General Manager

Company Description: Cafe Yaya is a restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago, owned and operated by Andrés Clavero and James Beard winning Chef Zachary Engel. The restaurant is a space for community: hospitality professionals, guests, and suppliers will come together and celebrate food and drink in a respectful, friendly, and caring manner.  Overview: The General Manager is responsible for upholding the culture standards of Cafe Yaya. Supervising all daily restaurant operations, maintaining sanitation standards, and assisting the Front Of House staff on the floor in providing exemplary hospitality.  The position reports to and assists the Owners in making sure guests' and employees' satisfaction is central. The General Manager will report to the Owners. Above all, the General Manager must do all to contribute to a positive work environment as set forth by the culture and values of New Wave Hospitality. Responsibilities: Employee Relations: Manage on a regular basis the recruitment process and retention tactics for all staff including corrective action, training, and employee morale Cultivate and maintain professional relationships with all employees and managers through a positive and team-driven work effort Maintain superior service levels and helps facilitate ongoing education of all employees in the form of weekly quizzes and regular discussion in preshifts Assist with creating and implement a weekly schedule to best suit employees strengths and weaknesses Delegating tasks to employees Supervise staff for safety and cleanliness according to Health Department regulations Effectively communicate with Owners and other Managers regarding employee relations updates (i.e.  resignations, corrective actions, mandated meetings, etc.) Train staff on cultural uniqueness and importance of specific dishes Accommodate staff and guest requests and preferences whenever possible Implement activities to encourage menu participation across all Front of House employees Train employees on proper actions and attitude in the Front of House and take preventative corrective action to address issues that may arise Assist with employee evaluations following guidelines and procedures set forth by the standards of New Wave Hospitality Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships with direct reports and entire food & beverage and culinary team by soliciting employee feedback, utilizing the "open door" policy and reviewing employee satisfaction results to identify and address employee problems or concerns. Ensure employee meetings are consistently taking place Operations:  Manage and oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the dining areas, kitchen, and exterior grounds of the restaurant Monitor, evaluate, and audit the food, beverage, and service offerings; initiating improvements; building relationships with patrons  Ensure Team Members are properly trained in safe work practices and procedures Ensure compliance with food handling and sanitation standards Update marketing materials as needed including menus and signage Run weekly manager, front of house meetings, and preshifts Financials Assist in the management of budgeting, accounting, payroll, and other financial matters. Monitor the restaurant’s actual and projected sales to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded and opportunities are identified and addressed. Ensure cash control and liquor control policies are in place in food & beverage areas and followed by all related employees. Review and maintain daily payroll reports/records. Maintain labor costs within established budgetary guidelines Supervise cash management and ensure accountability for all cash handling practices and administration Guest Service  Supervise dining room to ensure quality of service, food, and beverage Organize and respond to large party/event requests  Interact with guests frequently to ensure satisfaction and enjoyment of dining experience Seek out and use service-related guest feedback and take appropriate action to continually improve the level of service, drive overall guest satisfaction, increase return visits and reduce guest complaints. Always represent the highest of New Wave Hospitality standards when communicating with guests in any way, and respond to all guest complaints or inquiries within the required timeline Experience/Skills: College degree is preferred. Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management is desirable. A combination of practical experience and education will be considered as an alternative 2+ years management experience, in a high volume setting A passion for food and restaurant operations and a desire to make an impact on customers and business 1-2 years managing a wine list and/or cocktail program preferred  A "can do" work ethic and the ability to be a role model Ability to adapt and succeed in a fast-paced environment Works efficiently and timely at all times Previous Toast, Resy, TripleSeat, RASI experience an asset Excellent communication and organizational skills More detail about Cafe Yaya part of Galit & Cafe Yaya, please visit