Specialty Restaurant Manager

We’re looking for a Specialty Restaurant Manager who projects passion and urgency in delivering excellent guest service and quality products. You’ll instill that same passion in your team, interact with guests and staff calmly to resolve issues, and proactively manage front-of-house operations—hiring, training, coaching, and developing staff to create an unmatched dining experience. This role reports to the Director of Food and Beverage.

About the Role

Our genuine engagement and positive energy provide guests an escape into an exciting world of fun, chance, and possibility, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and importance. As a leader, you’ll embody our value system: doing everything right, having fun, and being the best. We recognize and reward fairness, personal accountability, and a focus on our customers, creating opportunities for growth and success.

Responsibilities

• Identify and define operational needs within the restaurant (and other assigned outlets) and implement solutions to improve efficiency and guest experience.
• Maintain high visibility on the floor, engaging with guests to ensure satisfaction.
• Abide by all State, Federal, and WCH requirements for serving alcohol.
• Develop and implement customer service training programs to ensure outstanding service at all times.
• Direct the development and administration of controls for all phases of assigned outlets, ensuring economical and profitable operations while maintaining established standards.
• Create staffing schedules that balance high service levels with maximum productivity.
• Monitor and manage budgets, ensuring profitability of assigned operations.
• Counsel, guide, train, and instruct staff to perform their duties effectively.
• Seek new methods and programs to promote the restaurant and property, including social marketing channels.
• Communicate daily promotions, specials, property events, station assignments, and scheduled entertainment to staff.
• Utilize creative problem-solving to enhance operations and guest experience.
• Assume special projects as directed by your supervisor.
• Develop and manage the wine list, ensuring effective control of all alcohol inventory.
• Participate in outlet promotions via social media and other marketing channels.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED – required.
• One of the following combinations of education and experience:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two (2) years of supervisory experience – required.
  • Four (4) years of experience in a management position – required.
  • Three (3) years of experience in a supervisory position with Wind Creek Hospitality – required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or management position in a specialty or fine dining restaurant – required.
• Fine dining experience – preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interact with guests to gather feedback on product quality and service levels.
• Extensive knowledge of food products and service techniques.
• After hire, successful completion of Responsible Vendor Alcoholic Beverage Service and BASSET training – required to retain position.
• After hire, successful completion of ServeSafe Sanitation training – required to retain position.
• Ability to maneuver in all areas of assigned outlets, including food and beverage service areas.
• Ability to lift and carry up to forty (40) pounds – required.
• Ability to respond calmly and make rational decisions when handling guest and employee conflicts.
• Willingness to travel and participate in training when directed – required.
• Proven ability to develop and manage a budget – required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with computer-based time and attendance systems, client-booking systems, and Point of Sale (POS) systems – preferred.
• Must successfully pass a job interview, including a guest service audition.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, ever-changing environment.
• Willingness to work odd and irregular hours.
• Must have (or be able to obtain and maintain) an Occupational License pursuant to the Illinois Gaming Act and remain in good standing with the Illinois Gaming Board.

Pay

Base pay compensation: $63,700.00–$78,700.00 annually, with starting pay based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and skills.

Benefits

Eligible full-time employees may choose from a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Shift differential pay.
• Discretionary quarterly bonus opportunities.