General Manager - Bakery Café & Restaurant Concept

Job Description Job Description A growing French-inspired bakery café and full-service restaurant concept is seeking a hands-on General Manager to lead all aspects of daily operations. This is a unique opportunity to become the foundational leader of a newly acquired location, responsible for building culture, developing teams, driving financial performance, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences. The ideal candidate is an energetic, service-focused operator who leads from the floor, thrives in a high-volume environment, and is passionate about team development and operational excellence. This role oversees the Assistant Manager and Assistant General Manager while partnering closely with the Director of Operations to establish and maintain best-in-class standards. Key Responsibilities Financial Management * Drive sales growth while managing food, labor, packaging, and operating costs. * Ensure accurate completion of payroll, inventory, reporting, and administrative functions. * Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to maximize profitability. * Maintain strong cost controls and operational efficiencies. Operations & Guest Experience * Oversee all daily restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, cleanliness, and service standards. * Lead shifts and actively participate in service execution. * Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally to create loyal repeat guests. * Maintain restaurant appearance, equipment, facilities, and overall brand standards. * Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety regulations, and sanitation requirements. Food Safety & Quality * Maintain the highest standards of food preparation, handling, and sanitation. * Manage ordering, receiving, inventory controls, and waste reduction initiatives. * Ensure consistent execution of established menu and recipe standards. Team Leadership & Development * Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop managers and hourly team members. * Conduct performance evaluations and establish clear development plans. * Maintain staffing levels that support business demands and service expectations. * Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and hospitality excellence. Administrative & Compliance * Manage scheduling, labor planning, reporting, and personnel documentation. * Ensure workplace safety and proper incident reporting procedures. * Keep senior leadership informed of operational opportunities, challenges, and successes. Qualifications * 3+ years of General Manager experience in a full-service restaurant, café, bakery café, or upscale fast-casual concept. * Strong understanding of restaurant P&L management, labor controls, inventory, and operational systems. * Proven success leading and developing management teams and hourly staff. * Hands-on leadership style with strong guest engagement skills. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office and restaurant management systems. * Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) required. * Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered. * Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check. Compensation & Benefits * Base Salary: $75,000 - $80,000 annually * Competitive compensation aligned with the Texas full-service café and bakery market * Opportunity to lead a flagship location for a growing franchise group * Career advancement opportunities within an expanding organization Concept Details * French-inspired bakery café with full-service dining * Open-kitchen environment * Approximately 74 seats (indoor and outdoor dining) * Hands-on leadership culture where managers actively participate in service * Operating seven days per week Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed. Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.