As the Restaurant General Manager for our upscale Italian Concept, you will oversee the daily operations in one of the upscale dining establishments at the World Equestrian Center - Ocala. This role requires a dynamic leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional culinary experiences and providing world-class service. Our restaurant offers a sophisticated Italian dining experience, combining authentic Italian dishes with modern, innovative culinary techniques. You will lead a team that is committed to excellence and dedicated to creating a warm, elegant atmosphere where every guest enjoys a memorable experience. Your leadership will be key to achieving operational excellence, maintaining high standards, and enhancing guest satisfaction.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Guest Experience Focus: Deliver an unparalleled dining experience by providing exceptional service and anticipating guests' needs. Cultivate an atmosphere that makes guests feel like part of the family, ensuring repeat visits from first-time diners.
• VIP Guest Relations: Foster strong relationships with high-profile guests, providing personalized service tailored to their tastes. Offer expert recommendations on wine pairings, Italian regional specialties, and seasonal dishes to elevate their experience.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee the restaurant’s financial performance, including beverage, labor, and supply costs. Ensure operational expenses are in line with budgets and financial goals, striving for both profitability and the highest culinary standards.
• Staff Scheduling: Design and manage the front-of-house staff schedules, optimizing labor efficiency based on guest volume, seasonal demands, and special events while adhering to budget guidelines.
• Payroll Management: Oversee and manage payroll for front-of-house staff, ensuring timely and accurate processing while maintaining compliance with company policies and controlling labor costs.
• Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor front-of-house staff, promoting a strong understanding of Italian cuisine, regional wine offerings, and high-end service standards. Foster a positive work environment that encourages growth, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.
• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory control, ensuring the restaurant maintains a steady supply of high-quality offerings, wines, and Italian specialties. Manage ordering processes to reduce waste, optimize inventory turnover, and maintain cost efficiency.
• Operational Excellence: Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, health, and safety across the restaurant. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations while creating a comfortable and safe environment for guests and staff.
• Event Planning & Execution: Plan and execute special events, private dining experiences, and seasonal offerings that highlight the richness of Italian cuisine. Conceptualize wine dinners, Italian holiday celebrations, and themed culinary events that attract guests and drive revenue.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring consistency in food and beverage quality, service standards, and restaurant ambiance. Lead by example, providing hands-on support when needed and ensuring smooth service flow.
• Menu Innovation: Collaborate with the culinary team to manage and update menu and make necessary edits. Take ownership of the beverage program, including crafting sophisticated cocktails and overseeing the wine programming to complement the dining experience.
• Guest Feedback Management: Actively listen to guest feedback, resolving concerns quickly and effectively. Use guest insights to fine-tune the guest experience, improve service standards, and enhance overall satisfaction.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly analyze performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement in both service and operations. Adjust strategies as necessary to meet evolving market trends and ensure that the restaurant consistently exceeds guest expectations.
• Flexibility & Availability: Be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events to support the restaurant’s operations during peak times and high-demand events.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Ability to swiftly assess operational challenges, resolve issues, and make decisions that maintain high service quality and operational efficiency.
• Delegation & Multi-tasking: Proficient in managing multiple tasks simultaneously and delegating responsibilities effectively to ensure smooth operations and service excellence.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate, train, and develop a high-performing team. Excellent communication skills are essential for engaging with staff, guests, and management.
• Culinary Knowledge & Trend Awareness: A passion for Italian cuisine, including regional variations, pasta-making techniques, and authentic ingredients. Stay up-to-date with food and beverage trends, with a particular focus on Italian food and wine.
• Financial Management: Solid experience in managing budgets, controlling costs, and driving revenue, while maintaining the restaurant’s high-quality standards.
• Guest-Centric Approach: A commitment to creating a warm, welcoming environment for guests. A strong focus on delivering exceptional guest service that exceeds expectations.
• Wine & Beverage Knowledge: Proficiency in wine pairings, Italian regional wines, and cocktails. The ability to oversee an extensive wine list that complements the menu and offer beverage pairings that enhance the overall dining experience.
• Tech Savvy: Familiarity with various computer systems, including POS systems, Microsoft Office, and team communication tools (e.g., MS Teams).

Education and Experience:

• 5+ Years of Experience: Proven experience in food and beverage management, particularly in an upscale or fine dining environment specializing in Italian cuisine.
• Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with guests, staff, and management.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of restaurant operations, including food cost management, inventory control, safety, sanitation, and compliance with local regulations.
• Event Planning Expertise: Experience planning and executing private dining events, wine dinners, and catering functions.
• Certifications: ServSafe Certification, Alcohol Compliance Certification, and other relevant industry certifications required

 Physical Requirements:

To succeed in this role, you must be able to:

• Stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and occasionally lift heavy objects as part of daily operational duties.
• Communicate effectively with team members and guests in both written and verbal forms.
• Maintain a visible and professional presence in the restaurant, ensuring service standards, cleanliness, and the guest experience are always upheld.

 About Us:

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to creating memorable guest experiences and a welcoming, positive work environment. We offer a supportive atmosphere that encourages a healthy work-life balance and provides opportunities for professional growth.

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

This job description serves as a general guide for the responsibilities and qualifications required for the role. It does not encompass all tasks the General Manager may be required to perform, as responsibilities may evolve to meet the needs of the business.