General Manager — Caboose Commons
Caboose Commons is looking for a dynamic, hospitality-driven leader to oversee all aspects of our Fairfax location. As General Manager, you'll set the tone for the guest experience, lead a passionate team, and keep operations running smoothly from open to close. This is a full-time salaried position for someone who leads by example, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes real ownership of their space.
What You'll Own
Leadership & Culture
- Champion a workplace culture that is safe, inclusive, and genuinely fun to be part of
- Maintain clear, open communication across all levels of the organization — from hourly staff to ownership
- Make day-to-day decisions that reflect Caboose's values and long-term vision
- Drive revenue growth while keeping a sharp eye on costs
Staffing & Scheduling
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing FOH team
- Handle disciplinary actions and separations with professionalism and consistency
- Build schedules that meet labor cost targets while keeping the team happy and supported
- Approve and verify staff hours for accurate payroll processing
Bar & Restaurant Operations
- Oversee daily operations during all hours of service, ensuring a seamless guest experience
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and upkeep across all front-of-house, bar, storage, and shared spaces
- Develop, implement, and enforce SOPs across all operational areas
- Manage menus, POS systems, and reservation platforms
- Oversee all FOH vendor relationships and inventory management
- Enforce health code compliance and ABC regulations at all times
- Collaborate with the management team to improve layout and operational efficiency
- Partner with Marketing to keep all signage, posted materials, and promotions current and accurate
Guest Experience
- Set the standard for hospitality — every guest, every shift
- Coach staff on anticipating guest needs, menu knowledge, and delivering memorable service
- Handle guest complaints promptly and professionally, turning tough moments into positive outcomes
- Collaborate with Marketing to create engaging guest experiences across digital and in-person channels
Private Events
- Maintain visibility into the events calendar to ensure proper staffing and preparation
- Partner closely with the Events Manager to support the full event lifecycle — from inquiry and sales to execution
- Coordinate supplies, manage customer expectations, and ensure flawless event delivery
Training & Development
- Build and maintain comprehensive FOH training programs covering:
- Safety protocols and SOPs
- Beer knowledge (broad and Caboose-specific)
- Current food and beverage offerings
- Barista skills
- Guest experience and customer service
- POS and reservation systems
- RSVP/MART, ServSafe, and other required certifications
- Keep accurate, up-to-date training records for all staff
Administrative & Financial
- Monitor and report on business performance, flagging concerns to ownership in a timely manner
- Respond promptly to operational emails, voicemails, reservations, and general inquiries
- Identify and act on opportunities to reduce costs and grow revenue
- Collaborate with Marketing on campaigns and events that drive traffic and build brand loyalty
What We're Looking For
Experience & Skills
- 3–5 years of restaurant management experience, preferably in a high-volume or multi-concept environment
- Proven track record of leading and developing hourly teams
- Strong financial acumen — comfortable reading P&Ls, managing labor and COGS, and hitting cost targets
- Experience with POS systems, scheduling software, payroll platforms, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
- Working knowledge of health codes, ABC regulations, and food safety standards
- Beer and beverage knowledge required; Cicerone certification (or active pursuit of) preferred given our brewery roots
- Experience with private event coordination and sales a plus
- Basic familiarity with social media and how digital presence drives restaurant traffic
- Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus
- Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
- ServSafe certification required (or ability to obtain upon hire)
- RSVP/MART certification required (or ability to obtain upon hire)
Who You Are
- A natural leader who earns respect on the floor, not just from a title
- Cool under pressure with strong problem-solving instincts
- An excellent communicator — with guests, staff, and ownership alike
- Detail-oriented without losing sight of the big picture
- Passionate about hospitality and genuinely invested in the guest experience
- Self-motivated and accountable — you don't wait to be told what needs to get done
- Skilled at conflict resolution and handling sensitive HR situations with discretion and professionalism
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- First-Line Managers: 3 years (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Fairfax, VA 22031 (Required)
Work Location: In person
