General Manager

La Chinesca is Philadelphia's original Mexicali restaurant — a fusion of Chinese-American and Baja Mexican cuisine, set inside a transformed former Jiffy Lube in the Spring Arts neighborhood. We're a high-energy, high-volume restaurant with a loyal following, and we're looking for an Assistant Manager to help lead our floor and our people.

La Chinesca is committed to creating memorable dining experiences through genuine hospitality, culinary excellence, and a fun vibe and atmosphere. We are seeking an experienced and passionate General Manager to lead our front-of-house team and oversee all aspects of restaurant operations.

Position Summary

The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and day-to-day operations of La Chinesca, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, financial performance, and operational excellence. This role oversees all front-of-house operations, staffing, training, scheduling, service standards, and guest relations while working closely with the Executive Chef and 13th Street Kitchens Hospitality Group.

The General Manager is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, food safety, cleanliness, and employee engagement while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Leadership Expectations

This key leadership position requires an individual who demonstrates:

● Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

● Strong leadership through coaching, mentoring, and leading by example.

● Sound judgment and professional decision-making.

● Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.

● A calm and positive demeanor in a fast-paced environment.

● Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.

● Financial accountability and operational discipline.

● The ability to build strong relationships with guests, employees, hotel leadership, and ownership.

Our Values

At La Chinesca, we believe outstanding hospitality begins with outstanding people.

We value:

Hospitality First – Every guest should feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.

Integrity – We are honest, respectful, and accountable in every interaction.

Teamwork – We support one another and succeed together.

Excellence – We continuously strive to improve every aspect of our business.

Passion – We take pride in our restaurant, our food, and the experiences we create.

Essential Functions

● Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

● Work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

● Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.

● Communicate professionally with guests, team members, vendors, and hotel leadership.

● Lead by example in appearance, professionalism, and service standards.

● Ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

Restaurant Operations

● Oversee all daily restaurant operations.

● Ensure exceptional service standards are consistently executed.

● Maintain restaurant cleanliness, organization, and presentation.

● Monitor guest satisfaction and resolve concerns promptly and professionally.

● Respond to online guest reviews and feedback.

● Coordinate with the Executive Chef regarding menu changes, specials, staffing needs, and anticipated business levels.

● Ensure compliance with all health department regulations and food safety standards.

Financial Management

● Manage labor costs while maintaining exceptional service.

● Monitor daily sales, expenses, and profitability.

● Assist in budgeting and forecasting.

● Control inventory, purchasing, waste, and operating costs.

● Enforce cash handling procedures and financial controls.

● Review daily sales reports and identify opportunities for improvement.

Team Leadership

● Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard restaurant team members.

● Train and develop front-of-house employees.

● Create staff schedules based on business demands.

● Conduct regular coaching and performance evaluations.

● Foster a positive and accountable workplace culture.

● Address employee concerns professionally and fairly.

● Partner with Human Resources regarding disciplinary action and employee development.

Guest Experience

● Maintain a visible presence on the dining room floor.

● Build relationships with regular guests and hotel visitors.

● Ensure prompt resolution of guest concerns.

● Create memorable hospitality experiences that encourage repeat business.

Safety & Compliance

● Ensure all employees receive proper safety training.

● Maintain compliance with alcohol service regulations.

● Enforce all company safety policies and emergency procedures.

● Promote a culture of workplace safety and cleanliness.

Expectations of All Employees

● Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and respect.

● Deliver warm, genuine hospitality to every guest.

● Support fellow team members.

● Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.

● Arrive prepared and in proper uniform.

● Take pride in maintaining a clean and organized workplace.

Qualifications

● Minimum 3 years of restaurant management experience, preferably in upscale or full-service dining.

● Proven leadership experience managing high-performing hospitality teams.

● Strong financial acumen including labor management, budgeting, and cost controls.

● Experience with restaurant POS systems and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

● Excellent communication and organizational skills.

● ServSafe Food Manager Certification (preferred or required upon hire).

● RAMP or equivalent alcohol service certification (preferred where applicable).

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

● Guest satisfaction

● Team engagement and retention

● Financial performance

● Labor and cost management

● Health and safety compliance

● Operational consistency

● Restaurant cleanliness and presentation

Physical Requirements

This position requires extended periods of standing and walking throughout the restaurant. Candidates must be able to bend, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in a fast-paced hospitality environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why Join La Chinesca?

Joining La Chinesca means becoming part of a growing hospitality team dedicated to exceptional food, genuine service, and creating memorable experiences in one of Philadelphia’s most historic neighborhoods. We are committed to developing talented hospitality professionals while maintaining a culture built on respect, teamwork, accountability, and excellence.