Assistant Manager at Misfit Joints in Grand Rapids, MI

Who We Are:

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.

What You Would Be Doing:

The AGM is responsible for assisting the General Manager in many areas, with one of the top priorities being running our cocktail program. This position requires someone with extensive bartending experience who can execute and elevate our unique craft cocktail program day after day, alongside our amazing bartenders.

This role will be responsible for filling the role of Closing Manager on Duty most days worked and needs to have the ability to fill in other shifts as required.

The expected salary range for this position is $60,000 - $68,000 annually, based on experience.

The AGM will also be responsible for leading the team during their shifts, as well as assisting the General Manager in areas such as hiring, compliance, scheduling, inventory, and employee management.

To summarize, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Create weekly schedule and ensure proper labor goals are met at all hours of operation
• Participate in the Interviewing, Hiring and Training of new employees.
• Oversee and guide the performance of the FOH restaurant staff while acting as Manager on Duty.
• Work with Human Resources to maintain accurate employee records and approve clock ins/outs for hourly employees.
• Work with the Finance Department to ensure accurate and prompt submission and approval of invoices.
• Communicate appropriately and frequently with the Management Team.
• Provide training, coaching, and feedback to hourly employees to ensure high-quality service standards.
• Conduct daily briefings on matters of importance to the team during Pre-Shifts.
• Oversee the opening and closing procedures, ensuring that all tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Stay in daily communication with the Management Team via the Daily Shift Log.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient use of resources.
• Monitor the dining area to ensure cleanliness, proper setup, and adherence to health and safety standards.
• Maintain a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in the dining room.
• Provide exceptional customer service by greeting and engaging with guests, ensuring their needs are met throughout their dining experience to build their intent to return.
• Manage customer complaints, conflicts, and emergencies, making quick decisions to resolve issues and maintain the restaurant's positive reputation.
• Possess knowledge on operating the point-of-sale system with a high level of efficiency.
• Coordinate with the kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of food orders.
• Act as a final check on the quality of food and beverage items before they are served to guests and ensure appropriate garnishes and condiments are on plates.
• Monitor inventory levels, track supply usage, and notify management as needed to avoid shortages.
• Implement and enforce standard operating procedures, including cash handling, safety protocols, and cleanliness guidelines.
• Collaborate with other managers and leadership to develop and implement strategies for improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor employee attendance, punctuality, and adherence to company policies.
• Conduct cash register audits, ensuring accurate cash handling and adherence to financial procedures.
• Model a positive work environment at all times
• Ensure that staffing needs are met and communicate promptly and directly with Management if issues arise.
• Assist in the Training of new hires for all FOH positions.
• Possess knowledge of how to perform and operate in all FOH positions.
• Possess full knowledge of food and beverage products served and utilize suggestive selling techniques.
• Guide guests through menus, answer questions thoroughly and provide specific item suggestions and information about the establishment.
• Know and apply federal, state, and local laws governing the service of alcoholic beverages, as well as the restaurant's policies regarding liquor service and liability.
• Understand and utilize all safety and sanitation practices as defined in the safety program and report any accidents to management.
• Ensure execution of the Cocktail Program; this includes but is not limited to recipe creation, ordering, bar organization, communication, training, and prep
• Maintain relationships with all beverage suppliers and keep up with current pricing and beverage trends
• Ensure 100% compliance with all Company policies and laws
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned or determined by management or leadership.

Why work with Misfit Joints?

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:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance Options
• 401k with Employer Matching
• Paid Time Off
• 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:

• Marketing & Promotion
• Payroll Processing
• Human Resources & Employee File Management
• Accounting Services
• Operational Expertise

We think this is a huge part of what makes us special

What Would Make You a Good Fit For Our Team:

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.

What’s Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years of Restaurant Management experience
• 2+ years of Bartending experience
• Proven history of running a successful Cocktail Program
• Open availability and be willing to be scheduled according to business demands.
• Ability to work flexible days and hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• 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
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and compliance standards.
• Flexibility to work varying hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Experience

• Servsafe and Alcohol Management Training
• Restaurant 365 Experience
• POS Management Experience

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!