STAFF FOCUS: Josh Schultze
If you've spent time in Richmond's Social Hall or grabbed a bite on the fourth floor, you've likely been greeted by the warm smile of Assistant General Manager, Josh Schultze. We chatted with Josh — a lifelong Richmond resident and VCU Psychology alum — about his journey to becoming one of our warmest presences in the House.
How did you make your way to Common House?
I’ve spent most of my life in the hospitality industry. Five years ago, I helped open Demi’s in Northside, which was my big push into the finer dining side of things. I learned so much alongside my family and friends during that process, but early this year I was ready to take the next step in my career. I started here at Birdie's as a bartender, and then it felt like I just got doused with rocket fuel. I really connected with the team here and within a few months, I worked my way up to Assistant General Manager.
Common House is quickly becoming a staple here in the Richmond community and it’s full of genuine people who are invested in the company and actually want to be here. There’s also a great culture of collaboration here. Nothing great is built on one person — it's always a team effort.
"We've got to have people from our community here in the House."
What made you make the jump from psychology to hospitality?
Working in hospitality and restaurants was actually a bit of a means to an end. I signed to Victory Records, and was playing music and traveling — which was my identity and what I wanted to do with my career. Once it ended, I realized I needed to go back to school. I needed to do something to keep my mind focused. And really, psychology is so present in hospitality and behind the bar. I love the socialization bartending provides, and the organic conversation that comes from chatting with people is so fun. No matter what brings us all together — food and drink create a centerpiece in conversation.
What do you enjoy about Common House?
One thing I do really enjoy is that we bring in the Richmond community. It's not just a restaurant, it's not just a venue space, it's not just a co-working space. We're actually bringing people in from this community and connecting them. One of my life mottos is: “We're put on this earth for each other” — it’s simply the only reason. And there are other parts to all of our storylines but that's the core.
I'm really just trying to create a genuine, safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment for staff and the community with my work. So it's great to take that motivation and utilize it on a larger scale at Common House. I love when a member lets me know the vibes are on point, because then I know we're doing something right.