General Manager Regional American / Chesapeake Bay Restaurant
Location: [Baltimore, Maryland]
Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen is seeking an experienced and hospitality-driven General Manager to lead the operations of a well-established, high-end restaurant celebrating the culinary traditions and ingredients of the Chesapeake Bay region. Our restaurant features thoughtful Regional American cuisine, strong relationships with local producers and watermen, and a vibrant catering and events program.
This is an opportunity for a seasoned hospitality professional to help guide a respected restaurant with deep regional roots and a strong reputation for warm service and excellent food.
Location & Setting
Our restaurant is located within the Baltimore Museum of Art, overlooking one of the city’s most beautiful sculpture gardens. During the warmer months, our outdoor dining space is widely considered one of Baltimore’s premier dining destinations.
Because of this unique setting, the restaurant hosts a vibrant calendar of weddings, private celebrations, and special events, both indoors and in the sculpture garden. The General Manager plays an essential role in ensuring that these events are executed with the same level of hospitality, organization, and professionalism that define our daily dining experience.
This environment requires a leader who is comfortable managing both an elegant restaurant service and a dynamic schedule of private events.
About the Role
The General Manager will oversee daily restaurant operations, support the culinary team, and ensure that every guest experiences the thoughtful hospitality and quality that define our restaurant. This role also includes leadership of our catering and events program, which continues to grow through both on-site and off-site events.
We are looking for a leader who enjoys being present on the floor, mentoring staff, and building a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and pride in what we do.
The General Manager will work closely with ownership to strengthen operations, maintain financial discipline, and continue building a restaurant that is both beloved locally and respected within the region.
Responsibilities
Operations
- Lead all day-to-day restaurant and catering operations
- Maintain high standards of service, hospitality, and guest experience
- Ensure smooth coordination between front-of-house, kitchen, and event teams
- Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and service execution
Financial Management
- Oversee restaurant and catering financial performance
- Manage budgets, labor cost, and operating expenses
- Review financial reports and work with ownership to improve efficiency and profitability
Catering, Private Events & Weddings
- Oversee execution of weddings, receptions, and private celebrations held at the restaurant and sculpture garden
- Coordinate closely with museum staff and event planners
- Ensure flawless service standards for high-profile and large-format events
- Manage staffing, logistics, and event timelines for complex private functions
Team Leadership
- Recruit, train, and mentor managers and staff
- Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and genuine hospitality
- Support staff development and long-term retention
Community & Brand
- Help protect and strengthen the restaurant’s identity as a Chesapeake and Regional American dining destination
- Maintain relationships with regional vendors, farmers, and partners
- Represent the restaurant positively within the community
Qualifications
- 5–10+ years of management experience in a full-service restaurant
- Experience in high-end or chef-driven dining preferred
- Strong financial and organizational skills
- Experience with private dining or catering operations is a plus
- A genuine appreciation for hospitality, regional cuisine, and seasonal ingredients
- A collaborative leadership style and strong communication skills
Compensation
- Competitive salary
- Performance-based bonus
- Opportunity for long-term leadership growth within the organization
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume to John Shields at [email protected] and brief cover letter describing their experience and interest in the position.
