FOH Manager

The Spoke & Bird — South Loop (and Pilsen), Chicago, IL

Full-Time • Hourly / Salary (based on experience)

Experience: Prior FOH leadership required

Before We Go Any Further:

If your plan is to hit "Quick Apply" with zero context, no note, and no sense of why you’re actually applying... this probably isn't the role for you. Hospitality starts with communication, and—shocker—we take that pretty seriously around here.

If, however, you enjoy leading people, setting standards, and creating an environment where guests want to hang out (and staff actually want to stay), keep scrolling.

Who We Are

Spoke & Bird is a WBE-owned, farm-to-table hospitality group built around scratch cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and total operational transparency. We’re intentional about how we run our kitchens and our dining rooms, and we believe strong, joyful leadership up front makes everything work better behind the scenes.

We’re a small, growing team running a vibrant South Loop location (plus our Pilsen spot).

What We’re About

We started Spoke & Bird with three guiding principles:

• Source responsibly: Local, sustainable, and supportive of urban farmers.
• Operate transparently: Open kitchens, open books, open conversations.
• Value our staff: Fair pay, real expectations, flexibility, and long-term opportunity.

The Role: FOH Manager

This is a hands-on, high-energy leadership position for someone who balances warmth with structure, and hospitality with accountability. As our FOH Manager, you are the crucial bridge between our kitchen, our staff, and our dining room.

You will be primarily responsible for:

• Building the Team (Screening & Selection): You are the gatekeeper of our culture. A massive part of this role is actively screening, interviewing, and selecting top-tier candidates who fit our ethos.

• Training & Development: Transforming good hires into a great team. You will lead the onboarding process and provide ongoing mentorship to ensure the FOH staff feels confident and supported.

• Quality Control (The Pass & The Bar): You are the final set of eyes. You will work closely with the kitchen to ensure the quality, presentation, and consistency of every food and drink item leaving the line meets our exacting standards before it reaches the guest.

• Driving the Guest Experience: Creating a customer service environment that feels personal, upbeat, and highly attentive, stepping in to turn first-time visitors into regulars.

• Holding the Line: Overseeing daily operational flow, cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and food safety standards. You'll coach staff, enforce proper hospitality, and keep shifts running like a well-oiled machine.

Why This Role Is Actually Different (The Perks & The Punch)

• The Best "Office" in Chicago: We boast a massive, lush outdoor courtyard. Thanks to Chicago's stubborn resilience (and our outdoor setup), you get to work outside about 3/4 of the year. Bye-bye, soul-sucking fluorescent lighting.

• No Red Tape, Zero Micromanagement: We have very few levels of management. You won't have to wait for three corporate sign-offs just to implement a good idea. We trust adults to act like adults—and we back them up.

• Massive Upside for the Curious: If you’re the type of person who takes initiative, asks smart questions, and actively tries to make things better, there is room to grow here. We love ambitious people and reward curiosity.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven FOH leadership experience (AGM, FOH Manager or strong FOH lead ready to step up).

• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, interviewing, and rigorously training staff.

• A sharp eye for detail—you know when a plate, a coffee, or a cocktail isn't up to standard before it ever hits the tray.

• Strong communication skills, high emotional intelligence, and a sense of humor.

• A calm, confident presence during the 11:00 AM weekend brunch rush.

• Someone who leads by example, earns respect through consistency, and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves.

• A genuine interest in good food, great drinks, and cool people.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Salary (based on experience)

• Health Insurance

• Commuter Benefits

• Bonus Potential

• Dining Discounts (eat good food)

• Massive Courtyard Sunshine (Seasonal, but glorious)

How to Apply

We keep things intentional. Skip the generic resume drop and hit our link:

Apply Here via Google Form >> t.ly/RFFgF 

Include your work history and a short introduction. Tell us why this role caught your eye, what kind of leader you strive to be, and your favorite spot in Chicago on a sunny day.

If you care deeply about hospitality, love developing teams, and want to help shape the guest experience at a growing, values-driven restaurant group, we’d love to meet you.

Compensation Details Compensation: Competitive Salary + Bonus