General Manager

Company Description: 
SOST, meaning “three” in Amharic, is a dynamic social hub located in Washington, DC’s Shaw neighborhood that blends food, music, and culture. Sost offers an all-day cafe, intimate speakeasy, lively restaurant lounge with mezzanine, and rooftop views of the city. Our mission is to celebrate the flavors and rhythms of the African diaspora while creating an inclusive space for professionals, creatives, students, and neighbors to work, gather, and unwind. 

Role Overview:
The General Manager (GM) is the senior on-site leader responsible for overseeing all front-of-house and back-of-house operations, service standards, team performance, and day-to-day execution across Sost’s multiple levels and concepts. The GM ensures that operations are efficient, financially responsible, and aligned with SOST’s brand and values.

This role requires a hands-on leader and operator with strong hospitality experience, people management skills, financial acumen, and the ability to manage a complex, high-volume, multi-use venue.

Role Description: 
The GM is responsible for daily operations across all floors and ensures consistent service standards, positive guest experience and a strong culture of hospitality. 

• Oversee daily operations across all floors, dayparts, and service formats (café, full service, nightlife, events)
• Ensure consistent service standards, guest experience, and hospitality culture
• Lead pre-shifts, floor coverage, and issue-resolution in real time
• Implement and enforce SOPs for service, opening/closing, and safety
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and alcohol regulations

• Hire, train, schedule, and manage FOH staff
• Build a strong management bench (managers, supervisors, leads)
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and disciplinary actions as needed
• Foster a positive, accountable, and inclusive workplace culture
• Manage labor efficiently using scheduling and forecasting tools
• Own labor costs, FOH controllables, and operational efficiency
• Monitor sales performance, PMIX, and service flow by concept and service hours
• Partner with ownership on budgeting, forecasting, and cost control

• Serve as an ambassador of the SOST brand on the floor and in the community
• Handle escalated guest issues with professionalism and discretion
• Build relationships with regulars, partners, and local stakeholders
• Protect and elevate SOST’s reputation across service, events, and online presence