Restaurant Manager in Chicago | Lead Our Award-Winning Team

Steer the ship of one of Chicago's most celebrated dining destinations. This is your opportunity to take full operational and financial ownership of a bustling, critically acclaimed restaurant where every service is a chance to create legendary guest moments and drive exceptional profitability.

About the Role

As the Restaurant Manager, you are the operational heartbeat of our establishment. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef and Ownership, you will be entrusted with the complete P&L, driving revenue growth while meticulously controlling costs. Your domain spans the entire front-of-house ecosystem: from flawless service execution and impeccable ambiance to the development, coaching, and motivation of a 40+ member team. You will be the primary architect of the guest journey, ensuring every visitor feels the famed hospitality that defines our brand. This role demands a strategic mindset to analyze sales data, optimize labor scheduling, and implement marketing initiatives, balanced with the hands-on agility to resolve a VIP concern or step in on a busy Saturday night.

Key Responsibilities

• Directly manage all FOH staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, performance reviews, and conflict resolution.
• Own the restaurant's budget, achieving targets for sales, cost of goods sold (COGS), and labor.
• Champion an unwavering standard of service, cleanliness, and safety (ServSafe certified) in every moment.
• Develop and execute weekly/monthly operational plans, special events, and promotional campaigns.
• Maintain stellar relationships with vendors, manage inventory, and ensure perfect par levels.
• Lead daily pre-shift meetings, fostering a culture of teamwork, positivity, and continuous improvement.
• Analyze daily sales reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to make data-driven decisions.
• Serve as the ultimate guest experience officer, personally resolving any complex issues.

Who You Are: Requirements

We are looking for a proven leader with a track record of success in a similar, high-volume, full-service restaurant. You must be a charismatic motivator, a savvy business operator, and a servant leader who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Essential Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of restaurant management experience, with at least 2 in a fine-dining or high-volume upscale casual setting.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated success in managing a P&L, controlling food and labor costs, and increasing revenue.
• Leadership: Exceptional ability to build, train, and inspire a diverse team. Experience with conflict resolution and performance management.
• Operational Mastery: Expert knowledge of restaurant service standards, POS systems (like Toast or Upserve), inventory management, and health code regulations.
• Guest Focus: Innate ability to anticipate needs, personalize experiences, and turn guests into loyal advocates.
• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for team, guest, and vendor interactions.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in a restaurant that has received major awards (e.g., Michelin Bib Gourmand, James Beard nomination, local “Best Of”).
• Background in implementing successful loyalty programs or social media marketing strategies.
• Culinary or hospitality degree a plus, but proven results are paramount.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

What We Offer: Compensation & Benefits

We believe in investing in our leaders. This is a salaried, exempt position with a robust compensation package designed to reward performance and support your well-being.

Salary Range

Based on experience and proven results, the annual base salary for this position is $60,000 – $75,000 USD. This is supplemented by a powerful incentive program directly tied to the restaurant's financial performance and guest satisfaction scores, with the potential for significant additional earnings.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee. Optional dependent coverage available.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a 4% company match.
• Eat & Drink: One complimentary meal per shift and a generous employee beverage allowance.
• Profit Sharing: Eligibility for an annual discretionary profit-sharing bonus based on company performance.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accrual starting at 3 weeks, plus 6 paid holidays.
• Growth: A clear path for professional development, including potential for equity or multi-unit leadership for top performers.
• Perks: Significant employee discounts on merchandise and events, uniform allowance, and continuous learning opportunities.

Join Our Legacy

This is more than a job; it's an opportunity to leave your mark on Chicago's culinary landscape. You will operate with significant autonomy within a collaborative, supportive ownership group that values your input and rewards excellence. If you are ready to lead with passion, precision, and profit in mind, we want to hear from you. This is a career-defining role for a manager who is ready for the ultimate challenge.