Job Details

The Restaurant General Manager - Upscale Casual Concept will oversee and direct the daily operations of our American-themed restaurant in the Event Center at WEC. This role is responsible for driving exceptional guest experiences, maximizing profitability, and ensuring the highest operational standards. The General Manager will build and lead a team dedicated to delivering unparalleled service, while promoting a warm, dynamic, and quality-driven atmosphere that aligns with the World Equestrian Center's values of Quality Class and Distinction.

This position will be the opening General Manager for the Upscale Casual concept at the Event Center. Qualified candidates MUST have experience in opening new restaurants.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Guest Experience Focus: Cultivate and maintain an exceptional guest experience through personalized service, anticipating guest needs, and addressing concerns swiftly to turn first-time visitors into repeat guests.
• VIP Guest Relations: Manage the interactions and experiences of high-profile guests, ensuring their expectations are exceeded and providing a personalized touch to their dining experience.
• Financial Oversight: Monitor and control operational expenses, including food, beverage, labor, and supply costs, ensuring alignment with budget goals and financial targets.
• Staff Scheduling: Create and manage efficient front-of-house staff schedules, ensuring optimal staffing levels based on forecasted business volume while maintaining compliance with labor laws and budgetary constraints.
• Payroll Management: Oversee and manage payroll for front-of-house staff, ensuring accurate and timely processing, adherence to labor budgets, and compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor front-of-house staff to uphold the highest service standards. Foster a positive, high-energy work culture where team members are encouraged to excel and feel valued.
• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory management and ordering, ensuring that stock levels meet operational needs while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
• Operational Excellence: Enforce health, safety, and sanitation protocols, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Special Event Planning: Conceptualize, plan, and execute special holiday events and private dining experiences that drive revenue while creating memorable moments for guests.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee daily operations, from staffing and scheduling to maintaining cleanliness and ensuring a seamless service experience. Lead by example with hands-on support when needed.
• Staff Compliance: Ensure that all staff members are fully trained on safe food handling, alcohol service compliance, and all restaurant policies.
• Menu Planning & Innovation: Collaborate with culinary teams to assist in menu creation, develop innovative meal specials, and introduce exciting new beverage offerings.
• Guest Feedback: Actively listen to guest feedback, investigating and resolving concerns regarding food quality and/or service, and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Continuous Improvement: Develop and implement strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and achieve operational excellence. Regularly review performance metrics and adjust approaches to meet targets.
• Flexibility & Availability: Be available for work outside of regular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the restaurant.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly identify and resolve operational challenges while maintaining service quality.
• Delegation & Efficiency: Skilled at managing multiple tasks, delegating effectively, and ensuring efficiency in all restaurant operations.
• Leadership: Strong communication and leadership abilities, with the capacity to motivate and inspire a team.
• Trend Awareness: Up-to-date knowledge of the latest food and beverage trends, with a passion for creativity in beverage offerings and dining experiences.
• Financial Acumen: Experience managing a budget, controlling costs, and driving revenue growth.
• Guest-Centric: Strong focus on delivering exceptional guest service and fostering a culture of hospitality.
• Tech Savvy: Familiarity with various computer systems, including POS, Microsoft Office, and team communication tools (e.g., MS Teams).

Education and Experience:

• 5+ Years of Experience: Proven track record in food and beverage management, preferably in a high volume, upscale setting.
• Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on guest interactions and team collaboration.
• Technical Expertise: Proficient in restaurant operations, including food cost management, inventory control, safety, sanitation, and compliance.
• Private Dining and Event Expertise: Experience in planning and executing private dining events and catering functions.
• Certifications: ServSafe Certification and Alcohol Compliance Certification required.

Physical Requirements:

To succeed in this role, you must be able to:

• Stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and occasionally lift heavy objects as part of daily operational duties.
• Communicate effectively with team members and guests in both written and verbal forms.
• Have a strong presence in the restaurant, ensuring service standards and cleanliness are consistently upheld.

About Us:

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to creating memorable guest experiences and a welcoming, positive work environment. We offer a supportive atmosphere that encourages a healthy work-life balance and provides opportunities for professional growth.

We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All applicants will be required to undergo a background check as part of the hiring process.

This job description serves as a general guide for the responsibilities and qualifications required for the role. It does not encompass all tasks the General Manager may be required to perform, as responsibilities may evolve to meet the needs of the business.