General Manager

McAlister's Deli | Bluegrass Hospitality; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McAlister’s Deli is seeking a General Manager to lead daily operations, ensuring great food, accurate execution, and a welcoming guest experience. You’ll coach and motivate the team to deliver friendly, consistent service, while maintaining brand standards and restaurant cleanliness.

You’ll oversee recruiting, training, scheduling, and shift leadership, monitor safety and compliance, and apply financial insights to support growth and profitability.

Qualifications

• Ownership mindset with accountability and continuous improvement.
• Problem-solving and decision-making applied to practical challenges.
• Financial leadership aligned to restaurant goals while delivering guest service.
• Commitment to cleanliness and health compliance in the restaurant.
• Clear communication and coaching to guide staff toward best execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations to ensure great food, accurate execution, and a smooth, welcoming guest experience.
• Coach and motivate team members to deliver friendly, consistent service.
• Manage performance to meet operational and brand standards.
• Support recruiting, training, scheduling, and shift leadership to keep the restaurant running strong.
• Monitor cleanliness, safety, and compliance while maintaining high standards at all times.
• Use financial and operational insights to support growth and profitability.

Skills

Ownership mindset

Problem-solving

Financial leadership

Cleanliness & compliance

Communication & coaching

Team leadership

Guest service

Job description

General Manager

At McAlister’s Deli, guests come for fresh flavors, fast service, and a warm, welcoming place to enjoy a meal. We’re more than a deli—we’re a neighborhood favorite known for great food, friendly faces, and a consistent experience from open to close. As our General Manager, you’ll lead the daily operations that turn every visit into a positive, memorable experience.

We’re looking for an energetic, guest-focused, experienced leader who takes pride in coaching teams, delivering results, and maintaining a clean, welcoming restaurant every day. If you’re ready to bring an ownership mindset, high standards, and strong people leadership to a growing organization, we’d love to hear from you.

General Job Requirements

• Ability to perform all job functions safely and in accordance with company standards.

• Commitment to providing outstanding customer service and ensuring guest satisfaction.

• Ability to lead, direct, and coach staff in a professional and effective manner.

• Meet company performance standards and expectations for the role.

• Participate in all company training and orientations, which may include overnight travel.

• Ability to work the assigned schedule and required time commitments.

• Ability to lift at least 40 pounds and maintain the physical ability and stamina required for management duties.

Specific Job Requirements

• Ownership mentality: Takes initiative, stays accountable, and drives continuous improvement.

• Problem-solving and decision-making: Applies rational thinking to resolve practical challenges across a variety of situations.

• Financial leadership: Understands restaurant financial goals and works to achieve them while maintaining exceptional guest service.

• Cleanliness and compliance: Maintains restaurant cleanliness standards set by the Department of Health and Bluegrass Hospitality.

• Clear communication and coaching: Communicates goals effectively to employees and guides the team toward the best ways to execute them.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily operations to ensure great food, accurate execution, and a smooth, welcoming guest experience.

• Coach and motivate team members to deliver friendly, consistent service.

• Manage performance to meet operational and brand standards.

• Support recruiting, training, scheduling, and shift leadership to keep the restaurant running strong.

• Monitor cleanliness, safety, and compliance while maintaining high standards at all times.

• Use financial and operational insights to support growth and profitability.

About Bluegrass Hospitality (McAlister’s Deli Franchise)

Bluegrass Hospitality, Inc. is the newest McAlister’s Deli franchisee in Kentucky. While our company is young, our leadership team brings over 30 years of combined McAlister’s experience. We have aggressive development plans for the Kentucky market and are building a culture that values great effort, rewards outstanding leadership, and supports a healthy work-life balance.

We’re only as strong as the people on our team. If you’re smart, goal-oriented, and high-integrity with high energy and an ownership mindset, you’ll fit right in.