General Manager

About the role

The General Manager provides strategic direction for their restaurant. This manager must maintain operations and drive results in the restaurant through people development, sales, and profit growth. The General Manager must hire, train, and develop Crewmembers and Managers who share the Café Lola values and culture, convey the Café Lola culture to the crew, and ensure the restaurant consistently delivers the best meal with the greatest guest experience.

Responsibilities

• People Management:
  • Lead the team in personal image and professional behavior while driving company standards.
  • Own staffing by providing timely feedback on interviews, monitoring the selection process, and making final hire and separation decisions.
  • Oversee the orientation process and ensure proper procedures for hiring, promotions, and separations.
  • Evaluate, write, and implement manager one-on-ones, development plans, and action plans.
  • Create or approve Management and Crewmember schedules to ensure proper staffing levels, considering availability, payroll, and overtime.
  • Oversee the training program to align with company standards.
  • Promote a "work hard, have fun" environment and own the performance, culture, and motivation of the entire crew.
  • Utilize the Café Lola recognition program through respect, recognition, and reward.
  • Ensure a safe environment for both Crewmembers and guests.
• Fiscally Fit:
  • Understand and execute budget, cost trends, and profit and loss to impact operations.
  • Audit all facets of operations, deliver feedback, and develop improvement solutions.
  • Create an operationally driven strategy, including financial analysis of food and labor, cash controls, facilities management, and growing guest counts.
  • Set aggressive goals to meet all targets set by the leadership team.
• Operationally Driven:
  • Execute a complete understanding of delivering an elevated café experience through food, drink, and industry-leading service.
  • Ensure restaurant product integrity and adherence to company-provided tools for coaching and mentoring.
  • Implement effective communication mediums to convey company programs to Crewmembers.
  • Partner with senior management and RSO team to maintain standards for risk, human resources, IT, and vendor management.
  • Maintain restaurant cleanliness, facilities, and image to company standards.
  • Identify and resolve maintenance concerns, seeking assistance from the Facilities Department as needed.
• Guest Focused:
  • Lead a guest-focused team by prioritizing the guest in all business decisions.
  • Act as the brand ambassador and build pride and commitment around company initiatives.
  • Motivate the team to excel in guest service while following guest service steps.
  • Actively seek feedback from guests and crew to ensure operations remain guest-focused.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (college degree preferred).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Minimum of 5+ years of previous food service, retail, or restaurant management experience.
• Proficient in technology systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), POS systems, and adaptability to new systems.
• Ability to lift and carry, push or pull heavy objects up to 50 pounds; kneel, bend, stoop, ascend/descend stairs, and reach/grasp objects.
• Training experience is a plus.
• Takes initiative with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of labor laws, profit and loss statements, and financial performance analysis.
• Skills in people management, including recruiting and scheduling.
• Acts as a brand ambassador both in and outside the restaurant.
• Local retail/restaurant marketing experience.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lead, motivate, and empower Crewmembers to higher performance levels.
• Align crewmembers with Café Lola culture by balancing hard work and fun.
• Manage basic tasks, Crewmembers, and fiscal operations.
• Handle all public dealings professionally.
• Recognize problems and implement solutions.
• Accept feedback and demonstrate willingness to improve.
• Set goals, create plans, and convert them into action.
• Measure performance both subjectively and objectively.