The Assistant General Manager (AGM) plays a crucial role in overseeing the daily operations of an upscale fine dining Italian restaurant at the World Equestrian Center. This role requires a dedicated leader who is passionate about providing world-class hospitality and ensuring an elevated dining experience that blends authentic Italian cuisine with modern culinary innovation. The AGM will drive operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and staff development while maintaining the highest standards of service, presentation, and efficiency. Working closely with the General Manager, the AGM will lead a team committed to excellence, fostering an elegant, warm atmosphere where every guest enjoys an unforgettable experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Guest Experience Leadership: Ensure a refined, welcoming dining experience by delivering exceptional service, anticipating guest needs, and addressing concerns proactively.
• VIP & Special Guest Relations: Build and maintain relationships with high-profile guests, offering personalized recommendations on wine pairings, regional Italian specialties, and seasonal dishes.
• Operational Oversight: Supervise daily restaurant operations, ensuring excellence in service, food quality, and restaurant ambiance.
• Staff Training & Development: Recruit, train, and mentor front-of-house team members, fostering a culture of professionalism, knowledge, and hospitality with a focus on Italian cuisine and fine dining standards.
• Scheduling & Labor Management: Support the General Manager in front-of-house schedules to optimize efficiency, control labor costs, and ensure proper coverage.
• Financial & Inventory Management: Monitor and manage operational expenses, food and beverage costs, and supply usage. Oversee inventory ordering and stock rotation to maintain quality and minimize waste.
• Payroll & Compliance: Support the General Manager in accurate payroll processing, adherence to labor laws, and compliance with all company policies and safety regulations.
• Event Planning & Private Dining: Assist with organizing exclusive wine dinners, holiday celebrations, and private dining experiences to enhance revenue and guest engagement.
• Menu Innovation & Collaboration: Work closely with the culinary team to refine seasonal menus, develop signature cocktails, and curate an exceptional wine program.
• Performance Evaluation: Set clear performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching to maintain high service standards.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Enforce food safety, alcohol compliance, and sanitation protocols in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for operational enhancements, implement best practices, and drive overall efficiency.
• Flexibility & Availability: Be available for work outside of regular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events to support restaurant operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Deep knowledge of fine dining service standards, Italian cuisine, and wine pairings.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to delegate tasks efficiently while maintaining quality control.
• Knowledge of food and beverage trends within the fine dining Italian sector.
• Proficiency in restaurant management software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, labor costs, and inventory.
• Strong commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food and beverage management, with 2 years in an upscale or fine dining Italian restaurant setting preferred.
• Previous experience in a high-volume, luxury dining environment preferred.
• ServSafe and Alcohol Compliance certifications required.
• Advanced knowledge of Italian regional wines and cuisine preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and lift heavy objects as part of daily operational duties.
• Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written English.
• Strong presence in the dining room, leading by example to ensure service excellence.

 About Us:

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing exceptional guest experiences and a positive work environment. We believe in fostering a work-life balance, offering professional growth opportunities, and maintaining a culture of excellence. We are a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). A background check is required as part of the hiring process.

This job description serves as a general guide for the responsibilities and qualifications required for the role. It does not encompass all tasks the General Manager may be required to perform, as responsibilities may evolve to meet the needs of the business.