Service Manager

Burl Evanston is a new wood-fired restaurant in the Central Street Merchant District in Evanston, Illinois. The first restaurant from Chef Tom Carlin and partner Rachel Canfora-Carlin, known for their craftsmanship, warmth, and genuine hospitality, Burl offers a refined yet approachable dining experience rooted in seasonality and community. 

We are seeking an experienced a Full-Time Service Leader who will be an essential member of the guest experience– present on the floor, attentive to details, and engaged with guests throughout their visit.

Responsibilities & Duties: 

• Lead service on the floor, acting as the primary presence for guest engagement, team support, and overall  problem resolution;
• Manage  5  shifts a week, Wednesday- Sunday; a mix of opening and closing shifts will be expected. Average workweek is approximately 50 hours a week. 
• Set the tone for hospitality modeling warm, anticipatory service and coaching the team in real time;
• Manage pacing, flow, and table turns to maintain both guest satisfaction and restaurant goals;
• Maintain & progress all areas of service in the restaurant;
• Ensure all policies and procedures are followed, including recruiting, hiring and training, employee reviews, progressive discipline, and any other employee documentation;
• Monitor dining room cleanliness, ambience, and readiness across all parts;
• Communicate professionally and confidently with guests, employees, and leadership.
• Maintain relationships with regular guests and assist with their needs;
• Complete general administrative tasks including opening and closing duties, processing refunds, and maintaining restaurant facilities and supplies;
• Help track labor, comps/voids, and other controllable costs with accuracy and integrity;
• Support revenue strategies through upselling training, menu knowledge, and service pacing;
• Assist with all training for front-of-house staff, including updating training materials and maintaining ongoing development for team members;
• Communicate cross-departmental updates, issues, and wins proactively and consistently;
• Participate in weekly leadership meetings and contribute solution-focused insights;
• Collaborate with the culinary, beverage, and fellow service leaders to run an efficient & cohesive restaurant;
• Provide consistent coaching and support for all hourly employees, and possess the ability to fill into any FOH hourly position;
• Schedule subject to modification or approval by the General Manager.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to help build an opening team culture rooted  in hospitality, excellent service, and community. 
• Restaurant closed every Monday & Tuesday, providing reliable, predictable days off
• Restaurant closure twice per year at the discretion of ownership to allow our team rest & reset; all eligible employees will receive (2) weeks of paid time off during this time
• Health insurance available with employer contribution
• Employee Dining Discount 
• Ongoing training & continued education opportunities 
• Opportunity for advancement as Burl grows 

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the job and does not represent a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications required for the role.