Lead One of the Hudson Valley's Most Unique Hospitality Destinations

General Manager
Cherries Roadside | Stone Ridge, NY
Full-Time | $85,000–$95,000 per year + Performance Bonus

Cherries is more than an ice cream shop. We're a destination that brings together handcrafted food, soft serve, retail, catering, private events, and community experiences in a fast-growing business that continues to evolve.

We're looking for an experienced General Manager to oversee every aspect of the operation. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys building teams, and takes pride in creating exceptional guest experiences while running an efficient, profitable business.

If you're looking for a predictable management job, this probably isn't it. If you're looking for the opportunity to lead a business with autonomy, build a great team, and make a lasting impact, we'd love to meet you.

About the Role

The General Manager is responsible for the overall success of Cherries.

You'll oversee restaurant operations, retail, catering, events, staffing, inventory, financial performance, vendor relationships, and guest experience while ensuring the business operates smoothly every day.

This is a hands-on leadership position. Some days you'll be reviewing and placing inventory orders. Other days you'll be helping during a lunch rush, coaching employees, resolving guest concerns, or preparing for a large catering event.

The ideal candidate understands that no task is beneath them and leads by example.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development

Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and develop employees
Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and hospitality
Coach and mentor managers and hourly staff
Conduct performance reviews and ongoing employee development
Foster a positive workplace with high employee retention

Operations

Oversee all daily restaurant, retail, and catering operations
Ensure consistent execution of food quality and guest service standards
Develop and improve operational systems and processes
Manage opening and closing procedures
Ensure cleanliness, organization, and maintenance throughout the property

Scheduling & Labor Management

Build weekly schedules based on business needs
Manage labor costs while maintaining service standards
Ensure proper staffing during peak business periods
Approve payroll and monitor overtime

Inventory & Purchasing

Manage inventory for food, beverages, retail merchandise, paper goods, cleaning supplies, and operational equipment
Place and manage vendor orders
Monitor food costs, waste, shrinkage, and inventory accuracy
Build relationships with local vendors and suppliers

Catering & Events

Oversee execution of catering orders and private events
Coordinate staffing and logistics
Ensure flawless execution and exceptional client experiences

Financial Performance

Monitor daily sales and operating metrics
Control food, labor, and operating expenses
Identify opportunities to improve profitability
Maintain accurate cash handling and reporting procedures

Guest Experience

Ensure every guest receives exceptional hospitality
Resolve customer concerns professionally and efficiently
Maintain high online review scores and guest satisfaction

Facilities & Compliance

Maintain food safety and health department standards
Coordinate equipment repairs and preventative maintenance
Ensure compliance with company policies and local regulations
Respond to operational emergencies when needed

What Success Looks Like

Build and retain a dependable, high-performing team
Improve operational systems and consistency
Reduce waste and improve inventory management
Successfully lead operations through our busiest summer and fall seasons
Deliver exceptional guest experiences that drive repeat business
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient operation year-round
Help identify new opportunities for operational growth and improvement

Qualifications

We're looking for someone with significant leadership experience.

Required:

7+ years of progressive leadership experience in restaurant, hospitality, retail, catering, or multi-unit operations
At least 3 years managing teams, budgets, inventory, scheduling, and day-to-day business operations
Experience leading teams of 15+ employees
Proven success managing high-volume, customer-facing operations
Strong experience with inventory management, purchasing, labor scheduling, and vendor relationships
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to analyze financial performance and make operational decisions
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure

Preferred:

Experience overseeing both restaurant and retail operations
Catering or event management experience
Experience with seasonal businesses
ServSafe Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain)

You are:

A natural leader who enjoys coaching people
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Calm under pressure
Comfortable making decisions independently
Accountable and dependable
Financially minded and operationally driven
Hands-on and willing to jump in wherever needed
Passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences

This is a full-time leadership position requiring flexibility. Our busiest seasons are spring, summer, and fall, including weekends and holidays. While business remains active year-round, this role requires flexibility to support the business during peak periods and respond to operational issues as they arise.

Salary: $85,000–$95,000+, based on experience
Performance-based annual bonus
Paid vacation and sick time
Employee meals during shifts
Opportunity for long-term growth as the business expands

We're building something people genuinely love. Cherries has become a destination for great food, memorable experiences, and community gathering in the Hudson Valley. We're looking for someone who wants to help shape its next chapter. This is a role for an experienced operator who takes pride in building great teams, delivering exceptional hospitality, and treating the business as if it were their own. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount
Paid time off
Paid training

Work Location: In person

Cherries Ice Cream

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