General Manager

About Us
The Popal Group is a growing, family-owned restaurant and hospitality group based in Washington, DC. We operate multiple chef-driven concepts focused on thoughtful service, strong culture, and operational excellence. Our teams are collaborative, detail-oriented, and committed to creating memorable guest experiences while supporting one another.

Position Overview
The General Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily restaurant operations, leading and developing the management and front-of-house teams, and ensuring a consistently high level of service, hospitality, and financial performance. This role requires a hands-on leader who sets the tone for professionalism, accountability, and guest experience.

• Oversee all day-to-day restaurant operations, ensuring seamless service and adherence to company standards at all times

• Maintain a consistent, high-quality guest experience across all shifts, including peak service periods

• Be present on the floor during service, leading by example and supporting the team in real time

• Monitor reservation flow, table pacing, seating strategy, and overall service execution

• Address guest feedback, complaints, and service recovery professionally and promptly

• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and maintenance of all guest-facing and back-of-house areas

• Collaborate with culinary leadership to ensure alignment between front-of-house and back-of-house operations

• Own and manage the restaurant’s financial performance, including revenue, labor, and controllable costs

• Develop and execute labor schedules that align with forecasted business levels and budget targets

• Analyze and manage P&L statements; identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement

• Control prime costs through effective labor management, purchasing practices, and waste reduction

• Oversee cash handling, deposits, and financial controls in accordance with company policies

• Work with ownership and leadership to set financial goals and execute action plans to achieve them

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-performing managers and hourly team members

• Train, coach, and develop management staff with a focus on leadership growth and accountability

• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture aligned with company values

• Set clear expectations and hold team members accountable through consistent feedback and performance management

• Conduct regular check-ins, evaluations, and disciplinary actions when necessary

• Lead by example, modeling professionalism, strong communication, and emotional intelligence

• Ensure all team members are properly trained on service standards, policies, and procedures

• Maintain and execute onboarding and ongoing training programs for FOH and management teams

• Identify skill gaps and implement coaching or retraining plans as needed

• Support cross-training and internal promotion to build a strong leadership pipeline

• Partner with company leadership to implement new initiatives, systems, or standards

• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws and regulations

• Maintain all health, safety, and sanitation standards in accordance with local health department requirements

• Enforce company policies related to workplace conduct, harassment prevention, and safety

• Address workplace incidents promptly and document appropriately

• Maintain accurate records related to training, certifications, and compliance

• Oversee the effective use of POS, reservation systems, and scheduling software

• Ensure accurate timekeeping, payroll review, and tip compliance where applicable

• Manage administrative tasks including invoices, inventory counts, and reporting

• Ensure all operational documentation is accurate, current, and consistently followed

• Communicate clearly and regularly with ownership, HR, and support teams

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience as a General Manager or senior restaurant manager

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills

• Proven experience managing labor, budgets, and financial performance

• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

• High standards for hospitality, service, and operational excellence

• Experience with reservation systems and POS platforms preferred

• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time throughout scheduled shifts

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25–40 pounds (e.g., chairs, supplies, cases)