Restaurant General Manager

Our client, a hospitality ownership group, is seeking a dynamic, hands-on Restaurant General Manager to lead a distinctive dining destination in Somerset, Kentucky. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced restaurant leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, takes pride in building strong teams, and enjoys having the autonomy to make a meaningful impact on the business.

Backed by a growing hospitality organization with ambitious plans for the region, this opportunity offers the chance to take ownership of an established restaurant while contributing to a company that continues to evolve and expand.

We're looking for a GM who brings a strong operational foundation, sound business judgment, and a genuine passion for hospitality. Someone who can think on their feet, anticipate challenges, make confident decisions, and lead by example.

The Opportunity

As General Manager, you'll oversee all aspects of a restaurant generating approximately $1.4M–$1.6M in annual revenue. You'll have the freedom to lead your operation, develop your team, strengthen the guest experience, and drive financial performance.

This isn't a role where every decision comes from a corporate playbook. You'll be trusted to take initiative, solve problems, and help refine processes while collaborating with a supportive leadership group.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable engaging with guests on the dining room floor, coaching managers, analyzing financial performance, and identifying opportunities to grow the business.

What You'll Do

• Take full ownership of daily restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional hospitality, operational consistency, and strong financial results.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the management and culinary teams while fostering a positive, accountable workplace culture.

• Drive revenue, manage costs, and maximize profitability through thoughtful planning and sound business decisions.

• Maintain a visible, hands-on presence in the restaurant, building relationships with guests, employees, and the local community.

• Proactively identify operational challenges, implement practical solutions, and continuously improve performance.

• Oversee staffing, scheduling, labor management, inventory controls, and service standards.

• Collaborate with company leadership on business initiatives, operational improvements, and growth opportunities.

• Provide limited operational oversight for a nearby private event venue.

• Create an environment where hospitality, teamwork, and financial accountability go hand in hand.

What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership experience as a Restaurant General Manager or in a comparable senior restaurant management role.

• A strong background in upscale casual, polished casual, or high-volume full-service restaurant operations.

• Experience in both structured restaurant organizations and entrepreneurial or independent dining environments is highly desirable.

• Solid financial acumen, including P&L management, labor optimization, cost controls, and revenue growth.

• An entrepreneurial mindset with the confidence to make decisions and take accountability for results.

• A proactive problem-solver who can adapt quickly, remain composed under pressure, and navigate an evolving business environment.

• A natural leader who builds strong teams through coaching, communication, and leading by example.

• A collaborative personality with the ability to operate independently without losing sight of broader company goals.

• A genuine passion for hospitality, guest engagement, and building lasting community relationships.

Compensation & Opportunity

• Base Salary: $90,000–$95,000

• Profit Sharing: Planned incentive program with estimated annual earning potential of $10,000–$15,000 based on projected restaurant performance. Program terms are being finalized, and payouts are not guaranteed.

• Leadership Autonomy: The opportunity to truly own your restaurant's performance and influence how the business operates.

• Growth Environment: Join an expanding hospitality organization with additional food, beverage, and event concepts in development.

• Community Connection: Become an integral part of the hospitality scene in Somerset, a welcoming community in Kentucky's Lake Cumberland region.