Restaurant Manager

About Us

Desert 5 Spot brings the rustic allure of Pioneertown and Cosmic Americana to Washington DC. Named after the colorful Mojave Desert flower and inspired by Joshua Tree hideouts, throwback roadside motels, and western nostalgia, Desert 5 Spot is the ultimate watering hole for country music lovers. Downstairs, we’re slangin’ classic Americana dishes, specialty cocktails, frozen margaritas, and cold beers, making this the perfect place where cowboys come together. Featuring daily live performances by emerging country artists and the Desert 5 All Stars band. Upstairs, it’s bull rides, strong pours, DJ-spun country, line dancing lessons and a patio built for boot-stompin’ under the stars. Desert 5 Spot welcomes one and all to leave their tensions and pretensions at the door, put on their boots, and let the good times roll.

Position Summary

The Restaurant Manager must be a highly motivated, hands-on leader with a strong floor presence, ready to support all aspects of FOH operations. They are responsible for delivering exceptional guest experience and must demonstrate excellent customer service, problem-solving, and communication skills. The ideal candidate is friendly, adaptable, tech-savvy, and capable of multitasking and meeting deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily venue operations, ensuring superior guest service and maintaining a strong floor presence, especially during peak times.
• Lead pre-shift meetings, motivate staff, and manage shifts effectively.
• Handle customer inquiries and complaints efficiently, ensuring a positive guest experience.
• Assist the GM with scheduling, staffing needs, hiring efforts.
• Maintain safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards across all restaurant areas.
• Assist with payroll, including entering tips for FOH staff, and manage inventory and supplies to control costs and minimize waste.
• Lead staff hiring, training, and development; foster a positive work environment.
• Monitor operations and implement corrective actions to improve productivity and sales.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, lift, and bend for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to bend and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Role may include job duties or tasks requiring repetitive motions.
• Exposure to hot kitchen elements or cleaning materials.

Skills/Experience

• At least two (2) years’ experience in a full service, moderate to high volume restaurant.
• Exceptional communication skills
• Ability to focus and multitask and work well under pressure.
• Strong knowledge of culinary products and technique.
• Must be organized, self-motivated, and proactive with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays when required.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.