Overview:
A new, thoughtfully conceived restaurant in Dallas is seeking a passionate and experienced General Manager to help launch and lead its inaugural opening. This concept will blend exceptional food, warm service, and a distinctive wine retail component. This is a rare opportunity to shape the culture and operations of a business from the ground up—working in close partnership with hands-on ownership to build something lasting, soulful, and rooted in unreasonable hospitality. The General Manager will be instrumental in cultivating an inspired team, delivering outstanding guest experiences, and ensuring smooth, efficient day-to-day operations across all facets of the business.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Team Management
- Lead with positivity, curiosity, and care, modeling a culture of continuous learning and accountability.
- Recruit, train, and mentor FOH team members in partnership with Ownership and department leads.
- Develop clear onboarding and team member relations systems.
- Empower the team through clear communication, regular check-ins, and feedback loops.
- Support a collaborative environment across front- and back-of-house teams.
- Lead performance reviews and daily pre-service lineups that are inspiring and engaging.
2. Guest Experience & Hospitality
- Maintain a visible floor presence during service, actively engaging with guests and modeling exceptional hospitality standards.
- Collaborate with the Chef and Head Bartender to ensure a seamless, thoughtful guest experience across both concepts.
- Manage and respond to guest feedback with grace and proactivity.
- Innovate around the guest experience—seeking creative ways to surprise and delight.
3. Operational Oversight
- Oversee daily operations, including opening/closing procedures, scheduling, inventory, reservations, and vendor relationships.
- Maintain operational systems and SOPs across departments (kitchen, bar, FOH, catering, and wine retail).
- Lead and document weekly manager meetings; ensure effective communication across teams.
- Uphold all compliance standards (DOH, labor, liquor licensing, etc.).
- Maintain all systems, tools, and physical space with precision and care.
4. Financial Management
- Track daily sales and labor metrics; ensure financial targets are met.
- Lead monthly inventory processes for wine, spirits, and retail goods; maintain target COGS.
- Analyze and contribute to monthly P&L review meetings and financial strategy sessions.
- Collaborate with Chef and Head Bartender on budgeting, forecasting, and vendor management.
5. Wine & Retail Program Oversight
- Partner with Ownership to support and grow a dynamic, educational, and profitable wine program.
- Plan and execute wine tastings, retail promotions, and guest-facing events.
- Support the launch and growth of a Wine of the Month Club.
- Maintain visually appealing and strategically merchandised retail displays.
6. Marketing & Community Engagement
- Contribute to brand integrity across all guest touchpoints and platforms.
- Support marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships that reflect the company’s values.
- Represent the business at neighborhood and community events.
- Help foster a strong local following through genuine community relationships.
7. Strategic Collaboration with Ownership
- Work closely with Ownership to align on goals, initiatives, and long-term vision.
- Provide regular insights from operations to inform strategic planning and innovation.
- Help drive growth while preserving culture, values, and guest-centric focus.
Preferred Qualifications
- AGM or General Manager experience in High-touch, experience-focused dining environments
- A genuine passion for hospitality, food, wine, and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop high-performing teams.
- Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
- Extensive wine knowledge and service experience, including bottle and BTG recommendations.
- Strong understanding of spirits and bar operations.
- Experience with private events, catering logistics, and guest communications.
- Familiarity with reservation and POS systems (e.g., Resy, Toast, BinWise).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Adobe Suite preferred.
- HR competencies in hiring, onboarding, and team engagement.
- Financial literacy including P&L comprehension and cost control strategies.