Restaurant Manager

Essential Functions

• Train/coach new and existing FOH and Bar staff on customer service, processes, POS/platforms, standards of service, company, menu, etc.
• Lead by example and serve as a resource for questions/problem-solving.
• Ensure procedures are updated and followed appropriately (side work, clocking out for breaks, ringing up staff meals, call-offs, etc).
• Coordinate and supervise team members to provide an exceptional experience for customers.
• Lead FOH and Bar staff to assist customers with placing orders and coordinating updates, ensuring communication with kitchen staff.
• Partner with the chefs to ensure FOH/BOH operations are flowing smoothly.
• Schedule Evanston FOH staff, and participate with event/warehouse staff scheduling as needed.
• Become an expert in Toast POS and third-party platforms to be able to make needed adjustments, problem-solve, teach others, and troubleshoot tech issues that arise (adjusting prep times, adding menu items, requesting Grubhub refunds, troubleshooting printer issues, etc.).
• Use reporting to help analyze results and recommend changes.
• With the leadership team, brainstorm ideas for improvement based on sales, performance, community happenings, and industry trends.
• Develop concepts that meet company goals.
• Lead shaping of FOH, Bar and service processes and standards as we grow into the full restaurant.
• Become an expert in catering/event calendars, software, and communication systems.
• Serve as a point of contact for catering and private event inquiries, bookings, and execution.

Job Requirements

• 3+ years of restaurant leadership experience.
• Manage FOH and bar staff. Lead, coach, and schedule to ensure efficient teamwork, and best quality product and service.
• Be comfortable with changing circumstances - lead with positivity toward the solution to every challenge.
• Communicate with management, customers, and coworkers in a proactive and professional manner.
• Strong bar and beverage experience and knowledge preferred.
• Speak up when you see problems or areas for improvement, and suggest solutions.
• Maintain a positive, empathetic, professional, and proactive attitude.
• Able to stay calm and make good decisions under stress.
• Attention to detail - organized and efficient.
• Strong computer/technology skills.
• Sense of teamwork and urgency.
• Sales- and big-picture-minded.
• Flexibility and adaptability - as a growing small business, we are evolving and refining.
• Driver’s license preferred.

Job Type & Compensation

This is a full-time position, working at our Evanston location. Approx 45-50 hours per week on average, must include evenings and weekends. Depending on experience, $55-70,000 in compensation package of salary and revenue share, to start.

Benefits & Perks

• Health and dental insurance, after 90 days.
• Aflac and retirement savings plans are available after 90 days.
• 10 days PTO, accruing annually.
• Dining and catering discounts, daily staff meals.
• Pooled employee revenue share.

About Soul & Smoke

Soul & Smoke (Evanston, Avondale, West Loop) is a collection of restaurants, two food trucks, and catering team that serve barbecue fare and comfort food from the heart. The Black-owned and women-led team at the helm of Soul & Smoke values being part of the community through thoughtful initiatives, like providing customers the option to purchase a meal for a neighbor in need and partnering with nonprofits like World Central Kitchen to feed underserved populations.