Founding General Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Founding General Manager

Cedar & Sage Bistro & Lounge – Palo Alto

Position Summary

Cedar & Sage Bistro & Lounge is seeking an accomplished, visionary, and hospitality-driven Founding General Manager to lead the launch and ongoing operations of our flagship Palo Alto location.

More than a restaurant, Cedar & Sage is a bold new hospitality concept designed to redefine the modern dining experience. Blending chef-driven cuisine, an exceptional wine program, innovative craft cocktails, live entertainment, and elevated hospitality, Cedar & Sage offers an atmosphere that is sophisticated, energetic, and unlike anything else in Silicon Valley.

As our Founding General Manager, you will play an instrumental role in bringing this vision to life. Working alongside ownership, culinary leadership, and the executive team, you will help establish the culture, build an exceptional team, develop operational excellence, and create unforgettable guest experiences from opening day forward.

This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial hospitality leader who is passionate about innovation, inspired by excellence, and excited to build something extraordinary from the ground up. The ideal candidate leads with integrity, humility, accountability, and emotional intelligence while possessing the business acumen and leadership skills necessary to drive financial success, cultivate future leaders, and create a workplace where both guests and employees thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Restaurant Operations

• Lead all front-of-house operations while partnering closely with the Executive Chef to ensure seamless restaurant execution.
• Direct daily service while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, professionalism, and operational excellence.
• Create an environment where every guest receives warm, personalized, and memorable service.
• Maintain exceptional standards for cleanliness, organization, facility appearance, and overall guest experience.
• Uphold company policies, procedures, and service standards through consistent leadership and accountability.
• Continuously evaluate operations and implement improvements that enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and inspire managers and hourly team members.
• Assist with onboarding, scheduling, performance evaluations, and leadership development.
• Foster a culture built on professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and mutual respect.
• Provide clear expectations, constructive feedback, and ongoing coaching to team members.
• Lead by example through visibility, professionalism, and a hands-on leadership approach.
• Promote a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to grow and succeed.

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage restaurant profitability through effective labor, purchasing, and operational controls.
• Monitor daily sales, labor costs, operating expenses, and financial performance.
• Develop schedules that balance exceptional guest service with financial responsibility.
• Partner with culinary leadership to manage food and beverage costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Oversee inventory controls, vendor relationships, and operational budgets.
• Support initiatives that drive revenue growth, guest frequency, and long-term profitability.

Guest Experience

• Lead a guest-first culture that delivers hospitality beyond expectations.
• Build lasting relationships with guests, community members, and business partners.
• Respond promptly and professionally to guest concerns and feedback.
• Support private dining, chef experiences, wine dinners, live entertainment, and special events.
• Embrace a guest-first philosophy, recognizing that exceptional hospitality extends beyond the dining room.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health department regulations and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Ensure compliance with California labor laws, alcohol service regulations, and workplace safety standards.
• Participate in inspections and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Protect company assets while maintaining a safe environment for guests and employees.

Leadership Expectations

At Cedar & Sage, leadership is measured not only by operational expertise, but also by character, communication, consistency, and the ability to elevate those around you. The Founding General Manager is expected to serve as a role model, mentor, and culture builder throughout the organization.

Professionalism & Work Ethic

• Arrive prepared, punctual, and ready to lead each day.
• Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and a strong sense of urgency.
• Maintain a positive, solutions-focused mindset, particularly during challenging situations.
• Set the standard for professionalism, hospitality, organization, cleanliness, and execution.
• Take pride in the success of the restaurant and willingly support the team wherever needed.
• Pursue continuous learning, innovation, and professional growth.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with guests, employees, vendors, and ownership.
• Build strong relationships with culinary, service, beverage, and management teams.
• Foster an environment of trust, respect, and open communication.
• Address challenges directly, constructively, and with emotional maturity.
• Collaborate effectively across departments to ensure operational excellence and an exceptional guest experience.

Culture & Mentorship

• Inspire excellence through leadership, consistency, and example.
• Promote a culture of hospitality, teamwork, accountability, and respect.
• Maintain composure and professionalism in high-pressure situations.
• Support company initiatives and contribute positively to the overall success of the organization.
• Mentor and develop future leaders while helping build a workplace where employees are engaged, supported, and motivated to perform at their highest level.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive restaurant management experience, including General Manager or Assistant General Manager leadership.
• Experience in upscale casual, fine dining, hotel, or chef-driven restaurant environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of restaurant financial management, including P&L, labor, food and beverage costs, budgeting, inventory controls, and forecasting.
• Demonstrated success building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and organizational skills.
• Passion for hospitality, wine, craft cocktails, and elevated dining experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Current ServSafe Food Manager Certification and Responsible Beverage Service Certification preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands. 50 hour work weeks.

Why Join Cedar & Sage?

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health benefits (where applicable)
• Paid time off
• Dining privileges
• Career advancement within a growing hospitality company.
• The opportunity to become a founding leader of one of Silicon Valley's most anticipated new restaurant concepts.
• The ability to shape the culture, guest experience, and operating philosophy from the very beginning.
• A collaborative leadership team that values creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Growth opportunities as Cedar & Sage expands into additional markets throughout California and beyond.

About Cedar & Sage

At Cedar & Sage, we believe dining should be more than a meal—it should be an experience.

Our concept brings together bold, chef-driven cuisine, world-class wines, handcrafted cocktails, exceptional hospitality, and a vibrant social atmosphere in a setting that is both sophisticated and approachable. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to create memorable moments and meaningful connections.

We're not simply opening another restaurant—we're building a hospitality brand with a long-term vision for growth. As a member of our founding leadership team, you'll have the rare opportunity to influence our culture, establish our standards, mentor future leaders, and help shape a concept that is poised for expansion.

If you're energized by innovation, passionate about hospitality, and excited to leave your mark on something truly special, we'd love to meet you.

Our Commitment

We're not looking for people to fill positions. We're looking for leaders to build a legacy.

More detail about Cedar And Sage Bistro, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/1114261-Cedar-And-Sage-Bistro