Restaurant General Manager

General Manager – Full-Service Casual Dining Steakhouse Ann Arbor, MI

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on General Manager to lead the operations of a high-volume, full-service casual dining steakhouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The General Manager will have overall responsibility for the restaurant's daily operations, including guest satisfaction, team leadership, sales growth, profitability, food and beverage quality, labor management, and adherence to company standards.

This is an opportunity for a strong hospitality leader who understands the demands of a full-service restaurant and knows how to build a high-performing team while creating an exceptional guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of daily restaurant operations.
• Recruit, train, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing management and hourly team.
• Establish a strong culture of hospitality, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, service, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction.
• Drive sales through outstanding hospitality, local marketing, community involvement, and repeat business.
• Manage restaurant financial performance, including sales, labor, food cost, beverage cost, controllable expenses, and profitability.
• Develop and manage weekly schedules to optimize staffing levels and labor costs.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, liquor, and company regulations.
• Monitor inventory, purchasing, receiving, waste, and cost controls.
• Work closely with the culinary leadership team to maintain food quality, consistency, portion control, and kitchen efficiency.
• Analyze operating results and develop action plans to improve performance.
• Handle guest concerns professionally and ensure appropriate service recovery.
• Conduct regular management meetings and communicate goals, expectations, and performance results.
• Build relationships with vendors, community organizations, local businesses, and other strategic partners.
• Maintain a strong presence on the restaurant floor and lead by example during peak operating periods.
• Ensure the restaurant is properly prepared for lunch, dinner, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Develop future leaders and create succession plans within the restaurant.
• Support special events, promotions, private dining, and catering opportunities as applicable.

Leadership Expectations

The successful candidate will be a visible and engaged leader who:

• Leads from the floor rather than from the office.
• Creates a positive, accountable, team-oriented culture.
• Understands both the hospitality and financial sides of restaurant management.
• Is comfortable managing a high-volume operation.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can motivate a diverse team and hold people accountable.
• Remains calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.
• Understands that exceptional guest service is the foundation of a successful restaurant.

Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive restaurant management experience, preferably in full-service casual dining, upscale casual, or steakhouse operations. $3M in revenue.
• Previous General Manager or senior restaurant management experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing a high-volume restaurant.
• Strong understanding of restaurant P&L statements and financial controls.
• Demonstrated success managing labor and food costs.
• Experience hiring, training, and developing management teams.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and liquor regulations.
• Excellent guest service and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($80-90K plus bonus)
• Performance-based bonus
• Medical & dental
• Paid time off

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the General Manager will be expected to establish a strong management team, improve operational consistency, deliver an outstanding guest experience, achieve sales and profitability goals, control labor and food costs, and position the restaurant as a leading casual dining destination in the Ann Arbor market.

Please forward resume to : ben@harperjobs.com

Ben Schwartz : President | Harper Associates

Direct: (248) 737-0431 | Fax (888) 737-8525

ben@harperjobs.com | www.harperjobs.com

Hospitality Recruitment Specialists