General Manager - Restaurant

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is not a typical GM role — and Platz is not a typical venue. Platz Beer Garden is a one-of-a-kind gathering place in the heart of downtown Keene, NH, built inside a beautifully restored 150-year-old High Victorian Gothic church steps from Central Square. With ~20 rotating taps, curated wines, German-inspired fare, live music, and a restored sanctuary that seats up to 150, Platz is something Keene has never seen before. We operate as a cashless and tipless establishment, paying our team fair living wages and creating a transparent, respectful workplace. We believe hospitality done right starts from the inside out. As our founding General Manager, you will be the person who brings this vision to life — building the team, setting the culture, and establishing Platz as the defining gathering place of downtown Keene for years to come. If you are energized by community, excited by a unique concept, and ready to help build something from the ground up, this is your place.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Lead the Business Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasting, and expense controls Identify and execute strategies to grow revenue, expand our customer base, and deepen Platz's community presence Oversee and grow our private events program - corporate gatherings, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, and community functions Build and manage a calendar of public events including Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras, beer and wine tastings, and seasonal celebrations Run Day-to-Day Operations Oversee daily bar and kitchen operations to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and profitability Establish and maintain operational standards for service, product quality, cleanliness, and safety Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and ordering Build and Lead the Team Recruit, hire, train, and develop a high-performing staff across front and back of house Coach, give feedback, and hold the team accountable in a way that is fair, consistent, and motivating Foster an inclusive, respectful culture that retains great people and reflects our values Grow Platz in the Community Build partnerships with local businesses, festivals, and organizations Represent Platz at community events and in the local hospitality network Help foster our relationship with Einbeck, Germany — Keene's partner city and the historic birthplace of bock beer — creating cultural programming and connections that strengthen Platz's identity Collaborate with our marketing agency to ensure events, specials, and promotions are communicated effectively Own the Guest Experience Maintain high guest satisfaction through exceptional service, atmosphere, and attention to detail Monitor and respond to reviews and feedback — with support from our marketing team — and use that input to continuously improve Ensure every guest interaction reflects Platz's values and hospitality standards Keep the Owner Informed Make confident day-to-day operational decisions while consulting with the owner on strategic matters Meet weekly with the owner to review metrics, challenges, and upcoming plans Deliver a detailed weekly performance and operations report

WHO YOU ARE

We are looking for a proven hospitality leader who brings both operational discipline and genuine warmth to the role. Specifically, we're looking for someone who: Has 5+ years of hospitality management experience, ideally in craft beer, brewery, or independent restaurant environments — though strong candidates from adjacent backgrounds are encouraged to apply Has managed budgets, grown revenue, and led teams to perform at a high level Is a skilled event planner and has experience driving community engagement Communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and solves problems with a level head Genuinely loves craft beer, wine, and great food — and brings creativity to how guests experience them Is comfortable with — or excited about — a tipless, cashless operating model and what it represents Wants to be more than a manager: you want to be a face of the community and a steward of something special

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary:

$65,000-$80,000 depending on experience

Incentives:

Performance-based incentives tied to revenue and operational goals

Time Off:

Paid time off

Discounts:

Staff discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise

Growth:

Direct access to owner and real opportunity to shape a landmark destination

Development:

Ongoing professional development and training support

ABOUT PLATZ BEER GARDEN 34

Court Street in Keene, NH has stood for more than 150 years. Built in 1869 as a High Victorian Gothic church, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named one of New Hampshire's "Seven to Save" in 2009. After a careful, years-long restoration — including the reclamation of original pews into bar tops, altar wood into the stage, and historic woodwork repurposed throughout the space — this building is now Platz Beer Garden. We are a gathering place. Community first, always. Platz Beer Garden is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team that reflects the community we serve.

Pay:

$65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off Paid training

Work Location:

In person