General Manager, Clark's Menlo Park

Clark's Oyster Bar, Menlo Park, is the newest addition to the esteemed Clark's Oyster Bar family, established in spring 2025. This upscale restaurant with just under 100 seats, including a private dining room, is known for its fresh oysters, expertly crafted martinis, the famous lobster roll, and champagne served by the glass. As the second Clark's location in California, joining sister units in Montecito and Malibu, this venue proudly continues a tradition of exceptional seafood dining with casual elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is part of MML Hospitality, a renowned hospitality group founded by Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman in 2006, which operates over 30 concepts across prominent cities including Austin, Houston, Aspen, Montecito, Malibu, Dallas, and Menlo Park.

The General Manager role at Clark's Oyster Bar, Menlo Park, calls for a long-tenure operator who will lead the unit’s team, oversee the guest experience, and act as a co-owner of the profit and loss statement. This position collaborates closely with the Executive Chef, who manages the kitchen, while the General Manager is responsible for the front of house labor and revenue. Together, they form the leadership core, running the restaurant with a true partnership approach. This role demands a seasoned professional with over 10 years of restaurant management experience, including at least five years as a General Manager in upscale concepts such as oyster bars, brasseries, neighborhood bistros, or hotel restaurants.

The General Manager at Clark's Oyster Bar is not just a figurehead but actively involved in all aspects of the dining experience. Responsibilities include running regular leadership meetings with kitchen management, conducting individual reviews, and maintaining open communication with the team. Ownership of the dining room ambiance, from walkthroughs during service to leading pre-shift meetings, is critical to ensuring a seamless, high-quality guest experience. An essential part of the role also includes partnership in hiring and staff development, ensuring a strong, cohesive team focused on growth and excellence. The ideal candidate will be fluent in California labor laws and excellent at communication, managing everything from pre-shifts to vendor relationships with clarity and professionalism. Proficiency in English is required, while conversational Spanish is considered a great advantage.

Offering a competitive base salary ranging from $120,000 to $125,000, this role also includes milestone bonuses, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and 401(k) options. The position requires a flexible schedule, with work including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially demanding during the initial opening phase which may include six-day work weeks. MML Hospitality supports its team with a structured two-week onboarding immersion at headquarters in Austin, property discounts, beverage education reimbursement, and opportunities to dine at sister properties. Equal opportunity principles guide hiring, with a thorough multi-step interview and stage process to ensure the right fit for this premier management opportunity.