Front of House Assistant Manager

Join the Team at Nico’s Little Italy!

Nico’s is hiring a driven, hands-on candidate for our Front of House Assistant Manager track.

This position begins with approximately 3–4 weeks of cross-training in each of our core front-of-house roles, including bussing, hosting, to-go, and serving. We believe an effective manager must understand the restaurant from the bottom up and be capable of stepping into any position when necessary.

Candidates who exceed expectations during cross-training and demonstrate the right leadership qualities will advance into our management training program. Advancement is not guaranteed and will be based on performance, reliability, leadership, and overall fit.

Training and Compensation

The anticipated training path is:

• Approximately 3–4 weeks of cross-training in bussing, hosting, to-go, serving, and other essential FOH operations
• Compensation during this stage is based on the position being worked
• Server training and serving shifts receive our standard tipped-server wage and tips
• Qualified candidates then advance to approximately 1–2 months of management training at $15 per hour
• After successfully completing management training and demonstrating the ability to independently open and close the restaurant, pay increases to $18 per hour
• Optional overtime may be available

The timing of each stage may vary depending on the candidate’s experience, performance, and ability to meet Nico’s standards.

What You’ll Learn

During the initial cross-training period, you will learn and work in:

• Hosting and managing the guest wait
• To-go order preparation and organization
• Bussing, resetting, and maintaining the dining room
• Serving and providing exceptional guest experiences
• Food running and expo support
• Opening, closing, and side-work procedures
• Menu knowledge and Nico’s service standards
• Basic bar support and alcohol-service procedures

You should be willing to spend additional time in any position that you have not yet mastered. We are looking for someone who views cross-training as essential leadership preparation—not as work that is beneath a manager.

Assistant Manager Responsibilities

Once management training begins, responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the restaurant’s day-to-day operations
• Opening and closing the restaurant independently
• Leading and supervising front-of-house employees
• Training, coaching, and holding team members accountable
• Protecting the guest experience and resolving concerns
• Managing cash-handling and closing procedures
• Assisting with scheduling and staffing decisions
• Monitoring inventory and operational needs
• Maintaining cleanliness, presentation, and service standards
• Communicating proactively with ownership and other managers
• Completing assigned weekly responsibilities based on your strengths and the restaurant’s needs
• Stepping into any position when the operation requires it

After completing training, at least 75% of your weekly shifts will be management shifts. Managers may also choose to serve during part of their schedule, provided management coverage remains the priority.

What We’re Looking For

Previous management experience is valuable but not required. However, restaurant experience and demonstrated leadership experience are required.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be driven and genuinely interested in restaurant leadership
• Take ownership rather than shift blame
• Communicate clearly and proactively
• Be dependable, trustworthy, and accountable
• Stay calm and solution-focused under pressure
• Lead by example and work alongside the team
• Maintain a polished, professional appearance
• Notice and address small details
• Choose quality over convenience
• Be coachable and willing to learn our systems
• Understand that leadership must be earned through consistent performance
• Be capable of separating friendship from leadership when necessary
• Think about the long-term success of the team and brand—not only the current shift

Schedule and Availability

• Approximately 30–40 hours per week, with some flexibility based on the candidate’s desired schedule
• Part-time or full-time classification may be available
• Morning, midday, and evening availability is required
• Weekend availability is required
• We work hard to accommodate each manager’s preferred schedule and approve requested weekends off when coverage allows
• Restaurant holidays—including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day—are required workdays, especially for management
• Nico’s is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old due to alcohol-service and management responsibilities

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling
• Employee discount
• Paid time off after one year
• Health insurance stipend after one year
• Paid management training
• Optional overtime
• Opportunity for continued growth within Nico’s

Why Join Nico’s?

This is an opportunity to build a restaurant management career with a respected local business while learning every part of front-of-house operations.

We value managers who understand the work, support their team, protect the guest experience, and hold themselves to the same standards they expect from others. We will invest in the right person—but advancement into the Assistant Manager position must be earned through performance, consistency, and leadership.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Expected hours: Approximately 30–40 per week
Management training pay: $15 per hour
Pay after successful completion of training: $18 per hour
Work location: In person

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid training

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $18