Restaurant General Manager – Upscale New Opening

Greater Charlotte / Lake Norman Area, NC | $80,000–$90,000 + Bonus

An established and growing restaurant group is preparing to open an exciting new upscale concept in the Greater Charlotte / Lake Norman market and is seeking an accomplished Restaurant General Manager to lead the opening.

This is a polished, chef-driven environment with European culinary influences, an elevated wine program, and a strong commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. We are looking for a sophisticated, hands-on hospitality leader who can balance strong business acumen with an exceptional guest experience. This person should be equally comfortable developing managers, engaging with guests, analyzing the business, and leading from the floor during a busy service.

What We're Looking For

• Proven General Manager or senior restaurant leadership experience within an upscale, fine dining, chef-driven, or polished full-service concept
• Experience leading a high-volume operation of approximately $5M+ in annual sales
• New restaurant opening experience is highly preferred
• Advanced knowledge of French and European wines is essential, including major regions, appellations, varietals, producers, vintages, food pairings, and proper wine service
• The confidence to engage knowledgeable guests around wine while also developing the wine knowledge of the service team
• Strong understanding of elevated service standards and genuine hospitality
• Experience recruiting, training, coaching, and retaining high-performing FOH teams
• Strong financial acumen, including labor management, cost controls, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L performance
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to partner closely with culinary leadership
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and operational follow-through
• A polished, warm presence with the ability to build meaningful relationships with guests and the local community

The Opportunity

This is not simply an opportunity to maintain an established restaurant. You will have the chance to help shape the operation from the beginning.

The General Manager will take ownership of:

• Pre-opening hiring, training, organization, and operational readiness
• Establishing polished, approachable service standards
• Building a confident and knowledgeable wine culture
• Leading day-to-day restaurant operations with a highly visible floor presence
• Developing managers and creating accountability throughout the team
• Driving sales while maintaining strong labor and cost controls
• Creating memorable guest experiences and developing a loyal local following
• Partnering closely with culinary leadership to ensure seamless FOH and BOH communication
• Coaching the team around menu knowledge, wine, service technique, and hospitality
• Maintaining high standards for cleanliness, organization, presentation, and execution
• Identifying opportunities to continually strengthen the operation, team, and guest experience

Who Will Thrive Here

This opportunity will appeal to someone who sees restaurants as a craft, not simply an operation.

You appreciate exceptional food, thoughtful service, European wine, attention to detail, and the subtle touches that turn a meal into an experience.

You are a leader who believes high standards and genuine warmth can coexist. You hold people accountable while investing in their development. You enjoy teaching, mentoring, and building teams of hospitality professionals who take pride in what they do.

Most importantly, you are excited by the opportunity to open something new, put your fingerprint on the culture, and build a restaurant guests want to return to again and again.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $80,000–$90,000
• Bonus opportunity
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Professional growth with an expanding restaurant organization

If you are a polished restaurant leader with significant volume experience, a genuine passion for hospitality, and deep knowledge of French and European wine, we would love to hear from you.