General Manager -- Fine Dining Italian Restaurant
5 days ago
Boulder
Job Description Opportunity Overview An established, independently owned fine dining Italian restaurant is seeking a polished, hands-on General Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of a high-volume, highly regarded dining destination. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced hospitality leader who understands the nuances of Italian cuisine, wine, elevated service, and owner-operated restaurants. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership presence, operational discipline, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. For the right individual, there may be an opportunity to explore an equity or ownership path over time. About the Restaurant • Fine dining Italian concept with a strong culinary reputation, • Approximately 110 dining seats plus 20 bar seats, • Approximately $3M in annual revenue, • Dinner-focused operation, • Busy nights can reach 200+ covers, • Approximately 40 employees, • House-made pasta and authentic Italian culinary offerings, • Italian Executive Chef leading the culinary program, • Toast and R365 technology platforms, • Live music and/or DJ programming most evenings following dinner service, • Established clientele with a strong emphasis on hospitality, food, wine, and overall experience Key Responsibilities • Take ownership of the restaurant's daily front-of-house and overall operational performance., • Lead and develop a team of approximately 40 employees while creating a positive, accountable, and hospitality-driven culture., • Partner closely with the ownership team and Executive Chef to ensure seamless restaurant operations., • Maintain exceptional standards for guest service, hospitality, food quality, beverage execution, and overall presentation., • Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, performance management, and team development., • Drive sales, profitability, labor management, and operational efficiency., • Monitor restaurant financial performance, including labor, food and beverage costs, and controllable expenses., • Maintain strong relationships with guests and develop a loyal repeat customer base., • Ensure proper execution of dinner service during both high-volume and slower periods., • Oversee wine and beverage service and ensure the team delivers a knowledgeable, elevated experience., • Coordinate effectively with the culinary team to maintain consistency and service standards., • Manage live entertainment and late-night service while maintaining the restaurant's upscale atmosphere., • Utilize Toast and R365 to monitor operations, reporting, scheduling, and financial performance., • Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and company standards., • Work directly with ownership on operational improvements, business strategy, and long-term growth., • Serve as the primary operational leader and culture-setter for the restaurant. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a polished, entrepreneurial, and hands-on General Manager who thrives in an independently owned restaurant environment. Must-Have Experience • Proven General Manager or senior restaurant leadership experience in fine dining or upscale full-service restaurants., • Strong experience with Italian cuisine and/or Italian restaurant operations., • Solid knowledge of Italian food and wine., • Demonstrated ability to lead a high-performing service team in a sophisticated dining environment., • Experience managing approximately $3M+ in annual restaurant revenue is strongly preferred., • Strong understanding of restaurant P&L, labor, food cost, inventory, and profitability., • Experience working directly with restaurant owners is highly desirable., • Strong wine knowledge and the ability to confidently lead an elevated beverage program., • Hands-on leadership style with the ability to work alongside the team during service., • Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills., • Ability to create and maintain a strong restaurant culture., • Experience with Toast and/or R365 is a plus. Leadership Style This is not a step-back-from-the-floor GM position. The right candidate will be highly visible and actively involved in the operation. The ideal leader will: • Lead from the floor and be present during service., • Build genuine relationships with guests and employees., • Hold the team accountable while maintaining a positive culture., • Be comfortable working closely with hands-on ownership., • Have an entrepreneurial mindset and think beyond simply managing the day-to-day., • Bring the maturity and polish necessary to represent a sophisticated fine dining brand. Long-Term Opportunity The ownership team is looking for someone who can become a true long-term partner in the business. While the immediate responsibility is to lead the restaurant's daily operations, the right individual may have the opportunity to explore an equity/ownership path down the road based on performance, cultural fit, and mutual interest. Relocation Relocation assistance/consideration available for the right candidate. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Italian fine dining operator who wants to take ownership of a restaurant's performance and potentially build toward a long-term equity opportunity. \nCompany Description 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. 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.