Job Title: Managing Partner – The Fool’s Lantern Wine & Tap Room
Location: St. Michaels, Maryland
Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Profit Interest / Equity Potential
About The Fool’s Lantern
The Fool’s Lantern Wine & Tap Room is a unique and inviting space in the heart of St. Michaels, Maryland, offering an elevated yet approachable menu of shareable plates, curated wines, and handcrafted cocktails. We are known for our warm, engaging atmosphere and commitment to delivering high-quality food, beverage, and service experiences.
We operate in a high-energy, fast-paced environment during peak seasons and shift to a more laid-back, strategic mindset during slower periods, allowing our team to focus on product and service improvements. Employees enjoy autonomy in their roles, with management providing course correction only when necessary—we trust our team to problem-solve and execute effectively.
We are seeking a Managing Partner—a dynamic, entrepreneurial-minded operator who will act as a player-coach, overseeing daily operations while actively working both front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH). This is more than a management role; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of The Fool’s Lantern, with the potential for profit interest or true ownership stake based on performance and strategic alignment.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership:
- Direct and execute all day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless service and strong accountability among FOH and BOH teams.
- Work hands-on in FOH/BOH multiple nights a week, particularly during peak hours (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).
- Oversee staffing, training, and team development, ensuring high standards of hospitality, service, and efficiency.
- Improve accountability and performance across all staff, implementing structured policies for scheduling, training, and evaluation.
- Foster an autonomous work environment, allowing employees to own their responsibilities while stepping in with guidance only as needed.
- Maintain a visible leadership presence, fostering a strong team culture and customer rapport.
Menu & Beverage Program Development:
- Drive menu innovation, refining our culinary and beverage offerings to enhance profitability and guest experience.
- Encourage employees to pitch new ideas for menu additions or service enhancements, supporting them with guidance and due diligence expectations.
- Control supplier relationships and pricing, negotiating to optimize costs and quality.
- Ensure excellence in food presentation, consistency, and timely execution.
Financial & Strategic Growth:
- Collaborate on budgeting, financial planning, and P&L management, with direct influence on revenue growth strategies.
- Identify and execute low-cost, high-impact sales-driving initiatives, focusing on maximizing topline revenue with limited free cash flow.
- Manage inventory, ordering, and cost controls to maintain strong margins and profitability.
Community Engagement & Marketing:
- Develop and nurture local partnerships and collaborations to drive traffic and brand awareness.
- Oversee promotional efforts, working alongside our part-time marketing director to craft compelling social media and traditional marketing campaigns.
- Support and expand private event offerings and other revenue-generating opportunities.
- Ensure that employees feel empowered to contribute to the unique service style of our self-service beer and wine bar, making each experience memorable.
Who You Are
We’re looking for an experienced, business-minded operator who thrives in a hands-on leadership role. You should be as comfortable behind the bar or in the kitchen as you are reviewing financial statements. You are passionate about hospitality, energized by the challenge of growing a business, and eager for an opportunity where your efforts directly impact both revenue and your own financial upside.
You should also embody our core values:
- A strong desire to learn and grow, always seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for them.
- An entrepreneurial spirit, treating the business as if it were your own.
- A balance of attention to detail while recognizing the big picture.
- Strong communication skills that foster collaboration and accountability.
Key Qualifications:
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in restaurant, bar, or hospitality operations, preferably in a leadership role.
- Proven ability to manage FOH & BOH teams, with a strong track record of accountability, training, and development.
- Experience with menu development, vendor negotiations, and cost control strategies.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire for profit-sharing or ownership.
- Ability to work peak revenue hours (primarily Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach—someone who can execute as well as lead.
Why Join Us?
This is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to take ownership of a growing, well-positioned hospitality business. As Managing Partner, you will have the chance to shape the direction of The Fool’s Lantern, implement new ideas, and directly benefit from the restaurant’s financial success.
We believe in autonomy, accountability, and creativity—employees at every level have the chance to add their own unique twist to our service and menu offerings. In return, we expect nothing less than the highest standards in execution. If you’re looking for your next big challenge in hospitality leadership, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send your resume and a brief statement on why this role excites you to THEFOOLSLANTERN@GMAIL.COM. We look forward to meeting the next leader of The Fool’s Lantern!