Restaurant General Manager

State College, PA

Iconic, high-volume, independently owned restaurant group in the heart of downtown State College, offering a rare opportunity to lead a historic property as it celebrates a huge milestone in 2026. Operate in a unique hybrid environment that blends the structure and best practices of larger corporate operations with the agility, autonomy, and personal touch of a family-owned company.

Compensation

• Salary: $70,000 - $85,000 per year
• Bonus opportunity (target 5–10% of base salary, paid annually)
• Full benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO policy (3 weeks of paid time off)
• Employer-provided downtown parking pass

Company Overview

We're a dynamic, high-volume, independently owned restaurant group operating seven iconic bars and restaurants in State College, PA. Our flagship concept and a beloved community institution for Penn Staters, locals, and visitors alike. We blend the best of a structured, professional operation with the feel of a family-owned business, empowering our leaders to fully own their four walls while providing strong in-house support across accounting, maintenance, and operations. We're committed to creating memorable guest experiences, investing in our people, and preserving and elevating one of State College's most historic dining destinations.

Job Summary

We're seeking an experienced and results-driven General Manager to lead our team. As General Manager, you'll own the four walls of the business—overseeing daily front- and back-of-house operations, driving sales growth, and leading a large, seasoned team to deliver exceptional guest experiences while celebrating a massive milestone in 2026, and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations, including all dining periods (breakfast on weekends, lunch, and dinner), guest experience, and staffing
• Develop and execute strategies to drive sales growth and profitability for a high-volume, $3M+ iconic State College restaurant
• Build, coach, and retain a strong management team (front-of-house and back-of-house) and a staff of 60+ team members
• Fully own the unit's P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and cost controls in partnership with the chef and support teams
• Collaborate with ownership and the Director of Operations to maintain a positive, professional culture with strong work-life balance and high engagement
• Ensure consistent execution of company standards, systems, and service expectations while honoring the property’s legacy and community presence

If you're a seasoned, high-volume restaurant leader who thrives in iconic, community-focused concepts, we want to hear from you! Apply today or send your resume directly to matt@geckohospitality.com to explore this General Manager opportunity and take your career to the next level.