Restaurant General Manager

Location: San Francisco, CA

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Compensation: Base salary $120,000 per year + performance bonus (up to 15–20% based on KPIs) + excellent benefits package

About the Restaurant

We are a historic, full-service waterfront restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, celebrated for exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and breathtaking bay views. Our iconic location offers panoramic sights of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands.

Renowned for elevated fine dining, a vibrant oyster bar, fresh seafood, and an outstanding fine wine program, we honor classic San Francisco traditions while delivering memorable dining experiences for today’s guests. We take pride in our diverse team and are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where talent and passion thrive.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to lead our high-volume, destination waterfront restaurant. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hospitality professional who excels in fine dining, seafood-forward menus, wine service, and exceptional guest experiences.

Reporting directly to ownership, the General Manager will have full oversight of daily operations, financial performance, team leadership, and guest satisfaction while upholding the highest standards of food quality, service, and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop a large front-of-house team (50+ members depending on season), including managers, service professionals, and support staff.
• Take full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and strict food and beverage cost controls.
• Deliver consistently outstanding guest experiences across the dining room, oyster bar, bar, and lounge areas.
• Partner closely with culinary and beverage teams to maintain excellence in food quality, seafood handling, wine service, and presentation.
• Set and uphold elevated service standards appropriate for a fine-dining destination restaurant.
• Drive strong performance across key metrics: guest satisfaction, profitability, team retention, and reputation.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain top hospitality talent while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, liquor licensing, and all local regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with ownership on strategic initiatives, marketing, seasonal programming, private dining, and special events.
• Protect and elevate the restaurant’s legacy while embracing innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive management experience in full-service or fine-dining restaurants, ideally in high-volume or tourism-driven environments.
• Proven track record as a General Manager or senior restaurant leader in a major metropolitan market.
• Strong financial acumen with demonstrated success managing P&L performance.
• Deep knowledge of seafood operations, fine wine programs, and elevated service standards.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and guest-relations skills.
• Ability to lead with professionalism, warmth, and accountability in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• ServSafe and responsible beverage service certifications (or willingness to obtain).
• Proficiency with modern POS systems, inventory management, and scheduling platforms.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary of $120,000 per year
• Performance-based bonus of 15–20% based on KPIs
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Dining and beverage discounts
• The opportunity to lead a historic, high-profile waterfront dining destination in one of the world’s most iconic cities
• Supportive ownership and a passionate team dedicated to excellence