Restaurant General Manager

General Manager

To act as the General Manager who is responsible for supporting the mission, vision and values of First Watch Restaurants through all that he/she does in their role every day. The General Manager will work towards accomplishing stated goals and objectives to achieve desired results while focusing on the long-term profitability of the company and developing restaurant management and staff.

Responsibilities

Provide management coverage of operating hours and direct supervision of operations in an individual restaurant

Meet or exceed established sales, revenue and profitability goals, SLEBITDA movement in a positive direction

Ensure the financial integrity of all P&L statements by adhering to systems that properly track expenses and revenues that are categorized, coded and posted through control processes

Define, manage and oversee the monthly and annual sales objectives for the restaurant

Manage and ensure that all revenues, cash, credit or company collateral are properly deposited and accounted for, and are secured into the company's operating bank account

Identify and resolve sales and profit problems at the restaurant

Ensure the integrity and operational functionality of all POS and security systems and equipment

Ensure that the restaurant equipment is kept in satisfactory working order maintaining the highest degree of usability and cleanliness

Ensure company standards in product and restaurant specifications

Ensure safe working conditions as required by OSHA and federal, state and local governing bodies

Report and arrange for any necessary maintenance and repair work

Manage all internal/external communications in a timely and effective manner

Verify and complete all required paperwork on a timely basis

Supervise, guide and train team members both front of the house and back of the house to meet established objectives

Communicate with managers, hourly employees, and customers, and provide positive feedback and promote a positive image of the restaurant and good employee morale

Ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of all positions at the restaurant and proficient in performing such duties, in order to role model and teach appropriate skills and behaviors in the restaurant, and through instruction and supervision, train and develop managers and hourly employees

Train staff in all proper EOD procedures, including check out procedures

Regularly counsel and coach managers and other employees

Entrusted with decision-making authority to discipline, suspend or discharge employees as appropriate.

Evaluate managerial staff, along with the Regional Manager, with formal evaluations, and regularly evaluate managerial staff informally

Evaluate hourly staff, along with the Operations Manager, with formal evaluations, and regularly evaluate hourly staff informally

Lead and run a shift effectively and develop and train Operations Managers to do the same

Conduct and determine regular managerial staff meetings and team member meetings

Set goals and assignments for managerial and hourly team members, including recognizing good performance and coaching poor performers

Delegate management responsibilities to managerial staff and assign tasks to team members, and ensure all required responsibilities and tasks are performed and completed effectively

Execute effectively and train other managers to do the same – use of the Daily Shift Card and Red Book

Train management/staff in all proper EOD procedures, including banking

Utilize "time chit" method of daily employee performance review

Ensure maintenance of a safe and harassment free workplace

Entrusted to take quick and responsible action in solving problems and to use reason when dealing with employee disciplinary issues and handling customer complaints

Initiate and follow-up of phone call and email communications in a timely manner and as appropriate

Forecast and determine scheduling needs for the individual restaurant

Prepare and post weekly work schedules, and ensure the schedule is implemented properly

Address issues resulting from critical violations on Health or Steritech Inspections in a timely and professional manner

Safeguard all company assets, including funds, equipment, and the facility and take appropriate action as and when necessary

Accurately complete payroll, weekly, mid period and EOP administration work properly

Effectively promote First Watch outside the restaurant

Obtain and maintain safe food handler certifications

Through communication with the Operations Manager, Regional Manager and Home Office, handle customer and staff incidents, accidents, injuries and complaints in a timely and efficient manner

Regularly interview applicants for employment, make hiring decisions for the restaurant, and regularly coach and include other managers in the process

Regularly channel communication up through the Director of Operations and Regional Vice President

Ensure and maintain appropriate managerial and hourly staffing levels at the restaurant

Effectively plan and lead weekly manager meetings and monthly server meetings

Perform ongoing inspections in all areas of the restaurant and take any and all appropriate action

Ensure compliance with federal, local, and state laws, company policies and procedures

Qualifications

Staff/Budgetary Responsibilities:

The General Manager will typically have 1-2 direct reports and be responsible for a staff of up to 40 employees. The General Manager will be responsible for revenue operations in excess of one million dollars.

Additional Requirements:

A High School Diploma

Bachelors of Arts – concentration in food & beverage, business, marketing or management is preferred

Minimum three to five years of experience in a service-oriented, hospitality industry such as hotel, resort, restaurant, retail, entertainment venue preferred

Must have completed Culinary and Food Expert (CAFÉ) training program

Effective oral and written communication skills

Regularly work 50-55 hours per week

Must hold a valid driver's license and drive for company business as required

Ability to manage, lead, coach, teach and train others, including with respect to management responsibilities, culinary duties, and host and service duties

Knowledge of accounting and financial management principals with focus on budgeting and forecasting revenue goals and objectives

Human Resources management skills in employee relations, recruiting and retention and employee recognition

Ability to supervise and oversee employees in roles from entry level to mid-level management

Ability to work with no supervision and prioritize all operations of the restaurant

Ability to make difficult and quick decisions

Advanced analytical and problem solving skills

Excellent computer skills with emphasis on MS operating systems

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

Strong communication, presentation and writing skills

Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management

Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced, dynamic environment

Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively

Ability to effectively manage teams as well as work effectively as part of a team

Passion for providing excellent service and quality

Additional Physical Requirements:

Must be able to continuously see. Must be able to frequently stand, walk, view computer monitors, give & receive oral communication, bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, and discern color. Must be able to occasionally sit, drive, type, and make fine discriminations in sound

Must be able to regularly lift/carry up to 20 lbs.; occasionally lift/carry up to 40 lbs.

Must be able to do repetitive simple grasping, fine manipulation, and pushing & pulling on a frequent basis

Must be able to tolerate temporary exposure to extreme temperatures and temperature changes

Who We Are

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid's meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in our communities – raising approximately $2.3 million to date. A recipient of many "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch" awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024's #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2