Restaurant General Manager | Fine Dining

Crawford Thomas Recruiting; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Drug-Free Workplace

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Crawford Thomas Recruiting is seeking a Restaurant General Manager to oversee Front of House operations for an upscale Italian fine dining venue in Ocala, FL. The role emphasizes exceptional guest experiences, high-performing teams, and strict hospitality standards.

The GM will collaborate with the Back of House Manager, manage labor costs, and lead wine and beverage programming, while not overseeing kitchen operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years as General Manager in a fine dining restaurant.
• Experience in Italian restaurant operations preferred.
• Strong front-of-house leadership and cost-control capabilities.
• Proven ability to recruit, train, and develop hospitality teams.
• Solid knowledge of guest service standards and upscale dining operations.
• Certifications in ServSafe and alcohol compliance are required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Front of House operations and guest experience.
• Lead and mentor FOH staff to maintain service standards.
• Manage labor, beverage, and supply costs to drive profitability.
• Plan and execute private dining events and wine dinners.
• Collaborate with culinary team on menus and wine program.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Financial management

Recruiting & training

Multitasking

Communication

POS systems

Education

ServSafe Certification

Alcohol Compliance Certification

Tools

POS systems

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location

Ocala, FL

Job Type

Full-Time, On-Site

Compensation

$85,000 - $110,000

Relocation Assistance

Available for the right candidate

Overview

We are seeking a Restaurant General Manager to oversee Front of House operations for an upscale Italian fine dining restaurant in Ocala, FL. This role requires a dynamic hospitality leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, leading high-performing teams, and maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.

This position is dedicated exclusively to Front of House operations. The General Manager will partner closely with the Back of House Manager to ensure a seamless dining experience but will not be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations.

Schedule

Restaurant hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. The General Manager may have Monday and Tuesday off, or if preferred, take Sunday off and complete administrative responsibilities on Monday or Tuesday.

Direct Reports

• 1 Assistant General Manager (AGM)
• Approximately 35-40 Front of House team members

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Front of House restaurant operations, ensuring consistency in food and beverage quality, service standards, and overall guest experience.
• Deliver exceptional service by anticipating guest needs and creating a warm, welcoming, and memorable dining atmosphere.
• Build strong relationships with VIP guests by providing personalized service and knowledgeable recommendations on wine pairings, Italian specialties, and seasonal offerings.
• Manage the restaurant's financial performance, including labor, beverage, and supply costs while maintaining profitability and operational excellence.
• Create and manage Front of House staff schedules based on guest volume, seasonal demand, and special events.
• Oversee payroll for Front of House staff, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective labor cost management.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop Front of House team members while promoting exceptional hospitality standards.
• Manage inventory control, ordering processes, and waste reduction to maximize efficiency.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Plan and execute private dining events, wine dinners, seasonal offerings, and other special events.
• Partner with the culinary team on menu updates and enhancements.
• Oversee the beverage program, including cocktails and wine offerings that complement the dining experience.
• Respond promptly to guest feedback and resolve concerns to continuously improve the guest experience.
• Analyze operational performance and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on leadership during service while ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of experience as a General Manager in a fine dining restaurant
• Previous experience working in an Italian restaurant
• Strong Front of House leadership experience
• Experience managing restaurant financials, including labor, payroll, scheduling, inventory, and cost controls
• Proven success recruiting, training, and developing hospitality teams
• Strong understanding of guest service standards and upscale dining operations
• Knowledge of wine pairings, Italian regional wines, cocktails, and beverage programming
• ServSafe Certification, Alcohol Compliance Certification, and other applicable industry certifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with luxury hospitality brands such as The Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to multitask, delegate effectively, and perform in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for Italian cuisine and knowledge of regional specialties, authentic ingredients, and current culinary trends
• Strong financial management skills with experience controlling costs while maintaining exceptional service standards
• Guest-first mindset with a commitment to delivering outstanding hospitality
• Proficiency with POS systems, Microsoft Office, and team communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and occasionally lift heavy objects during daily operations
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests and team members in both written and verbal forms
• Maintain a visible, professional presence throughout the restaurant to uphold service standards and the overall guest experience

About the Company

Our company is committed to creating memorable guest experiences while providing a welcoming and positive work environment. We offer a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and work-life balance.

We are a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be required to complete a background check as part of the hiring process.