Restaurant Manager - Small Cheval - Chicago

About the role

Small Cheval, a part of Hogsalt, is looking for a dedicated and experienced Full Time Restaurant Manager to join our team at our Chicago locations. The ideal candidate is passionate about upholding Hogsalt’s values of harmony, accountability, and resilience, and enthusiastic about providing genuine hospitality to guests while contributing to a collaborative and positive workplace culture. Small Cheval is a Chicagoland original that turned the essential basics of a summer afternoon on the patio — burgers and beers, fries and cones — into a full menu known for delivering satisfying food hot and quick. Each location has its own quirky character, but all share an ironclad commitment to simplicity, consistency, generosity, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Progress and refine all areas of service in the restaurant.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are followed, including recruiting, hiring and training (updating training materials), 6‑month employee reviews, progressive discipline, and other employee documentation.
• Communicate professionally and confidently with guests, employees, and leadership.
• Complete general administrative tasks:
  • Daily opening and closing duties according to Small Cheval procedures
  • Cash handling and processing refunds
  • Managing and approving time cards and payroll
  • Completing tip exchanges
  • Maintaining restaurant facilities, equipment, and supplies, including placing product orders
• Assist with creating all hourly schedules, adhering to company standards for labor management and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
• Review store financials daily to manage comps, expenses, labor, and overall revenue.
• Act as the “point person” for all guest relations, including responding to guest emails, resolving service or food issues, and promoting hospitality throughout the restaurant.
• Work collaboratively with the Events, Marketing and Branding, Purchasing, Culinary, and Small Cheval Director teams to promote the overall financial health of the restaurant.
• Provide consistent coaching and support for all hourly employees and possess the ability to fill into any hourly position.

Requirements

• At least two years of FOH leadership experience in quick‑service or full‑service restaurants; prep and cooking experience preferred.
• Ability to identify problems and be solution‑oriented regarding service and restaurant operations.
• Must be able to frequently lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

• Partially subsidized medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) program
• Commuter benefits
• Dining discounts and rewards
• Vested paid time off

Pay

Base salary $65,000‑$75,000 plus quarterly bonus structure (salary negotiable).

Schedule

Must have open availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays; schedule subject to modification and/or approval by the Service Director or Vice President of Service & Operations.