Restaurant General Manager | Local Favorite | Room to Grow

Job Description

Job Description

Restaurant General Manager

Iowa City, Iowa

60k to 70k

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a General Manager to lead one of our restaurant locations, overseeing all aspects of operations, team management, and guest satisfaction. This role is ideal for a results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys mentoring a team, and is committed to delivering an outstanding experience for both employees and guests.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead with Excellence: Provide strong leadership to a team of managers and employees, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and high performance.
• Ensure a Legendary Guest Experience: Set the standard for exceptional hospitality by ensuring high food quality, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Drive Business Success: Manage restaurant operations efficiently, including labor costs, food costs, inventory, and sales growth.
• Develop & Mentor Your Team: Hire, train, and develop employees to create future leaders within the organization. Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching.
• Maintain Operational Standards: Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food regulations while maintaining a clean and organized restaurant.
• Innovate & Adapt: Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance guest experiences, and increase efficiency.
• Represent the Brand: Build strong community relationships and uphold the values and reputation of Gravy Train Restaurant Management.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Passion for Leadership & People Development – You love coaching and inspiring teams to perform at their best.
• Proven Restaurant Management Experience – 3+ years in a leadership role within a restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Strong Business Acumen – Experience managing financials, including P&L, budgets, and cost control.
• Guest-Focused Mindset – A commitment to providing top-tier customer service and resolving guest concerns effectively.
• Ability to Thrive in a Fast-Paced Environment – Skilled in multitasking, problem-solving, and making strategic decisions on the go.
• Excellent Communication Skills – Ability to clearly communicate expectations, provide feedback, and engage with team members at all levels.

Why Join Us?

• Growth & Development – We invest in our leaders and provide opportunities for career advancement.
• Competitive Compensation – Includes salary, performance-based incentives, and benefits.
• Supportive Team Culture – Be part of a company that values teamwork, integrity, and a positive work environment.

Qualifications & Skills:

·        Passion for leading and developing people.

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license
• 3-5 years of restaurant management experience, preferably in multi-unit or traveling roles.
• Ability to travel regularly across Iowa and Illinois 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt quickly.
• Effective communicator with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in basic computer skills and restaurant management software.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
• Business acumen with a strong focus on financial and operational performance.        

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Apply today and become part of a team that’s passionate about great food, outstanding service, and building something truly special.

Since 2000, Gecko Hospitality has established itself as a premier recruiting partner for the hospitality and restaurant management industry, consistently connecting top-tier talent with exceptional career opportunities and supporting employers in building high‐performing leadership teams. With deep industry expertise and a nationwide recruiting network, Gecko delivers tailored, people‐focused hiring solutions that drive meaningful organizational impact.


Our professional recruiters bring a distinct advantage: they are former senior hospitality leaders who have managed operations, led teams, and delivered excellence across restaurants, hotels, private clubs, and other hospitality environments. This firsthand experience enables us to identify and engage candidates who are not only highly qualified but well‐equipped to excel in demanding leadership roles — from general managers and executive chefs to COOs and HR directors.


With more than 25 years of recruiting experience and over 45,000 successful placements across all 50 states and Canada, Gecko Hospitality has earned a reputation for integrity, credibility, and consistent results. Our core values — community, integrity, excellence, credibility, and passion — guide every interaction with both clients and candidates.


At Gecko Hospitality, we do more than fill positions. We create long‐term success for professionals and organizations by delivering strategic recruitment solutions that strengthen teams and elevate the hospitality industry as a whole.

Company Description

Since 2000, Gecko Hospitality has established itself as a premier recruiting partner for the hospitality and restaurant management industry, consistently connecting top-tier talent with exceptional career opportunities and supporting employers in building high‐performing leadership teams. With deep industry expertise and a nationwide recruiting network, Gecko delivers tailored, people‐focused hiring solutions that drive meaningful organizational impact.\r\n \r\nOur professional recruiters bring a distinct advantage: they are former senior hospitality leaders who have managed operations, led teams, and delivered excellence across restaurants, hotels, private clubs, and other hospitality environments. This firsthand experience enables us to identify and engage candidates who are not only highly qualified but well‐equipped to excel in demanding leadership roles — from general managers and executive chefs to COOs and HR directors.\r\n \r\nWith more than 25 years of recruiting experience and over 45,000 successful placements across all 50 states and Canada, Gecko Hospitality has earned a reputation for integrity, credibility, and consistent results. Our core values — community, integrity, excellence, credibility, and passion — guide every interaction with both clients and candidates.\r\n \r\nAt Gecko Hospitality, we do more than fill positions. We create long‐term success for professionals and organizations by delivering strategic recruitment solutions that strengthen teams and elevate the hospitality industry as a whole.