General Manager

Lucania is a highly anticipated piazza-inspired restaurant set to open in September 2026, located within the historic Ferry Building in San Francisco, California. This vibrant establishment is designed to be an all-day gathering spot that transitions seamlessly from morning coffee to evening wine, becoming a lively hub for locals and visitors alike. Created by the same talented team behind the renowned A16 restaurants, Lucania offers a fresh, energetic dining experience inspired by the welcoming charm of Southern Italian piazzas. The restaurant aims to fill the void at the Ferry Building by adding light, scale, and a consistently lively atmosphere to a space that has traditionally been more transient and fast-paced.

The Ferry Building itself has been an integral part of San Francisco's food culture for over 125 years, known for its fresh market offerings and quick meals. However, until Lucania's arrival, it lacked a dedicated venue where people could slow down, relax, and experience a sense of community. Lucania addresses this gap by introducing a continuous rhythm that moves seamlessly through the day — from coffee to lunch, aperitivo to dinner — providing a place for guests to return to at any time and find the atmosphere alive with energy and conviviality.

As the newest addition to DOC Group, a hospitality organization renowned for operating the A16 restaurants and Tansy Wines, Lucania benefits from years of partnership, investment, and a shared commitment to Southern Italian food and culture. This rich heritage is evident not only in the culinary offerings but also in the thoughtful design and energy of the space itself, which is engineered to foster social connections and memorable experiences.

The role of Front of House (FOH) Leadership at Lucania represents a rare and exciting opportunity to join an exceptional leadership team with deep expertise across kitchen, bar, and cellar operations. The successful candidate will work closely with ownership and senior leaders, frequently collaborating directly on the wine program that has helped establish A16 as an institution in Californian and Italian wine culture. This is a hands-on role that balances operational management with inspiring leadership and guest engagement. You will be actively involved on the floor while also overseeing big picture business goals, creating a fertile ground for growth both for the restaurant and its team members.

In this position, you will lead and develop a high-performing FOH team through recruiting, training, coaching, and continuous support. You will partner with culinary leadership to ensure operational excellence and an outstanding guest experience, helping to establish protocols, streamline training curriculums, and implement standards that uphold Lucania’s vision. Additionally, you will take ownership of financial metrics including P&L analysis, cost management, and forecasting while leading staff meetings and participating in strategic planning.

Your work will extend to cultivating relationships with VIP guests, crafting personalized and memorable moments that build loyalty, and collaborating with the Events team to grow private dining and special buy-out business. Your leadership will set the tone for the team and the ambiance of the restaurant, influencing the daily staff briefings and overall guest experience. This role demands a dynamic leader who is calm under pressure, innovative, people-focused, and committed to hospitality excellence at every level.