Assistant Restaurant Manager

REAVE is a renowned classic French bistro located in downtown Lafayette, California. Established more than a decade ago, this family-owned and operated restaurant has built a reputation as one of the Bay Area's premier dining destinations. Since earning Michelin recognition in 2021, REAVE has proudly upheld its mission to deliver an authentic French bistro experience featuring exceptional cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant operates exclusively for dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday, providing guests with an intimate and refined dining environment. As a testament to its commitment to both employees and patrons, REAVE is closed on all major holidays and for two weeks each July to allow the team to rest and rejuvenate.

The Front of House Assistant Manager position at REAVE is an exciting opportunity for an individual passionate about hospitality and leadership within a fine dining setting. This role involves managing the smooth operational flow of nightly service while working closely with a small, dedicated team who share a common goal of exceeding guest expectations. The assistant manager will oversee various aspects of front of house operations including reviewing reservations, guest relations, team lineup preparation, and service flow management. Additional responsibilities include scheduling, managing employee time-off requests, supporting the hiring process, and assisting with discipline when required.

Candidates will need strong interpersonal skills to navigate difficult conversations effectively—both with guests and fellow staff members. Prior experience as a host or manager in a similar upscale restaurant environment is highly preferred. The ideal candidate thrives in a team-oriented small business environment and is adept at stepping into different roles whether hosting, busing tables, or serving to ensure the delivery of exemplary service. Proficiency in systems such as Toast POS, OpenTable, and familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel is strongly desired. Knowledge of French wine and the ability to speak French are considered valuable assets.

This full-time, hourly role offers a work schedule of approximately 35-40 hours per week, primarily from 1:30 pm to around 9:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, with Sundays and Mondays off. The position includes paid holidays such as Thanksgiving, December 24-26, and January 1, alongside a two-week summer closure. After one year of service, team members receive one week of paid vacation, increasing to two weeks after three years. Although medical benefits are not provided, the restaurant offers a 401K plan with a 3% match following 90 days of employment. Additionally, REAVE provides flexibility encouraging staff to hold outside jobs or consulting roles that do not compete with the restaurant. This role represents an excellent chance to grow professionally in an acclaimed Michelin-recognized French dining establishment with a passionate team dedicated to excellence.