General Manager - Iconic Live Music Venue & Full-Service Restaurant

Job Description

Job Description

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the opening of a renowned live entertainment venue and full-service restaurant in New York City. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in launching a high-energy hospitality concept that combines elevated food and beverage service with live performances in a vibrant, guest-focused atmosphere.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator with opening experience and a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. While experience in a music venue is a plus, it is not required. We are looking for someone with outstanding restaurant operations expertise, a strong eye for hospitality, and the ability to build a successful operation from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Lead all pre-opening and opening activities for the venue.
• Coordinate vendor selection, purchasing, deliveries, and operational setup.
• Manage licensing, permits, inspections, and opening compliance requirements.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop both management and hourly team members.
• Establish and maintain exceptional service standards throughout the operation.
• Collaborate on the development and execution of a creative bar program, including beverage presentation and glassware selection.
• Oversee daily restaurant and bar operations to ensure an exceptional guest experience.
• Manage labor, scheduling, inventory, food and beverage costs, and overall financial performance.
• Create a positive, energetic culture focused on hospitality, teamwork, and accountability.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and operational excellence.
• Partner with ownership and leadership to execute the vision for the venue and drive long-term success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of General Manager experience in a high-volume full-service restaurant, upscale casual, or hospitality concept.
• Previous restaurant opening experience is required , including:
• • Setting up vendors and supplier relationships
  • Managing permits and licensing processes
  • Hiring, onboarding, and training an opening team
• Strong food and beverage knowledge with experience overseeing bar operations.
• A creative eye for beverage presentation, bar aesthetics, and guest experience, including glassware selection and bar design details.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, labor management, and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $85,000–$95,000 annually
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health benefits
• Paid time off
• Career growth opportunities
• The opportunity to lead the launch of a landmark hospitality destination

Ideal Background

Candidates with leadership experience in high-volume full-service restaurants, upscale casual dining, cocktail bars, hotel food and beverage operations, entertainment venues, or hospitality-driven concepts are encouraged to apply. Experience opening new restaurants or hospitality venues is highly preferred. While a background in live music or entertainment venues is a plus, the primary focus is on operational excellence, outstanding service standards, a strong food and beverage program, and successful pre-opening execution .

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.