General Manager for new Arcade Bar Restaurant

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nGENERAL MANAGER WANTEDLife Bar Arcade — Schaumburg, IL Full-Time | General Management | Bar Restaurant Arcade Live Entertainment ABOUT LIFE BAR ARCADE Life Bar Arcade is a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, created by a professional retro game collector and restorer with a passion for bringing people together through great experiences. We combine 60+ classic arcades, pinballs, and retro gaming consoles—all set to Free Play—with two full bars, great food, live bands, DJs, tournaments, private events, and more. We're not just a bar, and we're not just an arcade. We're a destination where people can relive their favorite gaming memories, discover something new, enjoy live entertainment, and have a genuinely great time. Our operating philosophy is simple: Treat people like adults, build a great team, and create an environment where both staff and customers want to return. We have no traditional table service. Guests order directly through the bar, allowing us to focus on efficient, bartender-driven service without unnecessary layers of service. We believe in treating our employees with respect, giving them the tools to succeed, and expecting them to take pride in their work. We're looking for an experienced General Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day operation of Life Bar Arcade and help us continue building something exceptional. THE OPPORTUNITY This is an opportunity for a seasoned hospitality professional who wants to play a meaningful role in operating and growing a unique entertainment business. As General Manager, you will be responsible for the overall performance of Life Bar Arcade, including operations, staff, service, food and beverage, entertainment, events, financial performance, and facility management. You'll work directly with the owner to establish priorities, implement systems, solve problems, and ensure the business operates safely, efficiently, profitably, and consistently. We're looking for someone who can take ownership—not someone who needs to be told what to do at every turn. You should be comfortable making decisions, holding yourself and others accountable, identifying problems before they become emergencies, and treating the business as though its success genuinely matters to you. WHAT MAKES LIFE BAR DIFFERENT?60+ classic arcade games, pinballs, and retro gaming consoles.All games are set to Free Play.Two full bars and a food operation.Live bands, DJs, karaoke, and tournaments.Private parties and special events.A unique atmosphere that blends nostalgia, gaming, music, and nightlife.A service model built around efficient, bartender-focused operations.An owner who understands the hospitality industry and values happy staff, sensible systems, and a positive workplace. If you grew up playing more Zelda than football, know your way around a pinball machine, or simply love creating memorable experiences for people, you'll probably feel at home here. POSITION SUMMARY The General Manager is responsible for the overall operation, financial performance, staffing, guest experience, and continued development of Life Bar Arcade. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong hospitality experience, sound business judgment, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to lead a diverse team in a busy, entertainment-driven environment. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable reviewing financial reports, coaching a bartender, resolving a customer complaint, coordinating a private party, troubleshooting an operational issue, or jumping behind the bar when necessary. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES1. GENERAL OPERATIONS & LEADERSHIPTake ownership of the overall day-to-day operation of Life Bar Arcade.Ensure the venue operates safely, efficiently, consistently, and according to established standards.Oversee opening and closing procedures.Conduct daily operational walkthroughs, identifying staffing, maintenance, cleanliness, and service needs.Serve as the primary operational leader and escalation point during business hours.Establish priorities and ensure assigned projects are completed.Develop and maintain effective operating procedures and checklists.Create a positive, professional, and productive work environment.Lead by example and maintain a hands-on presence during service.Identify operational problems proactively and implement practical solutions.Communicate important operational issues and recommendations to the owner. 2. STAFFING, HR & TEAM DEVELOPMENTRecruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, and retain qualified employees.Manage staffing levels and ensure appropriate coverage for business volume.Create and maintain employee schedules, including shift coverage and backup plans.Coordinate payroll and maintain accurate employee timekeeping.Train, coach, and develop management and hourly employees.Establish clear expectations for performance, conduct, and customer service.Conduct employee performance reviews.Address performance issues fairly, consistently, and professionally.Document disciplinary matters and manage terminations when necessary.Identify and develop employees for advancement.Conduct staff meetings and management meetings.Maintain employee morale, accountability, and teamwork.Enforce company policies, handbook requirements, and applicable employment regulations.Develop and maintain a strong management/MOD team capable of operating independently. 3. BAR OPERATIONSMaintain drink recipes, preparation standards, and consistency.Develop and implement drink specials and beverage promotions.Ensure appropriate bar staffing and efficient service.Train bartenders in recipes, service standards, POS procedures, and responsible alcohol service.Maintain bar cleanliness, organization, and product quality.Monitor beverage costs, waste, and inventory.Ensure compliance with applicable liquor laws and company policies.Evaluate beverage offerings and make recommendations for improvement. 4. KITCHEN & FOOD OPERATIONSMaintain food quality, consistency, and presentation.Monitor ticket times and kitchen efficiency.Ensure proper food preparation, portioning, and recipe adherence.Be capable of performing essential kitchen functions when needed.Train and oversee kitchen staff.Maintain food safety and sanitation standards.Monitor food inventory, ordering, waste, and product quality.Coordinate kitchen staffing with business volume and event requirements.Identify opportunities to improve menu offerings, execution, and profitability. 5. CUSTOMER SERVICE & GUEST EXPERIENCEMaintain high standards of customer service throughout the venue.Respond to customer inquiries by phone, email, and other communication channels.Resolve customer complaints professionally, courteously, and efficiently.Handle difficult guest situations using sound judgment and de-escalation skills.Monitor online reviews and coordinate appropriate responses.Ensure the atmosphere, music, lighting, temperature, cleanliness, and overall environment meet company standards.Maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for guests.Ensure customer-facing policies and procedures are communicated and consistently enforced. 6. EVENTS, PRIVATE PARTIES & ENTERTAINMENTCreate, coordinate, and execute private parties and special events.Manage private and full-venue rentals.Communicate with event clients regarding menus, layouts, schedules, and requirements.Coordinate event staffing, setup, execution, and teardown.Ensure events are properly promoted and operationally prepared.Manage the entertainment calendar.Coordinate band, DJ, karaoke, and other performer bookings.Maintain communication with performers and entertainment partners.Oversee event-day entertainment logistics.Coordinate sound management and stage operations.Evaluate event performance and profitability.Develop opportunities to increase private-party and event revenue. 7. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & PROFITABILITYTake responsibility for the financial performance of the business.Review daily sales and operating results.Monitor sales by department, including bar, kitchen, admissions, and events.Analyze food and beverage COGS.Monitor labor costs and staffing efficiency.Maintain appropriate product pricing and margins.Monitor discounts, comps, voids, refunds, and other revenue adjustments.Review waste and identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary costs.Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.Review weekly and monthly financial performance.Identify underperforming products, services, or events.Evaluate event profitability.Prepare regular financial and operational reports for the owner.Recommend improvements to increase revenue, control costs, and improve profitability. 8. INVENTORY, PURCHASING & VENDOR MANAGEMENTManage food, beverage, paper goods, cleaning supplies, and general operating inventory.Establish and maintain appropriate inventory par levels.Place product and supply orders.Coordinate vendor deliveries and verify received products.Perform regular inventory counts.Monitor product shortages, overstocking, spoilage, and waste.Maintain accurate inventory records.Build and maintain productive vendor relationships.Negotiate pricing and terms when authorized.Identify alternative vendors and products when appropriate.Review invoices for accuracy and coordinate accounts payable. 9. FACILITIES, ARCADE & EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENTMaintain the overall condition, cleanliness, and functionality of the venue.Identify and prioritize maintenance and repair needs.Coordinate repairs and service calls for building systems and equipment.Monitor kitchen, bar, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration issues.Coordinate maintenance of arcade games, pinball machines, and gaming equipment.Coordinate sound, lighting, and stage equipment maintenance.Maintain preventive maintenance schedules.Coordinate with landlords, contractors, and repair vendors.Monitor furniture, fixtures, restrooms, and guest-facing facilities.Ensure equipment and facility issues are documented and addressed promptly. 10. MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTExecute owner-approved marketing initiatives.Coordinate promotional efforts for events, live music, tournaments, and private parties.Work with marketing partners on social media and promotional campaigns.Ensure website and event calendars remain accurate and current.Coordinate in-house signage and promotional materials.Support email and SMS marketing initiatives.Identify opportunities to increase traffic during slower periods.Monitor the effectiveness of promotions and provide feedback.Develop ideas to grow revenue, memberships, events, and repeat visitation. 11. POS, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGYMaintain and update POS programming.Manage menu items, pricing, modifiers, and promotional buttons.Program discounts and promotional offers.Ensure POS systems accurately reflect current products and pricing.Monitor POS reporting and identify discrepancies.Troubleshoot basic POS and technology issues.Coordinate with POS and technology vendors.Maintain accurate operational records and reporting systems. 12. SECURITY, SAFETY & COMPLIANCEEnsure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.Maintain responsible alcohol service and ID-checking procedures.Enforce security and guest safety policies.Manage customer and employee incidents appropriately.Document incidents and communicate significant issues to the owner.Maintain food safety and sanitation compliance.Ensure fire and life-safety procedures are followed.Maintain required licenses, postings, and operational documentation.Support compliance related to gaming and slot-machine operations.Coordinate inspections and address compliance issues.Maintain appropriate employee safety and incident-reporting procedures. 13. OWNER COMMUNICATION & ACCOUNTABILITYProvide regular updates regarding sales, staffing, inventory, maintenance, events, and operational concerns.Maintain a weekly management report.Communicate problems promptly rather than allowing them to escalate.Recommend operational improvements and business opportunities.Execute owner-approved initiatives and projects.Maintain accountability for agreed-upon goals and deadlines.Operate with the judgment, initiative, and ownership expected of a senior management professional. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORRequired QualificationsMinimum 5 years of hospitality management experience, preferably in a high-volume bar, restaurant, entertainment venue, or similar operation.Demonstrated experience managing both front-of-house and back-of-house operations.Experience hiring, training, scheduling, and managing employees.Strong understanding of food and beverage operations, inventory, labor costs, and profitability.Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.Comfortable working in a hands-on operational role.Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.Ability to work effectively in a busy, loud, and fast-paced entertainment environment. Preferred QualificationsExperience with bars, restaurants, arcades, bowling, entertainment venues, or other "eatertainment" concepts.Experience managing live music, DJs, tournaments, or private events.Familiarity with POS systems and restaurant technology.Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and cost controls.Passion for arcade games, pinball, retro gaming, or entertainment culture. You don't need to be a pinball expert. But you should appreciate what makes this place special. WHY WORK AT LIFE BAR ARCADE?Competitive salary.401(k) with vested employer match.Paid time off.Paid sick leave.Food and beverage perks.A unique workplace unlike a traditional restaurant or bar.Opportunity to help shape and grow an independent entertainment business.A leadership role with meaningful operational responsibility and direct access to ownership.A team environment built around respect, accountability, and having a good time while doing great work. HOW TO APPLY If you're an experienced hospitality leader who enjoys taking ownership, building teams, solving problems, and creating memorable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and include a brief introduction telling us:Why you think you'd be a good fit for Life Bar Arcade.What type of operation you've managed and what responsibilities you owned.Something interesting about yourself that you'd like us to know.Your favorite arcade game or pinball machine—and why. We look forward to hearing from you! Life Bar Arcade Schaumburg, Illinois Benefits: 401(k) matchingPaid time off Experience: General Management: 5 years (Preferred) Work Location: In person\n\nCompany Description:\n\nLife Bar Arcade is a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, created by a professional retro game collector and restorer with a passion for bringing people together through great experiences.\n\nWe combine 60+ class