Restaurant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Vandelay Companies

For over a decade, Vandelay has defined what it means to deliver iconic, enduring hospitality experiences. With a growing portfolio that includes concepts like Hudson House, Drake’s Hollywood, and D.L. Mack’s, we are driven by a passion for craftsmanship, connection, and the pursuit of excellence.

Every Vandelay concept celebrates the spirit of American dining through timeless spaces, genuine warmth, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that leaves a lasting impression on every guest who walks through our doors.

What truly distinguishes Vandelay is our commitment to growth; for our company and for our people. As we expand into new markets nationwide, we continue building meaningful pathways for development at every level. Managers receive the tools, mentorship, and visibility needed to grow their careers within an organization that values initiative, performance, and a true passion for the craft of hospitality.

About the Opportunity

As a Manager with Vandelay Companies, you’ll play a key role in bringing our vision to life each day. This role is more than overseeing operations; it’s an opportunity to model our culture, support excellence on every shift, and contribute to experiences that define modern hospitality. You’ll lead by example with purpose and authenticity, support a high-performing team, and ensure our daily operations run smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with the elevated standards that set Vandelay apart.

Core Responsibilities

• Support the General Manager in leading, coaching, and developing a high-performing team that embodies Vandelay’s culture and hospitality standards.

• Lead daily floor operations with confidence and professionalism, ensuring seamless service and a consistently elevated guest experience.

• Model warm, polished hospitality and empower team members to create memorable moments for guests.

• Respond to guest concerns with professionalism and a solutions-focused mindset, turning challenges into opportunities to exceed expectations.

• Assist with training, onboarding, and continuous development of team members, ensuring strong performance and adherence to VHG standards.

• Help oversee scheduling, shift planning, and labor management to balance business needs with staffing efficiency.

• Maintain vibrant floor presence by supporting service teams, reinforcing standards, and ensuring exceptional pacing, execution, and communication.

• Support the monitoring and achievement of key financial metrics, including labor, inventory, COGS, and operational efficiencies.

• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards across all areas of the restaurant.

• Partner with culinary leadership to ensure menu execution, product quality, and presentation meet Vandelay expectations.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and all local, state, and federal regulations.

• Assist with inventory management, purchasing, and proper storage and rotation of products to ensure quality and cost control.

• Help maintain the physical and aesthetic upkeep of the restaurant, ensuring a polished and inviting environment for guests and team members.

• Lead pre-shift meetings and support communication between front-of-house, back-of-house, and leadership teams.

• Use guest feedback and real-time observations to drive continuous improvement in service, hospitality, and operational flow.

• Uphold disciplinary protocols with fairness and consistency, supporting a culture of accountability and growth.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's Degree in Restaurant / Hospitality Management or similar field of study strongly preferred

• 2+ years of full-service restaurant experience preferred, but not required

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays 

• Trustworthy, detail-obsessed and open to constructive feedback

• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal 

• Desire and natural ability to with our engage guests, exuding an infectious commitment to guest service at all times 

Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available

• Paid Time Off 

• Dining discounts at all Vandelay Companies concepts

• Professional development and career growth

• Robust Manager in Training program

• All Vandelay restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family 

• A collaborative, uplifting culture where we take care of our guests by taking care of our people first

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time

If you’re a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to grow with a company that values hospitality and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you!

Vandelay Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.