Our Misfit Joints are based on a simple premise: we exist to create a hospitality experience like no other. A warm, welcoming refuge for all. A place where everyone feels safe to let their freak flag fly! We respect and celebrate the diverse, alternative, and authentic.
Social Misfits is a delicious adventure and a house of worship to the ultimate comfort food: Waffles. With an iconic logo of one of history’s most iconic misfits, you’d better believe this isn’t your ordinary cafe. In addition to a cozy, lounge-like atmosphere evoking romanticism, character and dark allure of the iconic speakeasy, Social Misfits serves deliciously creative offerings including both savory and sweet scratch-made waffles from farm-fresh local ingredients, locally sourced Michigan maple syrups with unique flavor infusions, craft cocktails, and farmer direct, locally roasted, hand crafted coffee from The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company. Social Misfits is equally suited for an unordinary lunch meeting, an extraordinary dinner date, or a boozy brunch with friends old and new.
The Foolery is a “fine” dive bar that serves up a scratch-made Detroit-style, square pan pizza featuring an inventive twist on the food, nostalgic craft cocktails, and cold beer. Menu items are served up in a playful atmosphere, denoting retro decor and that wall paneling found in Grandma’s basement—all of the haphazard throwbacks in a niche neighborhood bar. Hitting all of the comfort points for the next, “We should hang out soon,” this Misfit Joint is where folks snag an after-work beer with colleagues and stay for the pizza. Or, one to bring friends to for a laid-back dinner and stay for the innovative cocktails.
This position will alternate as needed between our two Grand Rapids restaurants Social Misfits & The Foolery, which are both located on the ground floor of the building that houses the Residence Inn Grand Rapids Downtown.
The General Manager of The Foolery & Social Misfits is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the restaurants’ operations. The primary function is to ensure exceptional customer service, maintain high-quality standards, and drive profitability. The GM is responsible for leading a team of employees, implementing operational strategies, managing financial aspects, and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment. Strong leadership skills, industry knowledge, and business acumen contribute to this role’s success.
To summarize, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
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Recruit, train, and supervise a diverse team of employees, including hiring, scheduling, and performance management.
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Foster a positive work environment, promote teamwork, and motivate staff to deliver excellent customer service.
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Provide coaching and mentorship to team members, ensuring their professional growth and development.
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Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate goals, policies, and operational updates, including daily pre-shifts.
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Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient use of resources.
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Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure smooth functioning of the restaurant.
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Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various areas, including front-of-house, back-of-house, and customer service.
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Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for both employees and guests.
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Monitor inventory levels, track food costs, and implement cost-control measures to maximize profitability.
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Collaborate with the kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and quality control.
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Maintain a strong focus on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring guest satisfaction.
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Handle customer feedback, complaints, and resolve any issues promptly and professionally. Train in de-escalation.
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Regularly interact with guests, build relationships, and address their needs and concerns.
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Implement strategies to enhance the overall dining experience and promote repeat business.
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Possess advanced knowledge on operating the point-of-sale system with a high level of efficiency.
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Work with the Finance Team to develop and oversee the restaurant's budget, including revenue forecasts, cost analysis, and expense control.
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Monitor financial performance, review financial statements, and implement strategies to improve profitability.
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Analyze sales trends, customer preferences, and market conditions to identify opportunities for growth.
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Implement effective pricing strategies and promotions to increase revenue.
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Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, food handling guidelines, and sanitation standards.
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Conduct regular inspections to maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the restaurant.
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Train staff on proper safety procedures and maintain documentation for health inspections.
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Monitor employee attendance, punctuality, and adherence to company policies.
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Work with Human Resources to maintain accurate employee records and approve clock ins/outs for hourly employees.
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Work with the Finance Department to ensure accurate and prompt submission and approval of invoices.
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Ensure that staffing needs are met, by creating or overseeing the creation of the weekly schedule to ensure proper labor goals are met at all hours of operation
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Possess knowledge of how to perform and operate all positions within the restaurant.
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Conduct cash register audits, ensuring accurate cash handling and adherence to financial procedures.
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Communicate regularly and promptly via tools utilized such as email, Slack, etc.
- Maintain relationships with all suppliers and keep up with current pricing and beverage trends
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Perform other duties and tasks as assigned or determined by management or leadership.
Our managers are paid a competitive salary that is proportionate with experience. Managers can expect discounts on our delicious food and coffee in addition to the endless growth potential with a young, thriving organization.
We are also pleased to offer the following benefits to our management team:
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Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
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Life Insurance Options
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401k with Employer Matching
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Paid Time Off
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Parking Assistance
In addition to everything above, you won’t be alone on an island. We provide our managers with access to our amazing team who provide resources for the restaurant such as:
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Marketing & Promotion
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Payroll Processing
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Human Resources & Employee File Management
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Accounting Services
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Operational Expertise
We think this is a huge part of what makes us special
Our managers are individuals who genuinely love people and love helping people learn and grow. Our ideal AGM is someone who inspires great work through positive feedback, clear communication, high standards, and knows how to accomplish a variety of tasks while having some fun too.
We consider our management team to play a key role in creating the dynamic, high-energy, good vibe atmosphere that our stores are known and loved for. We count on our management team to set the tone for a team-oriented, respectful workplace where all interactions are fueled by kindness, and people leave the store feeling better than they did walking in, from the inside out.
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High School diploma or equivalent
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ServSafe Management Certification
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Proven experience as a GM or in a similar leadership role within the restaurant industry.
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In-depth knowledge of restaurant operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house functions.
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Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
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Excellent customer service and problem-solving abilities.
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POS Management Experience
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Proficient in financial management, budgeting, and cost-control techniques.
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Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
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Attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
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Physical ability to unpack products and sort them including bend and lift to up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time, and move about the restaurant over the shift.
- Ability to lead and motivate to accomplish daily tasks
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Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment
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Knowledge of health and safety regulations and compliance standards.
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Flexibility to work varying hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
At the end of the day, we are interested in someone who has a fantastic attitude, operates well under pressure, loves people, is willing and able to enforce a standard of excellence, and doesn’t take silly mistakes too seriously.
Sound like you? Apply to join the Misfit Joints Team today!
