General Manager - Restaurant

General Manager – Dear CharlotteCharlotte, NC | Steele Creek$80,000–$90,000 + Bonus Opportunity | Full-TimeAbout Dear CharlotteDear Charlotte is a new Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant, bar, and event destination coming to the top floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Steele Creek.Designed as a high-energy destination with a sophisticated but approachable atmosphere, Dear Charlotte will feature Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, a cocktail-forward beverage program, and approximately 120 seats across indoor and outdoor spaces.This is an opportunity to join the concept during its opening phase and help build the restaurant from the ground up.We're looking for a General Manager who is energized by opening restaurants, building teams, creating systems, and delivering an elevated guest experience.The OpportunityAs General Manager, you will have significant ownership over the restaurant's pre-opening, launch, and ongoing operations.You will work closely with ownership and key operational partners to build the team, establish standards, create a strong culture, and position Dear Charlotte for long-term success.This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being in the operation and understands that successful openings require preparation, flexibility, and a willingness to solve problems as they arise.What You'll OwnLead Dear Charlotte through pre-opening, opening, and ongoing operationsRecruit, hire, train, and develop FOH and BOH leadership teamsBuild and establish service standards, operating procedures, and training systemsCreate a strong culture centered around hospitality, accountability, and teamworkOwn restaurant P&L performance, including labor, food cost, beverage cost, and profitabilityOversee a projected $3–4M+ annual revenue operation across dinner, brunch, private events, and other revenue opportunitiesPartner with culinary leadership to ensure consistent food quality, execution, and menu standardsLead and develop a strong beverage program with a focus on cocktail execution and bar performanceOversee scheduling, labor management, inventory, purchasing, and daily operational controlsDrive guest satisfaction, retention, VIP relationships, and service recoveryLead private events and other revenue-generating opportunitiesEstablish systems for accountability, communication, and continuous improvementNavigate the unique operational requirements of a rooftop restaurant, including a downstairs prep kitchen and rooftop finishing linePartner with hotel leadership, ownership, culinary teams, vendors, and other stakeholdersBe visible and hands-on during service, especially throughout the opening periodWhat We're Looking ForWe're looking for an experienced restaurant leader who has successfully operated in high-volume environments and understands what it takes to build something from the ground up.Required:5+ years of progressive restaurant management experiencePrevious new restaurant opening experienceExperience with full restaurant P&L ownershipProven ability to recruit, build, train, and lead high-performing teamsStrong understanding of labor, food cost, beverage cost, and operational controlsExperience leading elevated, high-volume, or beverage-forward restaurant operationsStrong guest recovery and hospitality mindsetHands-on leadership style with a willingness to be deeply involved in the operationStrong communication, organization, and problem-solving skillsIdeal experience includes:Rooftop restaurant or bar operationsHotel food & beverageFine dining or elevated casual diningCocktail-forward beverage programsPrivate dining and event operationsMulti-outlet or multi-revenue-stream environmentsWhat Makes You Successful HereThe right person for Dear Charlotte will be someone who runs toward the challenge of an opening rather than away from it.You should be comfortable building systems that don't exist yet, hiring people you've never worked with before, solving problems in real time, and creating a culture that will ultimately define the restaurant.We're looking for a leader who:Gets excited about food, beverage, and hospitalityThinks in both people and numbersCan talk comfortably about P&L, labor, costs, and revenueBuilds teams rather than simply managing schedulesUnderstands that great hospitality goes beyond good serviceTakes ownership when things go wrongIs comfortable working in a fast-moving, evolving environmentHas the energy and resilience required to open a brand-new restaurantWhy Join Dear Charlotte?Opportunity to build a restaurant from the ground upSignificant ownership and visibility with the ownership groupOpportunity to shape the team, culture, systems, and service standardsHigh-profile rooftop location in the Steele Creek marketMediterranean-inspired food and cocktail-forward beverage programOpportunity to create a destination restaurant and event spaceCompetitive salary of $80,000–$90,000 + bonus opportunityHealth benefitsPTODining perksOpportunity for long-term growth with a growing hospitality companyAbout Maya HotelsDear Charlotte is part of Maya Hotels, a growing hospitality company focused on developing and operating hotels, restaurants, and hospitality experiences.This is an opportunity to join the team at the beginning of something new and have a direct impact on what Dear Charlotte becomes.If you're an experienced restaurant leader who loves openings, building teams, developing hospitality cultures, and creating memorable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.