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RESTAURANT MANAGER

At Soul & Smoke, we treat barbecue with the reverence it deserves. We are consumed with the details: the meat-to-bone ratio on our ribs, the creaminess of our mac and cheese, and the combination of spices in Chef’s signature sauce. Classically trained, he’s primed with the palate and patience to pull those nourishing, heart-warming barbecue flavors from the smoke.

We are building our flagship restaurant in Evanston, to open in about a month. We are looking for someone kind, capable and reliable. You must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic with strong time management and communication skills.

Our success depends upon the team effort and dedication of our staff, we are selective in choosing new crew members. We look to our team to contribute to the success of the company and take pride in the quality of our food and service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for coordinating and supervising all aspects of service and front-of-the-house operations, from conception to execution, while creating a memorable and seamless client experience. Functions include, but are not limited to:

Training/Coaching:

Participate in FOH and Bar hiring decisions. Help HR craft and implement policies and procedures, improve employee handbook, and carry out FOH performance reviews.
Train/coach new and existing FOH and Bar staff on customer service, processes, POS/platforms, standards of service, company, menu, etc. Lead by example and serve as a resource for questions/problem-solving.
Ensure procedures are updated and followed appropriately (side work, clocking out for breaks, ringing up staff meals, call-offs, etc).
Spend some time at food trucks, festivals, and catering events to be able to train staff and suggest areas for improvement.

Service/Bar Oversight:

Coordinate and supervise team members to provide an exceptional experience for customers. Lead FOH and Bard staff to assist customers with placing orders and coordinating updates, ensuring communication with kitchen staff.
Lead customer problem-solving and prompt/exceptional communication.
Partner with the chefs to ensure FOH/BOH operations are flowing smoothly.
Schedule Evanston FOH staff, and participate with event/warehouse staff scheduling as needed.
Spend regular time at each outlet to stay actively involved in their operations and with their teams. Identify areas for improvement and maintain consistent communication with staff that does not regularly come to Evanston HQ.
Become an expert in Toast POS and 3rd party platforms to be able to make needed adjustments, problem-solve, teach others, and troubleshoot tech issues that arise (adjusting prep times, adding menu items, requesting Grubhub refunds, troubleshooting printer issues, etc.). Use reporting to help analyze results and recommend changes.
With the leadership team, brainstorm ideas for improvement based on sales, performance, community happenings, and industry trends. Develop concepts that meet company goals.
In consultation with leadership team, spearhead beverage menu planning, including recommending products to carry, and recipe creation.
Lead shaping of FOH, Bar and service processes and standards as we grow into the full restaurant.

Events/Catering:

Become an expert in catering/event calendars, software, and communication systems.
Serve as a point of contact for catering and private event inquiries, bookings, and execution.
Book straightforward catering orders.
Ensure the FOH team pulls/preps needed supplies and sauces for catering orders, and help oversee successful catering order execution.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

3+ years of restaurant leadership experience.
Manage FOH and bar staff. Lead, coach, and schedule to ensure efficient teamwork, and best quality product and service.
Be comfortable with changing circumstances - lead with positivity toward the solution to every challenge. Always take care of the team and customers, and never sacrifice quality.
Communicate with management, customers, and coworkers in a proactive and professional manner.
Strong bar and beverage experience and knowledge preferred.
Speak up when you see problems or areas for improvement, and suggest solutions.
Maintain a positive, empathetic, professional, and proactive attitude.
Ability to stay calm and make good decisions under stress.
Attention to detail - organized and efficient.
Strong computer/technology skills.
Sense of teamwork and urgency.
Sales- and big-picture-minded.
Flexibility and adaptability - as a growing small business, we are evolving and refining.
Driver's license preferred.

Job Type & Compensation:

This is a full-time position, working primarily at our Evanston location. Approx 45 hours per week on average, must include evenings and weekends. Depending on experience, $55-70,000 in compensation package of salary and revenue share, to start.

Benefits & Perks:

Health and dental insurance, after 90 days.
Aflac and retirement savings plans are available after 90 days.
10 days PTO, accruing annually.
Dining and catering discounts, daily staff meals.
Pooled employee revenue share. Soul & Smoke does not generally accept tips, but distributes 100% of its service charge to all employees, based on a number of hours worked. In 2025, revenue share for full time employees was over $10,000.

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