Upscale General Manager

An established, upscale, chef-driven restaurant in Fayetteville is seeking a charismatic and hospitality-focused General Manager to lead its front-of-house operation.

This is an ideal opportunity for a dynamic restaurant leader who loves being on the floor, building relationships with guests, and creating an atmosphere people want to return to. We are not looking for someone who manages primarily from an office. The right General Manager will be highly visible, naturally engaging, polished, and memorable.

The restaurant offers a sophisticated food and beverage program featuring premium ingredients, handcrafted dishes, cocktails, and a carefully selected wine list.

General Manager Responsibilities

• Serve as the visible face of the restaurant and maintain a strong presence throughout service
• Build lasting relationships with regulars, first-time guests, and members of the local community
• Lead all front-of-house operations while maintaining elevated hospitality and service standards
• Hire, train, schedule, coach, and develop managers and hourly employees
• Lead pre-shift meetings and ensure the team understands the menu, wine list, and service expectations
• Create personalized guest experiences and resolve concerns with urgency and professionalism
• Monitor dining-room flow, reservations, service pacing, and overall presentation
• Partner closely with the Executive Chef to maintain strong communication between FOH and BOH
• Develop the team’s wine knowledge and ability to make thoughtful recommendations
• Drive restaurant, wine, beverage, and private-dining sales
• Manage labor, operating expenses, inventory, and other controllable costs
• Review financial performance and implement strategies that improve results
• Oversee cash handling, deposits, invoices, and administrative procedures
• Maintain compliance with alcohol-service, food-safety, sanitation, and employment requirements
• Represent the restaurant professionally within the local community
• Create an energetic, respectful, and accountable workplace culture

General Manager Qualifications

• Previous General Manager, Assistant General Manager, or senior restaurant leadership experience
• Background in upscale casual, fine dining, steakhouse, or another polished full-service concept
• Strong front-of-house and guest-relations experience
• Naturally engaging personality and polished professional presence
• Genuine passion for hospitality and building guest relationships
• Working wine knowledge with the ability to confidently recommend and sell wine
• Experience training service teams on food, wine, beverages, and hospitality standards
• Proven ability to hire, develop, motivate, and retain employees
• Understanding of restaurant financials, including labor and controllable costs
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to remain calm and highly visible during busy services
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods

Formal wine certification is not required, but candidates must be comfortable discussing wine with guests and helping them select an appropriate bottle.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a true relationship builder who thrives in the dining room. They remember names, recognize returning guests, make first-time visitors feel welcome, and bring an authentic energy to every service.

This leader will be polished without feeling scripted, financially responsible without losing sight of hospitality, and confident enough to become a recognizable part of the restaurant’s identity.