Restaurant General Manager

Our client is a successful and growing French-inspired café and bakery concept seeking an experienced General Manager to lead its high-volume Bethesda, MD location.

This café generates approximately $3 million in annual sales and requires a dynamic, hands-on leader who can drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, and deliver an exceptional guest experience while maintaining strong financial performance.

Position Summary

The General Manager will have full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the café, including team leadership, guest satisfaction, financial performance, food quality, labor management, and operational execution. This individual will be passionate about hospitality, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and lead by example on the floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily café and bakery operations
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers and hourly employees
• Drive sales growth and profitability while maintaining company standards
• Manage labor, scheduling, inventory, food costs, and operating expenses
• Ensure exceptional guest service and a welcoming café experience
• Recruit, train, and retain top talent
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators, including sales, labor, food cost, and guest satisfaction metrics
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and company standards
• Foster a positive, high-energy culture focused on teamwork and accountability
• Execute local marketing and community engagement initiatives as needed
• Partner with ownership and senior leadership to achieve operational goals

Qualifications

• 3+ years of General Manager experience in a high-volume restaurant, café, bakery, QSR, or fast-casual environment
• Proven experience managing annual sales volumes of $2M+ preferred
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L performance
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing teams
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Passion for hospitality, food quality, and operational excellence

Preferred Background

• Bakery, café, coffee, or fast-casual experience
• Experience with scratch-made products or premium food concepts
• Multi-unit exposure is a plus
• Strong understanding of labor management and cost controls

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Career growth with an expanding concept
• Supportive leadership team and strong company culture
• Opportunity to lead one of the company's highest-profile locations

If you are a passionate hospitality leader with a track record of driving results, building teams, and delivering exceptional guest experiences, we encourage you to apply.