General Manager - Neighborhood Restaurant & Venue

Pirate Ventures•Washington, DC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Pirate Ventures is seeking an experienced, hospitality-driven General Manager to lead operations for a high-volume private event venue with an elevated daily service component. This role requires a seasoned leader with a proven track record of building exceptional teams, driving operational excellence, and creating unforgettable guest experiences across both private events and day-to-day hospitality service. The General Manager will oversee all aspects of venue operations, including private events, daily food & beverage service, team leadership, financial performance, guest experience, and facility management. You will work closely with company leadership to build and maintain a culture rooted in hospitality, accountability, operational consistency, and community. We are looking for a strategic operator and hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, understands the nuances of both event execution and daily restaurant/bar service, and has the ability to inspire teams while maintaining high standards across every touchpoint.

Requirements

Minimum 7–10 years of progressive hospitality management experience, with significant leadership experience in restaurants, bars, hospitality venues, or private event operations
Proven experience managing both private events and high-volume daily service environments
Demonstrated success building, developing, and leading large hospitality teams
Strong financial acumen with direct P&L management experience
Proficiency with hospitality systems including Toast, TripleSeat, and OpenTable required
Strong operational knowledge of reservations management, service flow, staffing, and event logistics
Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and highly organized in fast-paced environments
Commitment to high standards, attention to detail, and exceptional guest experiences
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and hospitality reporting systems
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require
Proof of DC ABRA Manager-on-Duty certification required prior to employment
Proof of ServSafe (or equivalent) certification required prior to employment
Alignment with Pirate Ventures' mission, values, and hospitality philosophy

Nice To Haves

Experience opening new venues or scaling hospitality operations is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing hospitality team across private events and daily service operations
Build a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and hospitality excellence
Create and maintain comprehensive training programs that ensure consistency in service standards, operational execution, and guest experience
Lead by example as a visible and engaged floor presence during service and events
Manage staffing levels, scheduling, labor controls, and performance management initiatives
Foster a positive and solutions-oriented environment that encourages continuous improvement and team development
Oversee all venue operations, including daily food & beverage service, private events, corporate functions, and entertainment-driven experiences
Ensure seamless execution of private events from planning through post-event breakdown
Deliver exceptional hospitality experiences across all guest touchpoints including in-person, phone, and email communication
Maintain best-in-class standards for cleanliness, organization, ambiance, safety, and facility presentation
Partner closely with the sales and events teams to execute memorable and operationally sound experiences
Utilize hospitality technology platforms including Toast, TripleSeat, OpenTable, and related operational systems
Manage reservations, guest flow, seating strategy, and service execution for daily operations
Maintain full P&L responsibility for the business unit, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, and financial reporting
Analyze operational and financial performance metrics to drive profitability and efficiency
Oversee inventory management, purchasing, vendor relationships, and expense management
Identify opportunities to improve systems, increase operational efficiency, and maximize revenue generation
Ensure compliance with all local health, food safety, labor, and alcohol/beverage regulations
Maintain all required licensing and operational certifications
Oversee facility maintenance and ensure the venue operates safely and efficiently at all times
Manage vendor relationships and coordinate external services as needed