Restaurant General Manager

General Manager – West Lake, OH area

Are you a high-energy, hands-on restaurant leader who is ready to step into a General Manager role—not simply because you're next in line, but because you've earned it through results? An established, growing BBQ restaurant group is seeking a General Manager-ready leader to join its Cleveland area operations. This role is designed for an ambitious operator who is eager to learn from one of the company's top-performing General Managers before taking over a restaurant. Candidates must be passionate about food, training, operational excellence, and building high-performing teams in a high-volume, full-service restaurant environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Strong Base salary (higher for exceptional candidates)
• Quarterly performance bonus based on EBITDA
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation/PTO
• 401(k)
• Employee dining privileges
• Uniform reimbursement
• Technology/phone reimbursement
• Wellness reimbursement
• Competitive dining reimbursement
• Outstanding long-term career growth with a company that promotes from within

Position Overview

The selected candidate will complete an initial Management in Training program in the Cleveland area , followed by continued development under one of the company's top General Managers before assuming leadership of a restaurant within the market. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated leader who is patient, coachable, and committed to mastering every aspect of restaurant operations before taking ownership of a location.

General Manager Requirements

• Current Restaurant General Manager or highly promotable Assistant General Manager experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant
• Proven success leading both Front-of-House and Back-of-House operations
• Hands-on leadership style that leads by example while effectively communicating, coaching, and developing the team
• Passion for restaurant training and creating future leaders
• High energy, confidence, and a self-starting mentality
• Firm but fair leadership style that creates accountability while maintaining a fun, positive culture
• Strong understanding of food quality, scratch kitchen execution, and guest experience
• Financial acumen including P&L management, labor controls, food cost, inventory, and operational metrics
• Experience with EcoSure standards, food safety, sanitation, and ServSafe certification
• Comfortable working weekends, evenings, and holiday periods, including peak BBQ holidays
• Ability to build credibility with experienced Back-of-House teams through authentic leadership
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work throughout the Cleveland area during the training and development period

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Leadership-focused communicator who inspires and develops others
• Hungry for advancement and long-term career growth
• Understands operational excellence drives guest satisfaction and financial success
• Comfortable developing newer managers while partnering with experienced kitchen leaders
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environments
• Patient, coachable, and committed to mastering the company's operations before assuming full General Manager responsibility
• This opportunity is ideal for a proven restaurant leader seeking a long-term career with a company that invests heavily in training, promotes from within whenever possible, and rewards operational excellence with strong compensation, performance bonuses, and outstanding advancement opportunities.