General Manager

General Manager – Self-Pour Wine Bar & Restaurant Concept, Nashville TN

Location: Nashville, TN Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Compensation: $100,000–$120,000 base (DOE) + performance bonus

About Us

Vagabond is a proven, award-winning and multi-location wine bar and restaurant concept in London, UK. The founder is now recreating Vagabond here in Nashville with a prime ~2,800 sq ft corner property in the Gulch. 

Vagabond is all about making it fun and easy to discover new wines. We feature 100 regularly-changing wines that guests can enjoy by the sample or glass from our proprietary self-pour wine dispensing machines. Whilst we have a preference for characterful wines from lesser-known grapes, regions and producers, we endeavor to carry familiar selections too so there's something for everyone, from committed oenophile to aspiring enthusiast. Our entire guest experience is designed to be accessible, laid-back and allow guests to explore wine at their own pace.

Food is equally important and the menu is built around small plates and sharing boards inspired by wine-making regions around the world. Think Sancerre-poached scallops over soft grits, Moroccan braised lamb sliders, and tempura zucchini flowers with lemon ricotta and honey. But also proper burgers and pulled pork tacos. Local ingredients will be used wherever possible.

We believe strongly in: happy team = happy guests = happy P&L. We hire selectively, train and develop rigorously, and reward generously. 

This is a ground-floor opportunity to help open and shape a new and well-capitalized concept from day one. 

The Role

We're looking for a hands-on, experienced General Manager to lead day-to-day operations and help bring this concept to life in America. You'll own the full guest and team experience – from pre-opening setup through daily execution – with real input into how things are run. Deep wine expertise is not required (we'll train you). We hire for character and competence, first and foremost.

What You'll Do

• No1 = Ensure a consistently excellent guest experience
• But also...
• Oversee all FOH and BOH operations
• Own the P&L (GP, labor, controllable costs, etc.) 
• Recruit, train and develop a strong, happy and motivated team from the ground up 
• Run the ship day-to-day (scheduling, inventory, steps of service, etc.)
• Work closely with the Founder to ensure our proposition remains fresh and compelling
• Partner with the Founder on pre-opening logistics and systems selection/setup
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and TN liquor licensing (ABC) regulations

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of experience as a GM or senior AGM in an upper-tier full-service restaurant
• Ideally at least 1+ years of that experience is local to Nashville
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering superlative guest experience
• Demonstrated success in managing a P&L
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, hands-on environment
• Wine knowledge is a plus, not a requirement
• Familiarity with TN liquor licensing and ABC compliance is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $100,000–$120,000, depending on experience
• Performance bonus

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance; PTO; 401k; Dining Discounts; Potential Equity Options