Restaurant General Manager

General Manager

One of Columbus' most exciting and acclaimed dining destinations, is seeking an experienced and passionate General Manager to lead our team. This role is responsible for the overall leadership, financial performance, guest experience, and operational excellence of a high-volume, upscale restaurant.

The General Manager serves as the face of the restaurant, leading a talented management team and service staff while creating memorable guest experiences, driving profitability, and maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. This position requires a hands-on leader with strong business acumen, a passion for food and beverage, and the ability to inspire excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Operations & Guest Experience

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all front-of-house operations while partnering closely with culinary leadership.
• Ensure exceptional execution of service standards and maintain a culture of hospitality excellence.
• Maintain a strong presence on the floor during service, engaging with guests and fostering lasting relationships with regular clientele.
• Lead guest recovery efforts and proactively resolve issues to ensure an outstanding dining experience.
• Ensure seamless communication and collaboration between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, maintenance, and operational execution throughout the restaurant.

Financial & Business Performance

• Lead all aspects of a busy operation with full accountability for revenue growth, profitability, and financial performance.
• Analyze P&L statements, labor reports, sales trends, and key performance metrics to drive business decisions.
• Develop and execute strategies to maximize revenue while maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction.
• Manage labor, scheduling, inventory controls, purchasing procedures, and cost containment initiatives.
• Ensure proper cash-handling procedures and financial controls are consistently followed.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing management and service team.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and leadership development for managers, supervisors, and hourly team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and hospitality.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to support individual and team success.
• Lead by example through visibility, engagement, and a hands-on leadership style.

Beverage & Hospitality Leadership

• Oversee and support a sophisticated beverage program, including wine, spirits, beer, and cocktail offerings.
• Partner with beverage leadership to enhance guest experiences and drive beverage sales.
• Maintain a strong understanding of food, wine, and service trends within the upscale dining segment.
• Ensure managers and service teams are knowledgeable and confident in all menu and beverage offerings.

Standards, Compliance & Systems

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, health department regulations, labor laws, and alcohol service requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to payroll, scheduling, employee relations, and operational reporting.
• Execute and reinforce all service standards, SOPs, training programs, and company initiatives.
• Drive consistency and operational excellence across every aspect of the guest experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience as a General Manager or Assistant General Manager in an upscale, chef-driven, or high-volume restaurant environment.
• Proven experience leading operations generating $5+ in annual revenue.
• Strong beverage knowledge, including wine, spirits, cocktails, and beer programs.
• Level One Sommelier certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of upscale dining service standards and guest expectations.
• Demonstrated success leading large teams in a fast-paced, hospitality-focused environment.
• Strong financial acumen, including labor management, forecasting, inventory controls, and P&L analysis.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and guest engagement skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• Dining privileges and discounts
• Career growth opportunities within a growing hospitality organization