GENERAL MANAGER

The General Manager at Little Ruby’s Cafe is responsible for overseeing daily operations, leading the front-of-house team, managing budgets and P&L, ensuring high standards of service and cleanliness, resolving guest concerns, and collaborating closely with the Executive Chef. You will play a crucial role in maintaining operational excellence and delivering outstanding guest experiences.

To qualify for the General Manager position at Little Ruby’s Cafe, candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in hospitality management, preferably in a high-volume setting. Strong leadership abilities, financial acumen in managing budgets and P&L, a guest-centric mindset, and familiarity with operational technology are also essential. Physical stamina and a flexible schedule are important for this demanding role.

Little Ruby’s Cafe supports professional development by providing opportunities for growth within the company. As a General Manager, you'll be part of a supportive leadership team that values your input and fosters your growth. We encourage ongoing training and skill enhancement to help you excel in your role and advance your career.

The work environment at Little Ruby’s Cafe is energetic and fast-paced, reflecting the vibrant spirit of New York City. You'll work alongside a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality service in a lively atmosphere. As General Manager, your leadership will help create an enjoyable and efficient environment for both staff and guests.

The team culture at Little Ruby’s Cafe is characterized by collaboration, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to exceptional service. As General Manager, you will be instrumental in building and maintaining this positive culture by leading your team with enthusiasm and respect, fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and motivated to perform at their best.

Be prepared to discuss your background in hospitality management. Highlight specific roles, your responsibilities, and any leadership positions you've held. Share examples of how you have improved service quality, managed teams, or successfully handled challenges in past roles.

When answering how you approach team training and development, emphasize your belief in continuous learning. Discuss specific programs or initiatives you have implemented, and how you gauge success in team development. Highlight any mentoring or coaching experiences as this reflects your leadership style.

Think of a specific scenario that involved conflict resolution, customer complaints, or operational issues. Explain the context, your actions, and the results. This demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and how you maintain professionalism under pressure.

Discuss strategies such as regular staff training, consistent communication and feedback, mystery guest evaluations, or creating clear service protocols. Emphasize your commitment to quality and how it relates to guest satisfaction and team morale.

Share your approach to handling guest complaints, emphasizing active listening, empathy, and timely resolutions. Provide an example of a past experience where your response positively impacted the guest's experience.

Talk about key financial metrics such as P&L statements, budgeting accuracy, labor costs, and inventory management. Illustrate how you use these metrics to drive operational decisions and improve profitability in your previous roles.

Detail your experience in working closely with kitchen staff, particularly chefs. Discuss how you manage communication between the front and back of the house, work on menu changes, and ensure service aligns with kitchen timelines.

Explain how you leverage technology in daily operations, such as using POS systems for efficiency, implementing reservation platforms, or utilizing staff management software. Highlight your comfort level with adapting new technologies to improve service.

Describe specific initiatives or activities you believe foster a team culture. This could include team-building exercises, open forums for feedback, or creating a reward system for achievements. Emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment for all staff.

Reflect on aspects such as creating memorable guest experiences, building strong teams, or achieving business success. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your passion for the hospitality industry and your drive as a leader.