General Manager

Ballyhoo Hospitality is currently seeking an experienced General Manager to join our team at Sophia Steak in Wilmette.

About Ballyhoo Hospitality
Founded in 2009 by Ryan and Anna O'Donnell, Ballyhoo Hospitality is a Chicago-based restaurant group operating 15 neighborhood-driven concepts across Chicago and the suburbs. Led today by Ryan O'Donnell and Partner Jon Farrer, Ballyhoo is built on warm, personal hospitality, honest cuisine, and deep community investment. The group expands intentionally, preserving the individuality of each concept while staying rooted in the belief that great hospitality is shaped by passionate teams, loyal guests, and the neighborhoods they serve.

Job Summary
We place the highest value on GMs who actively engage on the floor and consistently interact with guests, as this is fundamentally the most vital aspect of our work. This proactive engagement is not merely a preference; it is the cornerstone of exceptional service and a vibrant, successful environment. By fostering genuine connections and maintaining a visible, helpful presence, our team members directly contribute to outstanding guest experiences and create a positive, hospitable and engaging atmosphere for everyone.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Guest Experience & Operational Excellence:

• Guest Experience: Ensure outstanding hospitality and customer satisfaction across all service moments
• Quality Control: Guarantee consistency in food, beverage, and service standards
• Service Operations: Lead daily restaurant operations in partnership with the management team
• Marketing Collaboration: Partner with the marketing team on activations, events, and brand initiatives
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure full compliance with sanitation, safety, and local regulations
• Operational Efficiency: Maintain excellence in restaurant appearance, service flow, and overall operational execution

Financial & Administrative Management

• Financial Performance: Drive sales performance while controlling labor cost and F&B cost in line with budget targets
• Cash Management: Ensure compliance with company cash handling and reconciliation procedures
• Payroll & Scheduling: Oversee bi-weekly payroll processing and weekly staff scheduling
• Reporting & Analysis: Monitor restaurant KPIs and financial performance to support operational decision-making
• Systems & Tools: Utilize restaurant management systems and reporting tools efficiently

Team Leadership & Development

• Leadership: Lead teams with integrity, professionalism, and open communication
• Culture & Inclusion: Foster a respectful, inclusive, and positive working environment
• Recruitment & Onboarding: Support hiring, onboarding, and integration processes in line with company standards
• Training & Coaching: Develop and coach management and operational teams to drive autonomy and performance
• Team Development: Support internal growth, talent development, and succession planning
• Collaboration: Promote strong communication and collaboration between FOH, BOH, and management teams

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership roles within the restaurant/hospitality industry is required.
• Prior experience in leading new Restaurant Opening Operations.
• Proficiency in Restaurant Management and Operations is essential.
• Exceptional communication and organizational abilities are a must.
• The ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with diverse business partners is expected.
• Strong capabilities in managing and interpreting restaurant financials are necessary.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Experience with Restaurant 365, Resy and Toast POS is a plus!
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Benefits & Perks: Health, Dental, and Voluntary Benefits Package, 401(k) program, paid parental leave, paid vacation, career mentorship and growth potential, and dining incentives across our 15+ establishments!

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and friendly environment.
• Gain valuable experience in the hospitality industry.
• Be part of a team that values growth and development