Required Years of Experience
6+ years
Job Details
Old Friend is new construction restaurant landing in Wayne’s bustling restaurant row. Designed by award-winning Stokes architecture (Provenance, Kalaya, etc.), we are centered around a charcoal-fired Josper grill and oven, and run by chefs who cut their teeth in some of the world’s greatest Michelin star restaurants.
This is a role for someone who understands that great restaurants are built in the dining room as much as in the kitchen—someone who leads with presence, sets the tone, and takes genuine pride in creating a place people want to return to again and again.
The ideal candidate is charismatic, hospitality-forward, and operationally sharp, with a strong point of view on service and a natural ability to connect with both guests and team members. This is a hands-on leadership role, working in close partnership with the chef to ensure a seamless and consistent experience from the first guest in to the last guest out.
You should be equally comfortable on the floor and in the numbers — able to build, mentor, and retain a strong team while maintaining a disciplined approach to the business.
What you’ll do:
- Lead the daily operations of a quality-driven restaurant with a strong regular following
- Set and maintain the tone of the dining room — warm, polished, and highly attentive without being formal
- Partner closely with culinary leadership to ensure alignment between kitchen and front of house
- Hire, develop, and mentor a team of managers and hourly staff, building a culture of accountability and care
- Oversee financial performance including labor, cost controls, and overall profitability
- Be a constant presence on the floor — anticipating needs, supporting the team, and engaging with guests
What we’re looking for:
- 6+ years of progressive leadership experience in well-regarded, chef-driven restaurants
- A strong foundation in hospitality — you know how to read a room, remember a guest, and recover a moment
- Experience building and leading high-performing teams with a focus on development and retention
- Solid financial acumen and comfort managing the business side of the restaurant
- A calm, confident presence and a genuine love of the work
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive base salary
- Quarterly bonus program
- Referral bonus programs
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Medical coverage
Compensation Details
Compensation: Salary (Based on Experience)
Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Potential Bonuses
Required Skills
Leadership
Team Building
Mentoring
Guest Engagement
Operational Management
Conflict Resolution
Customer Service Excellence
Financial Management
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Joe Monnich, chef/partner at Stove & Co. has teamed up with Larry Kagan and Chas McFeely to bring a contemporary live-fire grill concept named Old Friend to Downtown Wayne this fall.
Old Friend will be a warm, energetic gathering place that has the comfort of a neighborhood favorite with the appeal of a destination restaurant. Old Friend is set on the corner of Lancaster Ave and Louella Ave in the new Wayne Station development. The 3,000 sq. ft. space will feature 78 dining room seats and 8 bar seats. Centered around live-fire cooking and genuine hospitality,
Old Friend is designed to feel both familiar and a bit unexpected – a place where guests can gather for casual meals, special occasions, and everything in between.
Old Friend will operate Tuesday through Sunday, dinner service only. The menu will be seasonal featuring small plates, mezze style sharing plates, large sharing proteins, and vegetables that are all prepared simply over a Josper charcoal-fired grill. Operating at searing temperatures, the Josper locks in natural flavors while imparting a delicate, savory caramelization that elevates ingredients without overpowering them.
The beverage program will focus on classic and inventive cocktails, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and extensive wine-by-glass options.
With an open kitchen and live-fire grill, Old Friend promises a theatrical view of the chefs at work. Construction will finish in October with an expected opening date in November.
Monnich has enlisted Chef Sam Henzy to be Chef De Cuisine of Old Friend and Monnich will continue at the restaurant in a leadership role. Henzy’s experience includes some of the world’s best restaurants, such as Noma Copenhagen, Quince San Francisco, and Angler San Francisco. Henzy also spent time at Philadelphia’s acclaimed Vernick Food and Drink.
Kagan and McFeely have engaged award-winning Stokes Architecture + Design in Philadelphia (notable projects include Friday Saturday Sunday, Kalaya, and Provenance). Stokes will help the team create a space that is warm and inviting, yet surprising for the area.
Kagan says, “The Main Line is one of those rare places built on lifelong relationships. At Old Friend, we hope to honor this with an compelling blend of atmosphere, cuisine, and hospitality, where everyone can put their phone down for a few minutes and just enjoy being together.”
