General Manager

Restaurant Manager
Humboldt Park Boathouse Cafe – Chicago, IL

About Us
The Humboldt Park Boathouse Cafe is an exciting new dining destination opening inside the historic Humboldt Park Boathouse. We are creating a vibrant community hub that celebrates the rich culture of the neighborhood. Our menu features a unique mix of Puerto Rican favorites and traditional cafe and park fare. We are seeking a passionate, energetic Restaurant Manager to lead our opening team and establish a welcoming atmosphere for neighbors and visitors alike.

Position Overview
The Restaurant Manager will oversee all daily front-of-house operations, guest relations, and staff management. You will play a pivotal role in launching this new concept, building a cohesive team, and driving financial success. This position offers a balanced five-day work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Operations: Manage day-to-day service to ensure high energy, smooth workflows, and exceptional hospitality.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor front-of-house staff to maintain high service standards.
• Financial Management: Monitor labor costs, manage inventory, handle daily cash drops, and optimize restaurant profitability.
• Guest Experience: Standardize guest service protocols and actively engage with the Humboldt Park community to build a loyal local following.
• Vendor & Facility Management: Coordinate with suppliers and ensure the historic property complies with all health and safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–3 years of restaurant management experience, preferably in a high-volume cafe, casual dining, or high-density park environment.
• Deep appreciation for or familiarity with Puerto Rican cuisine and the Humboldt Park community is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of managing labor costs, inventory controls, and POS systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Must hold required Chicago/Illinois food safety and alcohol service manager certifications.
• Bilingual a plus.

Benefits & Schedule

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Balanced 5-day work week schedule.
• Opportunity to launch a landmark neighborhood concept from the ground up.
• Paid time off and health benefits.
• Bonus plan