General Manager

Opening General Manager for Drake’s Scottsdale

About Vandelay Companies

For over a decade, Vandelay has defined what it means to deliver iconic, enduring hospitality experiences. With a growing portfolio of distinctive brands and markets nationwide, we are driven by a passion for craftsmanship, connection, and the pursuit of excellence. Every Vandelay concept celebrates the spirit of American dining: timeless spaces, genuine warmth, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that leaves a lasting impression on every guest who walks through our doors.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an Opening General Manager to lead the launch of Drake’s Scottsdale, a highly anticipated expansion for Vandelay Companies. This is a rare opportunity to build a restaurant from the ground up, shaping the team, culture, and guest experience from day one.

As an Opening GM, you will play a pivotal role in bringing this concept to life. You will partner closely with senior leadership through pre-opening and beyond, driving hiring, training, and operational setup while establishing the standard for excellence that defines Drake’s. This is more than a leadership position. It is an opportunity to leave your mark on a flagship opening and build something enduring in a new market.

At Vandelay, we are deeply committed to growth, both for our company and our people. Many of our senior leaders began as General Managers, and those who excel have clear visibility into Director and multi-unit career paths. You will be given the tools, mentorship, and exposure to build a long-term career with a company that rewards initiative, performance, and passion for hospitality.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team that embodies Vandelay’s culture, values, and standards of exceptional hospitality.
• Create memorable dining experiences by exceeding guest expectations and demonstrating a genuine love for the art of hospitality.
• Foster a high-energy, service-oriented environment, modeling Vandelay’s standards of excellence and motivating your team to uphold them.
• Respond to guest concerns (both written and verbal) with professionalism, creativity, and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Oversee all daily operations with precision, ensuring seamless service, polished execution, and a consistently elevated guest experience.
• Drive financial performance by developing accurate forecasts and budgets, monitoring key metrics, and achieving labor, COGS, and profitability goals.
• Analyze monthly P&L statements, clearly articulate fluctuations, and present action plans during leadership meetings.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain exceptional talent, maintaining accurate training records and leading effective orientations that reinforce Vandelay culture and expectations.
• Build a strong leadership bench by coaching managers and supporting ongoing growth, development, and succession planning.
• Create and execute initiatives that increase sales, profitability, and guest check average through community engagement and smart business strategies.
• Uphold rigorous operational standards across service, culinary execution, sanitation, cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure all food and beverage products are consistently prepared and served according to Vandelay’s recipes, portioning, and presentation standards.
• Oversee accurate purchasing, correct invoicing, and proper storage and rotation of all products to ensure freshness, quality, and cost control.
• Maintain the aesthetic and physical upkeep of the restaurant, both inside and outside, ensuring a polished and inviting environment.
• Ensure all restaurant paperwork (including daily reports, payroll, purchase orders, and HR documentation) is completed accurately and on time.
• Identify and respond to safety hazards promptly, ensuring a safe working environment and adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead weekly manager meetings and participate in scheduled GM meetings to communicate updates, align on goals, and strengthen team cohesion.
• Use guest feedback and reviews to drive continuous improvement, implementing action-based strategies that elevate the guest experience.
• Apply fair, consistent disciplinary actions aligned with Vandelay’s standards and protocols.
• Serve as an ambassador of Vandelay Companies, upholding the company’s mission and fostering a culture of growth, excellence, and hospitality.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's Degree in Restaurant / Hospitality Management or similar field of study strongly preferred
• 2+ years of General Manager experience in a full-service high volume operation
• 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 Hospitality Group concepts
• Professional development and career growth
• Robust 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.