General Manager for Fine Dining Japanese Concept

General Manager for Fine Dining Japanese Concept

About the Opportunity

We are searching for an exceptional General Manager to lead a renowned, chef-driven Japanese fine dining restaurant recognized as a gastronomic institution within its market. This restaurant is defined by precision, restraint, and an uncompromising dedication to craft, where service is intentional, understated, and executed at the highest level.

This role is designed for a seasoned hospitality leader who understands the nuance of elevated Japanese dining, values discipline and consistency, and takes pride in delivering a refined guest experience rooted in respect, detail, and tradition. The General Manager will serve as the steward of the dining room, ensuring every service reflects the integrity of the cuisine and the philosophy behind it.

This role will be based in Dallas, TX and require relocation.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team that embodies Vandelay’s culture, values, and standards of exceptional hospitality.
• Create memorable dining experiences by exceeding guest expectations and demonstrating a genuine love for the art of hospitality.
• Foster a high-energy, service-oriented environment, modeling Vandelay’s standards of excellence and motivating your team to uphold them.
• Respond to guest concerns (both written and verbal) with professionalism, creativity, and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Oversee all daily operations with precision, ensuring seamless service, polished execution, and a consistently elevated guest experience.
• Drive financial performance by developing accurate forecasts and budgets, monitoring key metrics, and achieving labor, COGS, and profitability goals.
• Analyze monthly P&L statements, clearly articulate fluctuations, and present action plans during leadership meetings.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain exceptional talent, maintaining accurate training records and leading effective orientations that reinforce VHG culture and expectations.
• Build a strong leadership bench by coaching managers and supporting ongoing growth, development, and succession planning.
• Create and execute initiatives that increase sales, profitability, and guest check average through community engagement and smart business strategies.
• Uphold rigorous operational standards across service, culinary execution, sanitation, cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure all food and beverage products are consistently prepared and served according to Vandelay’s recipes, portioning, and presentation standards.
• Oversee accurate purchasing, correct invoicing, and proper storage and rotation of all products to ensure freshness, quality, and cost control.
• Maintain the aesthetic and physical upkeep of the restaurant, both inside and outside, ensuring a polished and inviting environment.
• Ensure all restaurant paperwork (including daily reports, payroll, purchase orders, and HR documentation) is completed accurately and on time.
• Identify and respond to safety hazards promptly, ensuring a safe working environment and adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead weekly manager meetings and participate in scheduled GM meetings to communicate updates, align on goals, and strengthen team cohesion.
• Use guest feedback and reviews to drive continuous improvement, implementing action-based strategies that elevate the guest experience.
• Apply fair, consistent disciplinary actions aligned with Vandelay’s standards and protocols.
• Serve as an ambassador of Vandelay Hospitality Group, upholding the company’s mission and fostering a culture of growth, excellence, and hospitality.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's Degree in Restaurant / Hospitality Management or similar field of study strongly preferred
• 2+ years of General Manager experience in a full-service high volume operation
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Trustworthy, detail-obsessed and open to constructive feedback
• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal
• Desire and natural ability to with our engage guests, exuding an infectious commitment to guest service at all times

Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available
• Paid Time Off
• Dining discounts at all Vandelay Hospitality Group concepts
• Professional development and career growth
• Robust Training program
• All Vandelay Hospitality Group restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family
• A collaborative, uplifting culture where we take care of our guests by taking care of our people first

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time