Restaurant General Manager

Position Overview:

The General Manager of Café Riggs holds full operational, financial, and strategic responsibility for the restaurant and its team. As the senior leader on-site, the GM is expected to set the vision, cultivate a culture of excellence, and deliver exceptional dining experiences in alignment with the hotel's brand values. This role requires an agile, guest-centric leader who can balance day-to-day operations with long-term business planning, team development, and brand growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Culture Building:

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, setting clear expectations and standards for service, performance, and professionalism.

• Champion a culture of hospitality, inclusion, and accountability that reflects the values of the Riggs brand.

• Provide ongoing leadership development and succession planning for senior team members, including the Assistant General Manager and department heads.

• Act as a role model in guest interactions and team dynamics, setting the tone for respectful, solution-oriented communication.

Operational Oversight:

• Own all aspects of restaurant operations, ensuring excellence in service execution, product quality, cleanliness, and team performance.

• Lead the implementation and evolution of standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and service guidelines to maintain brand consistency.

• Ensure effective coordination between front and back-of-house teams, resolving operational roadblocks proactively.

Guest Experience and Brand Stewardship:

• Drive a service culture that prioritizes personalization, warmth, and consistency in every guest interaction.

• Actively engage with guests on the floor, solicit feedback, and respond to complaints or concerns with urgency and care.

• Develop guest experience programming, signature events, and hospitality rituals that reinforce Café Riggs as a premier DC dining destination.

Financial Performance and Strategic Management:

• Build, manage, and own the restaurant's operating budget, P&L, and forecasting models in partnership with finance.

• Set and achieve revenue goals through pricing strategy, cost controls, labor efficiency, and menu engineering.

• Analyze financial reports, sales trends, and market opportunities to make data-informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.

Strategic Vision and Brand Development:

• Define the long-term strategic direction of Café Riggs in collaboration with executive leadership and marketing.

• Lead the development and execution of new concepts, seasonal menus, and brand partnerships that align with market trends and guest demand.

• Represent Café Riggs in the DC hospitality community, establishing relationships that support hiring, partnerships, and brand visibility.

People and Performance Management:

• Oversee scheduling, payroll, training, and performance management across all restaurant roles.

• Conduct regular performance reviews, enforce disciplinary procedures when necessary, and recognize team achievements

Salary Range: 90,000 - 100,000