General Manager - Dual Taprooms (Fonta Flora) (North Carolina)

Located on the banks of beautiful Lake James and under the backdrop of the rugged Linville Gorge, we are an Appalachian farmhouse brewery situated on 15 acres of a historic dairy farm. Fonta Flora Brewery integrates the soul of agriculture with the artisanship of zymurgy to create a menagerie of rustic and savory libations. With an emphasis on seasonal flora, Fonta Flora brings English tradition and Belgian inspiration to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina by utilizing local artists to help conceptualize the notion that fermentation is yet another medium for creating art. This uniquely artisan approach to beer yields a sustainable product filled with culture from our very own community.

We are currently seeking a full-time Tasting Room General Manager (GM) to lead our service team in our flagship Morganton, NC taproom as well as our beautiful Whippoorwill Farm location in Nebo, NC.

Job Purpose

The GM will be responsible for all aspects of our Beverage Operation for the two locations. The primary focus will be to make the Tasting Room experience nothing short of exceptional. The GM ensures smooth operation of the taproom by making sure that the taproom is appropriately staffed, beer tenders have everything needed to successfully and efficiently complete their tasks, the taproom environment is comfortable, the beers are at their absolute best, and that unforeseen needs are addressed quickly. The General Manager is also responsible for ensuring that beer tenders are trained to deliver our brand vibe at all times, and our customers can fully experience that Fonta feel.

In addition to the Hospitality focus, the GM will be responsible for several Administrative tasks including: managing the budget of the Tasting Rooms, managing payroll and productivity, reporting on Sales and revenue, and management of the Assistant GM.

The successful candidate for this role will have previous experience as a Food and Beverage leader, preferably with bar-specific experience. The candidate will exude hospitality and will pass this along to all members of the team through training and osmosis. Finally, the ideal candidate will possess a Sales presence in order to cultivate relationships with beer patrons, including the hosting of private events and out-of-the-box ideas to grow sales revenue.

ERRDAY Job Tasks

-         Management of taproom employees, including: hiring, training, scheduling, communication, performance feedback, and accountability for standards not met.

-         Creating and maintaining a pleasant taproom environment (temperature, music, cleanliness, conduct)

-         Responsible for overall tasting room appearance, upkeep, cleanliness, maintenance (scheduling of cleaning crews, repairs, etc.)

-         Oversight of Tasting Room budgets, Sales, expenses, and payroll

-         Consistent communication with the Fonta team, including Admin partners, AGM, and bar staff

-         Partnering with Events Manager to execute special events in the taproom 

-         Working with the Marketing department to properly market the taproom

-         Ensuring proper opening and closing of the taprooms (setting up and closing down cash drawers, ensuring that the taproom is clean and ready for patrons, restocking/ordering any necessary supplies, addressing any unforeseen needs) 

-         Ensuring that the beers on tap are acceptable to serve (right temperature, optimal quality, no off-smells or flavors) 

-         Tirelessly making sure that taproom patrons’ needs are met quickly and efficiently 

-         Managing food truck schedule, creating and maintaining relationships with local food establishments that deliver to the taproom 

-         Maintain relationships with local patrons and organizations

-         Responsible for the ordering, inventory, and scheduling delivery/receiving of guest food and beverages for resale

-         Maintaining accurate taproom inventory (glassware, merch, etc.) 

-         Ability to step in as beer tender and/or beer educator as needed 

-         Working towards continuous optimization of taproom operations

-         Available to work full-time, including nights and weekends. Required work week is Friday through Tuesday.

-         Floating on the floor during 3 shifts a week and evaluating guest experience.

-         Serving as team leader to staff of beer tenders 

-         Playing the role of brand ambassador

-         Understand and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws

-         Proudly represent the Fonta Flora brand both on and off site

-         Other tasks as assigned.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

-         Previous management experience leading an F&B or Bar Team required; experience in Craft Beer or Hospitality highly preferred

-         Ability to demonstrate sound decision making

-         Previous experience hiring, training, and developing staff

-         Demonstrated experience of growing revenue while managing existing payroll and budget line items

-         Strong computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Office and technologies such as Basecamp and POS systems

-         Strong work ethic and self-starting attitude

-         Superior interpersonal skills and team spirit

-         The desire to work in a fast-paced, growing company 

-         Willingness to regularly work during evenings and weekends

-         Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application

-         Able to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

-         Able to Able to stand for prolonged periods of time

-         Able to stoop, crawl, twist, turn, lift, kneel, climb ladders and stairs

-         Able to manipulate valves and clamps

-         Able to read and follow written English instructions

-         Able to regularly lift/carry 44 pound boxes

-         Able to regularly lift/carry 55 pound bags above waist level

-         Able to periodically lift/move 165 pounds

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

-     Morganton, NC to Nebo, NC (18 miles between locations)

PERKS:

- Fun and social work environment

- Health benefits reimbursement

- Simple IRA with company matching

- Paid vacation and holidays

- Employee discount programs 

COMPENSATION:

- Salary commensurate with experience

- Bonus incentive based on revenue and revenue growth

HOW TO APPLY:

- If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please send your resume and cover letter with a subject of General Manager to careers@fontaflora.com .

Fonta Flora Brewery does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize our responsibility to embrace and promote diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) throughout all aspects of our company culture.