General Manager - Fast-Casual Concept
9 days ago
Albany
Job Description Location: Albany, NY Salary: $60,000–$75,000 base (based on experience) Bonus Potential: $10,000–$15,000 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site Overview We are seeking a hands-on, results-driven General Manager to lead a high-energy fast-casual restaurant in a student-driven market. This role is ideal for a strong operator who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys leading from the front, and has the financial acumen to run a business within a defined budget. This is a high-impact leadership role with real ownership of operations, people, and performance, not a desk job. The right candidate will be deeply involved in day-to-day execution while maintaining a big-picture mindset. Why This Role Stands Out • Top Compensation: Base salary up to $75K + strong bonus potential, • Exceptional Time Off: Up to 10+ weeks off annually due to seasonal operations, • Work-Life Balance (Seasonal): 32-week peak operation with reduced/off-season schedules, • Growth Opportunity: Corporate training provided during off-season; long-term advancement potential, • Student-Focused, High-Volume Environment: Dynamic, energetic, and fast-moving What You’ll Do Operations & Financial Performance • Own all day-to-day restaurant operations, • Manage labor, food costs, inventory, and profitability, • Execute within a provided budget and track KPIs, • Ensure compliance with food safety, health, and cleanliness standards Team Leadership • Recruit, train, schedule, and develop a diverse team (often student-heavy), • Lead by example, hands-on and present on the floor, • Conduct performance reviews and drive accountability Guest Experience • Foster a customer-first culture, • Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally, • Identify opportunities to elevate service and efficiency Scheduling & Time Commitment • Peak season: 10–12 hour shifts, up to 60 hours/week, • Required to work one open-to-close shift weekly (inventory responsibility), • Expected availability between 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM, • Reduced hours and potential hybrid/project work during off-season What We’re Looking For • 3–5+ years of restaurant management experience, • Strong preference for full-service or casual dining backgrounds, • Proven success managing teams and financial performance, • Comfortable in fast-casual, high-volume environments, • Hands-on leader with a “can-do” attitude, • Solid computer skills (Microsoft Office), • Passion for Middle Eastern / Mediterranean-style cuisine a plus, • ServSafe preferred Experience that tends to succeed in this role: • Fast-casual or polished-casual concepts, • Operators from brands similar to Chipotle, Sweetgreen, CAVA, etc. (Pure QSR backgrounds have not been successful in this role.) Physical & Other Requirements • Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs, • Willingness to work nights, weekends, and peak periods, • Open to relocation for the right market (Albany preferred) Benefits • 401(k), • Health insurance stipend, • Dental insurance, • Paid training, • Employee discounts, • Flexible off-season schedule, • Significant PTO due to seasonal operationsCompany DescriptionThe Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.