Operating Partner / General Manager - High-Volume Restaurant

We're seeking an Operating Partner / General Manager to lead the transformation of a well-established farm-to-table, gourmet casual destination restaurant located on the shores of Lake Geneva.

This is not your typical General Manager position.

This is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial hospitality leader who wants to build a premier dining destination while sharing in its long-term success. You'll have the autonomy to shape the culture, develop the team, establish operating systems, and elevate both the guest and culinary experience.

If you've always dreamed of running a restaurant like it's your own, this is your opportunity.

About the Concept

This upscale yet approachable destination restaurant combines:

• Farm-to-table cuisine
• Scratch kitchen
• Seasonal, locally inspired menus
• Elevated casual dining
• Special occasion dinners
• Waterfront dining experience
• Country club-style hospitality
• Craft beverages and vibrant bar atmosphere

Guests visit not just for a meal—but for an experience worth returning to.

The Opportunity

This is a turnaround and growth opportunity inside an established property with tremendous potential.

You'll play a key role in rebuilding the operation by:

• Creating operational systems and standards
• Developing a culture of accountability
• Leading both Front-of-House and Back-of-House operations
• Building leadership within the team
• Driving financial performance
• Elevating culinary execution
• Creating memorable guest experiences
• Positioning the restaurant as a premier destination in the region

This role offers the autonomy and influence of an operating partner, not just a manager.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who thinks like an owner.

Ideal candidates may come from backgrounds such as:

• Operating Partner
• General Manager
• Executive Chef / General Manager
• Chef-Operator
• Director of Operations
• Restaurant Managing Partner

Experience in one or more of the following is highly preferred:

• Farm-to-table restaurants
• Chef-driven concepts
• Upscale casual dining
• Gourmet casual restaurants
• Destination dining
• Country clubs
• Resorts
• Boutique hotels
• Independent restaurants

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior restaurant leadership experience as a General Manager, Operating Partner, Executive Chef/GM, or similar role
• Proven success leading high-volume, full-service restaurant operations
• Strong understanding of both Front-of-House and Back-of-House operations
• Experience managing restaurant financial performance, including P&L, labor, and food cost controls
• Demonstrated ability to build systems, processes, and training programs
• Experience recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing teams
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills
• Passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Knowledge of seasonal menu planning, scratch kitchens, and local sourcing is highly preferred
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independently and drive results

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.