General Manager - New Restaurant Opening | Ft Wayne, IN

Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG), established in 1997 by Mike Cunningham, has grown from a single eatery in Brownsburg, Indiana, to a flourishing tri-state restaurant group that is recognized for innovation, hospitality, and community commitment. Over the years, CRG has expanded its portfolio to include more than 40 restaurants across upwards of 18 unique dining concepts. The group places a strong emphasis on sustainable growth and operational excellence, ensuring that each dining establishment offers a memorable experience for guests while contributing positively to their local communities. CRG's reputation is built on its dedication to delivering quality food and exceptional service, which has made it a prominent name in the regional hospitality industry.

As part of its continued growth strategy, Cunningham Restaurant Group is seeking an experienced General Manager to join its dynamic leadership team in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This position offers a unique chance to lead the CRG dining presence within the Electric Works development, one of the area's most vibrant mixed-use hospitality destinations. The role of General Manager at CRG is ideal for a highly adaptable and resourceful hospitality professional who thrives in fast-paced, diverse environments and enjoys managing multiple restaurant service styles. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing operations across multiple concepts—potentially up to three distinct dining experiences—ranging from quick service and casual dining to full-service dining and elevated social atmospheres.

The successful General Manager will demonstrate a hands-on leadership approach, combining strong business acumen with the ability to foster a positive and inclusive company culture. This role requires managing all facets of day-to-day restaurant operations, including team leadership, financial oversight, guest satisfaction, and quality assurance. Additionally, the candidate must be adept at building cohesive teams that can seamlessly shift between different cuisine types and service levels while maintaining excellent operational standards.

CRG places a premium on creating unparalleled guest experiences. The General Manager will ensure that every customer interaction reflects the company’s values of hospitality and excellence. You will be responsible for recruiting, training, and developing both culinary and service staff, promoting continuous professional growth, and maintaining high service standards. Your role will also encompass budget management, cost control, inventory oversight, and the execution of marketing initiatives designed to increase brand visibility and community engagement.

This leadership role requires prior experience in managing full-service restaurant operations, preferably with exposure to upscale casual, polished casual, or fine dining environments. A successful candidate will bring exceptional communication skills, comprehensive knowledge of current food and beverage industry trends, and the capacity to remain composed and effective under pressure. Proficiency with restaurant management software and point-of-sale systems is also essential.

Joining Cunningham Restaurant Group means becoming part of a company that values diversity, fairness, and opportunity. The organization's commitment to inclusivity and respect for all employees underscores its core values, including connection, honesty, ownership, and kindness. CRG is an equal opportunity employer that actively fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. If you are a proactive, experienced hospitality leader passionate about operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences, this is a rewarding opportunity to advance your career within a supportive and innovative environment. The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and comprehensive benefits, reinforcing CRG's dedication to its team members' well-being and professional development.