Restaurant General Manager

Position Overview

Fat Bob's Smokehouse is seeking an experienced Restaurant General Manager to lead Front of House operations at our flagship downtown Buffalo location. This role is for a motivated hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and believes great service, strong teams, and clear accountability create unforgettable guest experiences.

At Fat Bob's, we take pride in award-winning, from-scratch barbecue and genuine hospitality. Our General Manager plays a critical role in executing our Vision, driving results, and living our core values every day.

Leadership Expectations

The Restaurant General Manager leads by example and embodies Fat Bob's mission and values:

BBQ. Local. Service.

This role is responsible for aligning people, performance, and culture while helping move the business toward its long-term vision and quarterly priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Service Execution

• Oversee all aspects of the guest experience, ensuring consistently exceptional service for every guest
• Be highly present during high-volume service to support the team and uphold service standards
• Ensure food and beverage are executed at the highest level through strong leadership and communication

People & Team Leadership

• Build, lead, and maintain a strong, collaborative Front of House team
• Interview, hire, onboard, train, coach, and hold FOH team members accountable
• Manage scheduling, opening and closing procedures, side work, and daily execution
• Foster a positive, respectful, and performance-driven culture

Labor, Sales & Operations

• Oversee labor planning and scheduling to align with business demand and labor cost goals
• Work closely with ownership, Executive Chef, sales team, and department managers to drive promotions, events, specials, and bar sales
• Set and achieve quarterly personal and professional goals in alignment with company priorities
• Support restaurant policies, organization, and operational standards

Bar Operations & Programming

• Develop and implement menus and beverage offerings relevant to our market and customer base
• Manage bar inventory accurately, including ordering and vendor relationships
• Maintain strong beer and spirits knowledge, with the ability to curate seasonal and rotating offerings
• Build bar sales through programming such as trivia nights, live music, and events
• Develop and execute seasonal drink menus and promotions

Teamwork & Fat Bob's Culture

• Communicate positively and professionally with co-workers and leadership
• Actively participate in meetings, events, and team discussions
• Uphold Fat Bob's Core Values at all times:
• Delivering WOW through service and quality
• Always leading with the best foot forward, positivity
• The Bob's Rule, value and appreciate Guests and fellow Fat Bob's Crew
• Working harder and smarter than the competition
• Truth, honesty, and accountability

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hospitality management experience in a similar role
• Proven ability to lead teams through accountability and clear expectations
• Strong work ethic with a growth-oriented, solutions-focused mindset
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong customer service background and team-first leadership style
• Proficiency with restaurant technology including Toast POS, 7shifts, Google Workspace, Slack, and Square
• Working knowledge of sanitation and health code standards
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Reliable, punctual, and able to meet scheduling requirements

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65, $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000