Concept 

Established in 2005, Cafe V is the first butler cafe in the United States. All staff are volunteers and profits go directly to the setup and cost of future events. Butlers work solely for tips, so please make sure to tip your butler if you enjoy our events! All our butlers strive to be gentlemen, so please refer to them using male pronouns. All ages are welcome to our events, unless otherwise noted.

We encourage our guests to discuss their interests and hobbies with our butlers. Cafe V is a safe space for fans of Japanese pop culture, anime and BL. To that end, we encourage guests who are cosplaying to interact with butlers in character if they so wish.

A typical event consists of refreshments and drinks (depending on the venue and its restrictions) along with a wide variety of games. Along with games, Cafe V incorporates aspects of interactive improv theatre into its entertainment. There are also skits, raffles, auctions and other surprises! We are always changing and expanding our repertoire, so no two events are ever the same. The result is often silly, and we hope, amusing. The aim is to entertain our patrons, usually at the expense of our butlers' dignity. Audience interaction is highly encouraged, but our butlers will never forcibly put a guest in an awkward or embarrassing position. That is what the butlers are there for. :D

Cafe V initially started as a pop up event at Yaoi con only. After a brief hiatus in 2010, Cafe V held a panel at Fanime which had over 100 attendees. Since then, Cafe V has held events during Jpop Summit, PMX, ALA, AOD and Yaoi Con. Whenever possible, our events are done in conjunction with local businesses.

If you are interested in volunteering, please be aware that you will make our events a priority. Our events typically occur during conventions, and require a substantial time commitment, leaving little time to participate in other convention related events. A large portion of the work occurs before the actual event; advertising (both online and in reality), drafting flyers, searching for venues, game planning, making artwork, and creating merchandise among other tasks. We are looking for motivated, high energy staff who are ready and willing to make a big commitment. The payoff is an increase in self confidence, business experience and event planning.

We are looking for staff who live in the San Francisco Bay Area and have their own transportation. We need outgoing, calm, well groomed and charming staff who can think on their feet. Prior food and/or customer service experience, in particular, bartending and serving, is a huge plus. If you are not interested in being part of the interactive staff, but still wish to be part of our events, we are looking for more kitchen staff as well.

Please email us if interested and we will arrange for an interview.