General Manager

Asheville, NC, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Hourly

Compensation

Salary

Range $47,100.00 - $70,500.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

Never have to work a night shift

competitive pay

Health Insurance

401k

Paid vacation

Excellent training

Opportunities to Advance

Job Description

First Watch is a rapidly expanding daytime café concept specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with more than 400 locations across the United States. Operated under Capstone Concepts, which franchises eleven restaurants in Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina, First Watch is recognized for delivering fresh, innovative, and quality food combined with exceptional customer service. The company prioritizes a positive employee culture and a family-like atmosphere for both team members and guests. Its business model emphasizes growth opportunities and career advancement, with a strong commitment to promoting from within and supporting employees' professional development. Employees at First Watch enjoy unique perks such as the absence of night shifts, ensuring they are home by sundown, which aligns with the brand’s focus on work-life balance and a healthy work environment.

The role of General Manager at First Watch is a leadership position integral to the success of individual restaurant locations. This position involves overseeing daily operations, building and developing a committed management and hourly staff team, and consistently driving sales and profitability higher than the previous year. The General Manager must ensure a welcoming, efficient, and professional environment that upholds the core values and culture of First Watch. Responsibilities include financial management to ensure period budget and profitability goals are met, direct supervision and coaching of all team members, and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. The General Manager will also handle customer feedback, support marketing initiatives, and guarantee compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. This role demands a leader who can inspire, organize, and manage a dynamic team while delivering an exceptional guest experience in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.

Positions are available for General Managers, Assistant General Managers, and Café Managers across all locations, including current sites in Knoxville, Johnson City, Chattanooga, TN, and Asheville, NC, with future expansion planned for Oak Ridge, TN in early 2025. This opportunity is ideal for candidates who are passionate about fresh food, customer service, and building strong teams. The company values integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic and seeks individuals who are enthusiastic about growth both personally and professionally. Training and more detailed role-specific information will be discussed during the interview process. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a supportive work culture that emphasizes no night shifts, First Watch provides a unique and rewarding career path in the restaurant industry.

Job Requirements

Professional presentation and demeanor
Passion for fresh food and customer service
Unfailing work ethic and integrity
Ability to attract and foster quality staff and inspire them
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to regularly work 50-55 hours per week with five days on site
Experience leading culinary duties in the kitchen
Experience leading host and service functions in the dining room
Ability to walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to stand and walk for approximately 10 hours per shift
Moderate exposure to extreme temperatures
Cognitive ability to reason, solve problems, and manage priorities
Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance
Must pass background check and drug screening
Alcohol servers permit may be required for some locations

Job Qualifications

Four years management experience in a full-service restaurant
Two years experience as a General Manager
Black Hat or Black Apron certification preferred
Ability to work in a high stress environment
Extensive kitchen experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Strong organizational skills
Hands-on leadership style
Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle insurance
Ability to motivate and develop team members
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Time management and multitasking abilities
Good decision-making and problem-solving skills

Job Duties

Support the mission, vision, and values of First Watch restaurants every day
Develop and maintain a culture of accountability, integrity, service, and trust
Build and nurture a management team for future growth
Provide coverage and direct supervision of restaurant operations
Exercise shift-to-shift financial control to meet sales and profitability goals
Deliver hands-on leadership and work in all positions providing feedback
Ensure efficient and professional service exceeding customer expectations
Respond to customer feedback and handle concerns
Ensure all policies, procedures, and training are followed
Participate in team member certification and training
Maintain highest levels of cleanliness and food safety standards
Conduct bi-weekly manager meetings to set and enforce standards
Manage internal and external communications promptly
Verify daily cash deposits
Maintain appropriate inventory and control expenses
Ensure compliance with OSHA and other safety regulations
Perform hiring practices and conduct second interviews
Collaborate with marketing on initiatives and events
Participate in budget preparation and review profit and loss statements with the team