General Manager

Cafe Zaffri, affectionately known as “Zaf’s,” is a culinary venture from the renowned team behind New York City favorites Raf’s and The Musket Room. Situated within The Twenty Two New York—a luxury hotel and private members’ club in Union Square—the expansive restaurant welcomes the public with a menu inspired by modern interpretations of Levantine cuisine and its vibrant culinary heritage.

Cafe Zaffri is looking for a seasoned General Manager who thrives in dynamic, fine-dining environments. This role is ideal for a strategic leader with a passion for developing high-performing teams and a sharp eye for financial performance. As GM, you’ll oversee all Front-of-House operations, foster a culture of excellence and accountability, and implement best practices that drive both revenue growth and team engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Leadership

• Partner with the F&B Director to execute daily operations and long-term growth initiatives.
• Manage FOH staffing, scheduling, and labor cost targets.
• Oversee onboarding, training, and employee relations in collaboration with HR.
• Support payroll processes including timecards, tips, and PTO.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration between FOH and BOH teams.
• Lead regular management meetings focused on financials, service, and improvements.
• Balance administrative duties with active service leadership.

Service Excellence

• Supervise dining room operations and ensure service standards are met.
• Lead pre-shift meetings and communicate updates on menus, reservations, and guests.
• Maintain a welcoming, clean, and efficient environment.
• Resolve guest concerns with professionalism and follow-up.
• Step into service roles when needed to support the team.
• Ensure daily closing duties and server checkouts are completed to standard.

Brand & Culture

• Champion the values and brand philosophy of Little Rest Hospitality and The Twenty Two.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented workplace culture.
• Represent the brand internally and externally with integrity and enthusiasm.

Safety & Compliance

• Uphold sanitation, hygiene, and safety standards per DOH and OSHA regulations.
• Monitor equipment and coordinate maintenance needs.
• Respond promptly to safety concerns and violations.

Menu & Product Knowledge

• Maintain deep knowledge of food and beverage offerings, including ingredients and origins.
• Communicate allergy and dietary information effectively to staff and guests.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in a fine-dining restaurant leadership role.
• Degree in Hospitality or related field preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in restaurant management software and productivity tools.
• Ability to lead under pressure and adapt to changing business needs.
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Essential Functions and Physical Demands 
This job requires meeting specific physical demands to perform essential duties effectively. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform those essential functions. 

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:   

• Exert well-paced mobility for periods of up to 12 hours per day. 
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds. 
• Frequently stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, push, pull, and kneel. 
• Frequently utilize the stairs, often while lifting and carrying heavy items.   
• Occasionally crouch and climb. 
• Be exposed to hazards including, but not limited to, burns, cuts, scrapes, and frequent exposure of hands to water. 
• Withstand fluctuations in temperature within the work environment, from high heat to below freezing. 
• Be exposed to common allergens and unique ingredients. 
• Handle heavy equipment and machinery. 
• May be asked to travel to visit vendors or different company locations. 

Benefits include:

• 401(k) with employer match
• 50% of health insurance covered by the company
• Paid Time Off + Safe and Sick Leave
• Dining discounts
• Continuing education

Little Rest Hospitality LLC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment where all individuals have equal opportunities. We value talent, skills, and potential, and strive to create an atmosphere that promotes diversity and equality.