Restaurant General Manager

Downtown Chicago

$85K ++

Role Overview

You will lead the daily operations of our dynamic, three-meal restaurant and full-service bar. Your role exists to ensure seamless service across breakfast, lunch, and dinner shifts while driving profitability, maintaining high quality standards, and building a high-performing team. You will support both front-of-house and back-of-house staff, creating a collaborative environment that delivers an exceptional experience for every guest.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end guest experience across all service periods (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bar), addressing concerns promptly and ensuring consistent satisfaction.
• Manage the restaurant's financial performance, including P&L oversight, labor cost control, and operating expenses.
• Recruit, train, and mentor a diverse team of servers, bartenders, hosts, and support staff to uphold our service standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and Bar Manager to align on menu rollouts, daily specials, and smooth kitchen-to-table operations.
• Develop and manage optimal staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours while controlling labor costs.
• Oversee inventory management for the bar and front-of-house supplies, minimizing waste and maintaining accurate counts.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation guidelines, maintaining a secure environment for both staff and guests.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing sales data and guest feedback to implement operational enhancements.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in the restaurant industry.
• 3+ years of experience as a General Manager in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Proven track record of managing a P&L and controlling labor and beverage/food costs.
• Current food safety and alcohol service certifications (e.g., ServSafe, TIPS).
• Flexible schedule availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays to cover a three-meal operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience managing a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Familiarity with modern restaurant management software, POS systems, and reservation platforms.
• Bilingual abilities (English and Spanish) to effectively communicate with a diverse workforce.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication
• Financial acumen and analytical thinking
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving
• Adaptability under pressure
• Empathetic leadership and team building
• Time management and organization

What Success Looks Like

• 30 Days: You have built rapport with the management team and staff, mastered our POS and scheduling systems, and understand the flow of all three daily meal services.
• 60 Days: You have taken full ownership of the P&L, optimized staff scheduling to reduce unnecessary labor costs, and implemented a continuous training plan for front-of-house staff.
• 90 Days: You have measurably improved guest satisfaction scores, achieved target beverage and labor cost percentages, and established a seamless operational rhythm between the kitchen, bar, and dining room.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus structure
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Complimentary shift meals and family dining discounts
• Ongoing professional development and leadership training

How to Apply

Please submit your resume to jay@geckohospitality.com for immediate review and consideration.