General Manager - Restaurant

This position is for one of our locations part of the Hop Haus Restaurant Group.

The Salty Dog Tavern in Milldale (Southington) CT

(please know our brand before we interview)

*****Minimum Experience Requirements*****

Applicants must have at least two consecutive years as a General Manager at a single high-volume tavern, pub, sports bar, or full-service restaurant. Restaurant industry experience is mandatory. Management experience outside the restaurant industry will not be considered. We value stable employment history, long-term commitment, and a strong understanding of the unique demands of restaurant operations.

About the Role
A well-established, high-volume restaurant / Sports Bar is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead day-to-day operations. This role requires a proven leader with long-term stability in prior management positions—short stints or job hoppers will not be considered. We are looking for a results-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can balance guest experience, team culture, and operational profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Performance
• Manage and control P&L, ensuring profitability through strict oversight of revenue, cost of goods sold (target ≤28%), and labor cost management (target ≤22–25%).
• Conduct weekly and monthly financial reviews, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions immediately.
• Ensure accurate inventory tracking, purchasing, and vendor management; maintain shrink, waste, and variance under 2%.
• Operational Leadership
• Lead a large team in a high-volume setting, ensuring smooth service execution and a culture of accountability.
• Develop and enforce SOPs for service, cleanliness, and kitchen-to-bar communication.
• Create and maintain staff schedules that align with forecasted sales while controlling overtime and labor efficiency.
• Maintain compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol regulations.
• Team Development & Culture
• Recruit, train, and mentor management staff and hourly employees, fostering long-term growth and retention.
• Promote a positive, high-energy workplace while maintaining professional standards.
• Conduct performance evaluations, corrective coaching, and disciplinary actions when required.
• Guest Experience & Beverage Leadership
• Uphold and elevate the guest experience through consistent quality and service standards.
• Possess strong working knowledge and passion for craft beer, bourbon, and whiskey programs, including seasonal rotations, pairings, and vendor partnerships.
• Lead development of specialty beverage menus and ensure staff training reflects current trends.

Qualifications

• Kitchen KM experience is a plus
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a General Manager in a high-volume restaurant/bar (annual sales $2M ).
• Demonstrated success managing large FOH & BOH teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven expertise in inventory controls, food and beverage costing, and labor management.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to interpret data, forecast sales, and drive profitability.
• Stable work history with multi-year tenure in previous leadership roles.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• ServSafe Manager and alcohol safety certifications

Compensation & Benefits

• $72,800 Yearly, ($1400 Weekly) Salary position at 55 hours a week with Monthly Profit Sharing.
• Our profit sharing program is a fair attainable structure to help GM profit from there hard work and maintain a long profitable work relationship.
• Performance-based incentives tied to profitability and cost controls.
• Health benefits available, growth opportunities with a stable, established group.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $72,800.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Motivation and Fit for a High-Volume Restaurant & Bar

Why are you specifically interested in a General Manager role at The Salty Dog Tavern.

• What about this type of concept and environment matches your skills and long-term career goals?
• What research or experience do you have with similar concepts in our region, and how would you use that to drive sales, build culture, and improve guest experience?
• This position requires reliable, year-round commuting to Southington, CT, including during challenging New England winter weather. Do you live within approximately 20 miles of the restaurant and have the ability to consistently report to work on time, regardless of weather conditions? Please explain if you live further than 20 miles from the restaurant.
• P&L Ownership, Food & Labor Cost Control

In your most recent management roles, did you have full responsibility for the restaurant’s P&L targets for:

• Cost of goods sold (food & beverage)
• Labor %
• Controlling waste, comps, and discounts

Please explain how you took this data and helped bring up probability.

• **Minimum Experience Requirements**

Applicants must have at least two consecutive years as a General Manager at a single high-volume tavern, pub, sports bar, or full-service restaurant.

Restaurant industry experience is mandatory. Management experience outside the restaurant industry will not be considered. We value stable employment history, long-term commitment, and a strong understanding of the unique demands of restaurant operations.

If you have not held a position like this for a Min of two years we ask you kindly to not apply, you will be rejected.

If you have, we highly value your dedication and experience. Please give me a short explanation on why you find this type of job rewarding and what motivates you.

• Leadership Style, Staff Development, and Stability in Roles

This position requires long-term stability and leadership of both FOH and BOH teams.

• Describe your leadership style when running a busy shift.
• Give an example of how you have coached up an underperforming team member or manager and the outcome.

List your experience with helping BOH when the need arises.

• Availability for Nights, Weekends, and Holidays – REQUIRED

This is a full-time, hands-on General Manager role that requires regular nights, weekends

• Are you willing and able to consistently work a schedule that includes nights and weekends as part of a typical 55 hour workweek? (Yes/No)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $72,800 - $95,000