Restaurant General Manager

General Manager – West Lake, OH Area

Are you a high-energy, hands-on restaurant leader who is ready to step into a General Manager role—not simply because you're next in line, but because you've earned it through results? An established, growing BBQ restaurant group is seeking a General Manager-ready leader to join its Cleveland area operations. This role is designed for an ambitious operator who is eager to learn from one of the company's top-performing General Managers before taking over a restaurant. Candidates must be passionate about food, training, operational excellence, and building high-performing teams in a high-volume, full-service restaurant environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Strong base salary (higher for exceptional candidates)
• Quarterly performance bonus based on EBITDA
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Paid vacation/PTO
• 401(k)
• Employee dining privileges
• Uniform reimbursement
• Technology/phone reimbursement
• Wellness reimbursement
• Competitive dining reimbursement
• Outstanding long-term career growth with a company that promotes from within

Position Overview

The selected candidate will complete an initial Management in Training program in the Cleveland area, followed by continued development under one of the company's top General Managers before assuming leadership of a restaurant within the market. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated leader who is patient, coachable, and committed to mastering every aspect of restaurant operations before taking ownership of a location.

General Manager Requirements

• Current Restaurant General Manager or highly promotable Assistant General Manager experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant
• Proven success leading both front-of-house and back-of-house operations
• Hands-on leadership style that leads by example while effectively communicating, coaching, and developing the team
• Passion for restaurant training and creating future leaders
• High energy, confidence, and a self-starting mentality
• Firm but fair leadership style that creates accountability while maintaining a fun, positive culture
• Strong understanding of food quality, scratch kitchen execution, and guest experience
• Financial acumen including P&L management, labor controls, food cost, inventory, and operational metrics
• Experience with EcoSure standards, food safety, sanitation, and ServSafe certification
• Comfortable working weekends, evenings, and holiday periods, including peak BBQ holidays
• Ability to build credibility with experienced Back-of-House teams through authentic leadership
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work throughout the Cleveland area during the training and development period

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Leadership-focused communicator who inspires and develops others
• Hungry for advancement and long-term career growth
• Understands operational excellence drives guest satisfaction and financial success
• Comfortable developing newer managers while partnering with experienced kitchen leaders
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environments
• Patient, coachable, and committed to mastering the company's operations before assuming full General Manager responsibility
• This opportunity is ideal for a proven restaurant leader seeking a long-term career with a company that invests heavily in training, promotes from within whenever possible, and rewards operational excellence with strong compensation, performance bonuses, and outstanding advancement opportunities.