General Manager
Proper Cafe | Washington, DC
About Proper Cafe
Proper Cafe is a modern, community-centered café serving elevated breakfast, lunch, specialty coffee, fresh juices, and thoughtfully crafted food in the heart of Washington, DC. More than just a café, Proper is designed to be a gathering place where exceptional hospitality, beautiful design, and meaningful community intersect.
We are seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial General Manager to help launch and lead our flagship location. This is an opportunity to build something special from day one—hiring and developing an outstanding team, creating memorable guest experiences, and helping establish Proper Cafe as one of DC's premier neighborhood cafés.
Position Summary
The General Manager is responsible for the overall success of Proper Cafe, overseeing daily operations, financial performance, guest experience, and team development. This individual serves as the operational leader of the business, ensuring that every guest receives exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, cleanliness, and hospitality.
The ideal candidate is an energetic hospitality professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys developing people, and takes ownership of business performance. They are equally comfortable working alongside the team during busy service as they are reviewing financial reports, improving systems, and planning for future growth.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development
- Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop a high-performing front-of-house team.
- Foster a positive, accountable, and hospitality-driven culture.
- Lead daily pre-shift meetings and ongoing staff training.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching for continuous improvement.
- Build schedules that balance excellent guest service with labor efficiency.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration between the front and back of house.
Operations
- Oversee all day-to-day restaurant operations.
- Ensure smooth execution during breakfast, lunch, and café service.
- Maintain exceptional standards for cleanliness, organization, and presentation.
- Ensure compliance with all health department regulations and food safety requirements.
- Resolve operational issues quickly while maintaining a positive guest experience.
- Ensure Proper Cafe consistently delivers a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Guest Experience
- Lead by example in providing exceptional hospitality.
- Build relationships with regular guests and become an ambassador for the Proper Cafe brand.
- Respond professionally to guest concerns and recover service opportunities.
- Monitor online reviews and customer feedback to continuously improve operations.
- Help create memorable experiences that drive repeat business and community loyalty.
Financial Management
- Own the restaurant's profit and loss performance.
- Manage labor costs, scheduling, and payroll efficiently.
- Monitor daily sales, key performance indicators, and operating expenses.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef to achieve food cost goals.
- Review financial reports and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
- Protect company assets through proper cash handling and inventory controls.
Inventory & Vendor Management
- Oversee front-of-house inventory and supply ordering.
- Coordinate with the Executive Chef on purchasing and inventory management.
- Ensure accurate receiving, storage, and inventory tracking.
- Minimize waste while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
- Build positive relationships with vendors and service providers.
Marketing & Community Engagement
- Help execute local marketing initiatives and community partnerships.
- Support café events, programming, and member experiences.
- Encourage guest engagement with Proper Cafe's loyalty and membership programs.
- Represent Proper Cafe professionally within the neighborhood and business community.
Systems & Compliance
- Manage Toast POS and ensure accurate cash handling procedures.
- Maintain all required operating procedures and employee documentation.
- Ensure compliance with labor laws, licensing requirements, and company policies.
- Lead opening, closing, and shift management procedures.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of restaurant management experience, with at least 2 years as a General Manager or Assistant General Manager.
- Experience leading high-volume cafés, brunch concepts, or upscale casual restaurants preferred.
- Proven success hiring, developing, and retaining strong teams.
- Strong understanding of restaurant financials, including labor, food cost, prime cost, and P&L management.
- Experience with Toast POS or similar restaurant management systems.
- Knowledge of inventory management, scheduling, and purchasing.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to remain calm, organized, and solutions-oriented under pressure.
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and early mornings.
What Success Looks Like
During your first year, you will:
- Build and lead one of DC's most welcoming hospitality teams.
- Consistently deliver outstanding guest satisfaction.
- Meet or exceed sales, labor, and profitability goals.
- Develop strong relationships with our neighborhood and regular guests.
- Establish operational systems that support future expansion.
- Help make Proper Cafe a destination known for exceptional food, coffee, hospitality, and community.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-based bonus opportunity.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid vacation and sick leave.
- Employee meal benefits.
- Professional development and advancement opportunities.
- Opportunity to grow with an expanding hospitality company.
Proper Cafe is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every team member can thrive.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
