working with people, takes pride in great service, and can help keep daily operations running smoothly. This is a hands-on role for someone who can lead by example, support team members, and create a positive experience for every guest who walks through the door.

What You Can Expect

As part of the Playa Bowls team, you’ll work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment where teamwork, positivity, and attention to detail matter every day.

We offer:

Competitive hourly pay plus tips
Team members earn an hourly wage and have the opportunity to receive both credit card and cash tips.

Hands-on training and growth opportunities
Our training program is designed to help you build useful skills in customer service, food preparation, leadership, communication, and daily restaurant operations.

A fun and energetic workplace
We believe work should feel positive and motivating. Our team culture is friendly, upbeat, and centered around creating a great atmosphere for both guests and employees.

Employee discounts
Enjoy 50% off while working and 30% off when you are not on shift.

About the Role

The Shift Leader helps guide the team during scheduled shifts while also working directly alongside team members. You will assist guests, prepare menu items, monitor food quality, help maintain cleanliness, and support smooth shop operations.

This position is a good fit for someone who is reliable, guest-focused, comfortable in a busy environment, and willing to jump in wherever needed. You should enjoy helping others, staying organized, and keeping the team moving during both slower periods and peak rushes.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide friendly, helpful service to guests from the moment they enter the shop
• Take customer orders accurately and operate the POS system
• Prepare bowls, smoothies, juices, and other menu items according to Playa Bowls standards
• Check orders for accuracy, presentation, consistency, and quality
• Help keep the shop clean, organized, stocked, and guest-ready throughout the shift
• Restock ingredients, supplies, condiments, and service areas as needed
• Communicate product shortages, quality concerns, or operational issues to management
• Support team members during busy periods and help maintain a positive work environment
• Assist with opening, closing, and shift-related tasks as assigned
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and company procedures
• Represent the Playa Bowls brand, mission, and values in a professional and positive way

Schedule Requirements

Candidates should have at least 20 hours of open availability per week and be available to work weekends and holidays when needed.

What We’re Looking For

A successful Shift Leader should bring:

• A positive attitude and strong customer service mindset
• Reliability, punctuality, and the ability to follow through on responsibilities
• Comfort working in a fast-paced restaurant, café, retail, or customer-facing environment
• Strong communication skills with guests, coworkers, and managers
• Ability to stay calm and professional during busy or stressful moments
• Good attention to detail when preparing food and completing orders
• Willingness to help with cleaning, stocking, prep work, and other shop needs
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively
• Team-focused approach with a willingness to lead by example
• Interest in healthy food, superfruits, smoothies, bowls, and the Playa Bowls brand

Prior leadership, food service, café, restaurant, or retail experience is helpful but not required for the right candidate.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand for extended periods during scheduled shifts
• Move frequently throughout the shop to assist guests, prepare orders, restock supplies, clean, and complete tasks
• Lift, carry, or move approximately 25–40 pounds on occasion
• Reach items on high and low shelves, in coolers, freezers, under counters, and storage areas
• Work around common restaurant equipment and noise, including blenders, timers, and order alerts

Our Mission

To inspire and support our communities, one bowl at a time.

Our Values

Real Deal. Playa Passion. Powerhouse. Big Wave Chaser. Dawn Patrol.

“Playa Bowls is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and diversity in our workplace and all aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.”