General Manager

General Manager/Assistant General Manager - Little Engine

At Little Engine, we're creating craveable comfort food with quality ingredients, outstanding service, and genuine hospitality. We're looking for passionate team members who share our commitment to culinary excellence and creating memorable experiences for our guests.

We're hiring a General Manager to build our concept from day one

This is a true startup opportunity led by Chef Rob Sonderman and backed by investor Jeff Zients, who was a founder of and first investor in Call Your Mother. You'll be joining us at the very beginning to establish everything from operational systems to team culture. Working directly with Chef Rob, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape how we operate, train, and grow from our very first day of service.

The General Manager oversees all restaurant operations, team development and growth, and the overall success and profitability of the location. As our founding GM, you won't just be managing an existing restaurant—you'll be building the foundation that defines our brand as we expand. You will lead all team members and establish the operational excellence that will guide our future locations under Chef Rob's culinary leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the restaurant from open to close, maintaining the highest operational standards
• Proactively solve problems and take initiative to keep the restaurant running at peak efficiency
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop FOH and BOH team members to deliver exceptional service
• Work closely with Chef Rob Sonderman to implement training programs and maintain food quality standards
• Create a positive, performance-driven work environment that embodies our hospitality values
• Support high operational standards by implementing and maintaining checklists, recipe specifications, and standardized procedures
• Manage maintenance and upkeep of equipment and facility cleanliness standards
• Maintain focus on food safety standards and overall restaurant safety protocols
• Oversee inventory management, ordering, and budget control for food, beverage, and labor
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to team members
• Create effective schedules to ensure proper staffing and coverage for all shifts
• Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving guest concerns and ensuring satisfaction

The Opportunity:

• Creating extraordinary moments for guests through exceptional service
• Contributing to our business growth with your ideas and operational insights
• Supporting and engaging with our local community
• Mentoring and developing team members to reach their potential
• Building genuine relationships with team members and guests
• Helping establish the foundation for a growing restaurant concept

What You Bring:

• Have 3+ years of experience in a General Manager or equivalent restaurant leadership role
• Have strong understanding of P&L management, COGS, labor control, inventory management, and process improvement
• Have experience with restaurant openings
• Can coordinate multiple operational priorities while maintaining high standards
• Are hospitality-oriented with a genuine passion for guest experience
• Believe in hands-on leadership and are willing to lead by example
• Take initiative, are proactive, and can see the big picture
• Have high energy and a positive attitude that thrives in fast-paced environments
• Treat others with kindness and respect
• Are a collaborative team player always willing to help others
• Work effectively under pressure and actively seek solutions
• Communicate clearly and have proven coaching and leadership skills
• Can work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Have experience with Toast, ADP, MarginEdge (preferred)
• Are proficient with Google Workspace

Why Join Little Engine:

• Competitive compensation: $75,000-$85,000 base salary with up to 10% annual performance bonus opportunity.
• Exciting growth opportunities As our founding GM, this role offers a strong foundation to build your leadership skills and advance your career as we expand. Future opportunities include multi-unit management, regional leadership, and training roles.
• Great people and genuine support. We're building a positive, people-first culture where everyone feels valued and supported. You'll be part of creating something special from the ground up.
• Excellent benefits: Health insurance with company match, PTO, shift meals, professional development opportunities, and more

Ready to join our team? Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this opportunity, and one example of how you've successfully opened or scaled a restaurant operation.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $75, $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person