General Manager - New Restaurant Opening (Dallas)

About the Role

SA Hospitality Group brings Italian heritage to modern-day New York City and beyond, with a portfolio of iconic restaurants including Sant Ambroeus, Casa Lever, and Felice. This General Manager position is for our new Sant Ambroeus location opening in Dallas, TX. The role requires an experienced restaurant professional to oversee all operations, uphold guest satisfaction, and maintain the integrity of the business.

Responsibilities

• Managerial
  • Monitor and adjust departmental logistics to achieve expected outcomes.
  • Suggest new dining offerings based on guest feedback, trends, and demand; collaborate with the management team, Chef, and Director of Operations.
  • Train and guide employees on product knowledge, customer interaction, and service standards.
  • Ensure completion of new hire training checklists and full training for all staff, with a focus on barista standards.
  • Communicate product-related issues to the Director of Operations.
  • Oversee operational tasks and procedures, ensuring adherence and driving performance to completion.
• Dining Room Service
  • Act as a host to create memorable, personalized guest experiences.
  • Present and explain products, brand, and flavors using effective sales techniques.
  • Build relationships with regular customers to encourage repeat visits.
  • Communicate companywide changes, SOPs, and product updates to all employees.
  • Assist dining room staff during service and oversee restaurant flow by being present on the floor during all meal periods.
  • Address guest issues or requests, guiding staff toward resolution.
  • Support dining room staff with tasks and resolve issues in collaboration with leadership.
  • Lead by example in personalizing service, using guests’ names, and engaging with every table.
• Labor Management
  • Create and manage schedules on the scheduling platform, adhering to labor budgets, laws, and the 80/20 rule.
  • Direct daily work activities and monitor staffing levels in your absence, with support from the Assistant General Manager and other managers.
  • Review staff performance, address shortcomings, and recognize success.
  • Serve as a role model and mentor, guiding peers in decision-making and fostering a hospitality-minded team.
  • Collaborate with staff across Sant Ambroeus, Felice, and Casa Lever to uphold service standards and company values.
  • Understand, follow, and direct others in safety procedures.
• Product Presentation
  • Ensure the highest quality of food and beverages.
  • Maintain control over inventories, including beverages, china, glassware, and silverware.
  • Monitor the neatness and attractiveness of pastry and dessert displays.
  • Conduct or assist with inventories for beverages, wine, china, glassware, and silverware.
  • Oversee florals, dining room decoration, and outdoor aesthetics.
  • Ensure grooming standards for service staff and cleanliness of FOH areas; spot-check BOH areas with the Chef.
• Financial
  • Maintain an organizational structure to maximize productivity and communication.
  • Ensure the safety and security of employees, guests, and company assets.
  • Maximize financial performance by controlling food and beverage costs.
  • Suggest promotions and revenue-increasing ideas; train staff on upselling and guest loyalty.
  • Monitor schedules and actual hours worked.
  • Enforce federal, state, and local laws, including health and labor regulations.
• Administrative
  • Ensure accuracy of menus, wine lists, beer lists, cocktail lists, and POS postings.
  • Personally respond to guest requests and complaints in a timely manner.
  • Actively and professionally respond to company/operational emails (avoiding guest view during service).
  • Participate in and monitor Avero reports for daily restaurant performance.
  • Ensure timely submission of daily reports and invoices to the office.
  • Communicate employee terminations, disciplinary actions, and HR issues urgently to HR.
  • Oversee timely ordering of supplies (coffee, tea, paper products, uniforms, linen, etc.).
  • Follow up on repairs immediately, communicating outcomes to all involved parties.
  • Attend all necessary meetings scheduled by the Director of Operations or ownership.
• Self-Development
  • Maintain current knowledge of restaurant trends in food, wine, beer, and spirits, with ongoing self-education.
  • Progress in education will be evaluated regularly; the company may assist with approved educational goals.

Requirements

• Ability to work as part of a team and maintain personal cleanliness.
• Basic food handling, preparation, and cleaning skills.
• Strong time management and ability to work under pressure in a high-volume environment.
• Active listening and learning skills.
• Ability to communicate and understand directions in English for workplace safety.
• Reading and speaking comprehension in English.
• Discipline to follow set standards.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Current Food Handler’s Certificate.