General Manager - Full-Service Restaurant

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on General Manager to lead all aspects of restaurant operations. The General Manager will have overall responsibility for the restaurant's financial performance, team development, guest experience, operational standards, and day-to-day execution.

The ideal candidate is a strong restaurant operator who can lead from the front, develop a high-performing management team, maintain exceptional service standards, and create a positive and accountable workplace culture.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring flexibility, strong business judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment.

Key Responsibilities

Restaurant Operations

• Oversee all daily restaurant operations, ensuring consistent execution of company standards.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, service, cleanliness, safety, and overall guest experience.
• Ensure all policies, procedures, specifications, and training programs are consistently followed.
• Monitor restaurant equipment, facilities, maintenance, and repairs.
• Ensure products are properly received, stored, and handled according to established procedures.
• Lead opening, closing, and daily operational procedures.
• Step into operational roles when needed to maintain service standards and restaurant efficiency.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, motivate, and develop the management and restaurant teams.
• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, and retain high-performing employees.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Manage employee performance through recognition, accountability, and corrective action.
• Build a positive, professional, and team-oriented restaurant culture.
• Develop management talent and create opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Financial & Labor Management

• Take ownership of restaurant sales, profitability, and financial performance.
• Manage labor costs and staffing levels in accordance with business needs and budget objectives.
• Prepare and review schedules to ensure appropriate staffing during peak and slower periods.
• Monitor cash handling, deposits, and reconciliation procedures.
• Partner with ownership and senior leadership to achieve budget and financial goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve sales, productivity, cost control, and profitability.

Guest Experience

• Ensure every guest receives friendly, professional, and responsive service.
• Maintain a strong presence on the restaurant floor and during peak service periods.
• Resolve guest concerns quickly and professionally.
• Monitor service standards and identify opportunities to improve the overall guest experience.
• Lead by example in hospitality and professionalism.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, county, and local regulations.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, health, and workplace safety standards.
• Ensure restaurant policies and procedures are consistently followed.
• Maintain accurate operational records, reports, schedules, and required documentation.

Marketing & Business Development

• Support and execute restaurant marketing, advertising, promotional, and community initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to increase sales and strengthen the restaurant's local presence.
• Partner with ownership and leadership on business-building strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 2+ years of restaurant management experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Strong understanding of full-service restaurant and food & beverage operations.
• Proven experience leading and developing restaurant teams.
• Strong knowledge of labor management, scheduling, guest service, and operational standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage restaurant performance and financial goals.
• Strong communication, organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of professionalism, energy, accountability, and motivation.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, fast-paced environment.
• Experience with line expediting/expo strongly preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on restaurant leader who understands that successful restaurant management requires both strong business acumen and an active presence in the operation.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Lead and inspire a management team.
• Develop employees and future leaders.
• Maintain high standards during busy service periods.
• Make confident operational decisions.
• Balance guest experience with financial performance.
• Create accountability while maintaining a positive culture.
• Step in and support the team wherever necessary.

Schedule & Physical Requirements

• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Typical schedule may require 50–55 hours per week or more, depending on business needs.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, and move throughout the restaurant during shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. frequently and 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to assist with furniture movement and other operational needs.
• Must be able to work effectively in a high-volume restaurant environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Leadership development opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities
• Opportunity to take ownership of restaurant operations and performance
• Collaborative and professional working environment

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.