Company description

Downtone is a sound-led café and listening bar opening in Chinatown / LES (Planned Q3 2026). The space is designed to transition intentionally from specialty coffee service by day to a focused bar and listening program by night, centered on high-fidelity sound and thoughtful hospitality.

Our approach is grounded in craft and care. By day, we focus on high-quality coffee, precise service, and a welcoming environment that encourages presence and conversation. By night, the space evolves into a more immersive setting where sound, lighting, and atmosphere are curated with the same level of intention as the beverage program.

We are committed to working with thoughtful suppliers, building a respectful and inclusive team culture, and creating a space that contributes meaningfully to the neighborhood’s creative fabric. Downtone is designed for longevity, not trend cycles — a place where hospitality, music, and community intersect in a sustainable way.

The liquor license has been secured and capital is in progress. The concept is operationally modeled and positioned for disciplined, phased growth.

Job description

Role Overview

Downtone is seeking an experienced NYC hospitality operator to join as an Operating Partner and lead the business through pre-opening, launch, and long-term growth.

This is a early stage leadership role with ownership upside. We are looking for someone who has opened venues, owned a P&L, built teams, and understands the operational and regulatory realities of running a hospitality business in New York City.

The right candidate is financially disciplined, systems-oriented, calm under pressure, and interested in building a durable neighborhood business with long-term value.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the founding team to refine the space from an operational perspective, including service flow and layout.
• Lead pre-opening operational planning, systems development, and hiring
• Build and train the opening team across coffee and bar programs
• Establish financial controls, inventory management, and vendor relationships
• Oversee day-to-day operations post-opening
• Ensure compliance with liquor license and NYC regulatory requirements
• Participate in capital raise conversations as part of the leadership team, representing operational strategy and execution plans
• Contribute to long-term strategic and financial planning

Ideal Background

• Experience opening 1–3 NYC bar-led or mixed-use hospitality venues
• Direct P&L ownership or senior operational leadership experience
• Strong hiring and team development track record
• Comfortable speaking with investors about operations, budgeting, and growth
• Familiarity with NYC regulatory and compliance requirements
• Interest in long-term ownership and value creation

Compensation & Partnership Structure

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus tied to profitability and operational targets
• Equity participation subject to vesting
• Active role in strategic leadership and capital formation

This is a long-term operating partnership for someone who wants to help build a business from the ground up, with real ownership, real responsibility, and a lasting imprint on its foundation.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, more than $100,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline