General Manager

Apolonia, Chef Stephen Gillander's second restaurant, located in the South Loop is looking to add a General Manager to the team.

At SMG Restaurants, under the visionary leadership of Chef-Owner Stephen Gillanders, our mission is to shape the future of dining through refined cuisine, inspired design, and boundary-pushing hospitality. Each of our concepts is a reflection of our commitment to excellence—distinct in identity, united by a passion for innovation and impeccable guest experience.

With three acclaimed concepts currently open - S.K.Y., Apolonia, and Valhalla - and more on the way, we are building a collection of restaurants that challenge convention and set new standards in modern hospitality. As we grow, we seek passionate, driven, and gracious individuals to join our world-class teams—those who share our belief that hospitality is both an art and an opportunity to inspire.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven management experience in upscale dining

• Maintains a positive, friendly, courteous disposition and a neat, clean and professional appearance
• Works with the Executive Chef/Partner in setting the direction of the business in day-to-day operations as well as developing and executing a plan to drive sales, manage costs, and grow the business
• Manages FOH schedule; ensures the FOH is properly staffed and communicates any staffing issues to management
• Handles all FOH staff responsibilities in partnership with senior management team (includes: interviewing, hiring, training and development, employee relations, disciplinary action, documentation, terminations, etc.)
• Works directly with Executive Chef/Partner in order to promote a strong and unified leadership dynamic, maintaining communication between FOH and BOH
• Point person for cash for all shifts, including bank deposits, and ensuring that all cash procedures are properly followed
• Conducts weekly meetings with all FOH managers to update them on financials, service, new procedures, and improvements
• Leads pre-shift meetings at the start of every service OR delegates another manager to lead in your absence
• Works with entire leadership team to drive the success of their restaurant; promptly and fully informs management team of concerning problems or unusual matters of significance
• Oversees organization, efficiency and policies pertaining to service in the dining room
• Balances admin responsibilities with service responsibilities
• Creates, enhances, and strengthens guest relationships
• Promotes cooperative effort, a team spirit, and positive morale and company culture among employees
• Resolves complaints from guests in a polite, friendly manner always making sure timely followup as needed
• Ensures the appropriate presentation and ambiance of the entire space (lighting, temperature, bathrooms, cleanliness, and seating arrangements)
• Participates in training about standardized policies (HR, fire, hygiene, health, safety, employee handbook, etc.)
• Helps with duties of other employees (i.e. server, food runner, etc.) when necessary
• Responsible for ensuring that all server check outs and restaurant closing duties are performed on a daily basis to standards
• Has a strong understanding of company background, core values and philosophy
• Adheres to all company safety and sanitation policies and procedures
• Performs other work related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills):

• Previous management experience 
• Manager Food Sanitation Certification
• ServSafe Certification
• Ability to handle stress under pressure
• Willingness to maintain a clean, healthy, and safe working environment
• Ability to coordinate multiple activities with attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to be flexible with job demands and open minded when being asked to complete tasks
• Ability to operate and use all equipment necessary to run the restaurant
• Ability to move or handle equipment throughout the restaurant generally weighing 0-50 pounds
• Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates
• Ability to stand for up to 8-10 hours a day

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and creative environment.
• Room for growth and advancement within the company.
• Be part of a team that values quality, creativity, and passion.

T o be considered,  please attach your resume and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working at Apolonia.