Restaurant General Manager

SSP America is a leading operator of restaurants and bars located in airports across nearly 40 countries. The company prides itself on bringing a unique 'taste of place' to travelers worldwide, offering great food, exceptional service, and an inviting atmosphere for millions of passengers each year. Their facility at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB) in Lubbock, Texas, represents a vital location where they maintain a strong reputation for quality dining experiences in a fast-paced airport environment. This location is focused on providing full-service restaurant and bar amenities to meet the diverse needs of travelers passing through the airport. The restaurant, operated by SSP America, combines culinary excellence with friendly hospitality to ensure guests feel welcomed and valued during their brief visits.

The role of Restaurant General Manager at SSP America's Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport location is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the full daily operations of the full-service restaurant and bar. As a Restaurant General Manager, you will lead a dedicated team, uphold high standards of guest experience, and be responsible for financial outcomes in a dynamic airport setting where timing and efficiency are critical. This job requires an experienced manager who can expertly balance operational demands and deliver superior hospitality. You will be tasked with managing cost control, inventory, scheduling, and compliance with food safety and alcohol service regulations. Your leadership will include hiring, training, and mentoring staff to cultivate a positive and high-performance team culture that aligns with the company’s vision.

This position boasts a competitive base salary ranging from $65,000 to $70,000 per year, with additional compensation through quarterly performance bonuses and an annual super bonus program. SSP America offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, an employee assistance program, and more. The restaurant environment at the airport is fast-paced and multi-faceted, demanding adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. You will collaborate with airport authorities and other stakeholders to ensure seamless operations and exceptional guest satisfaction.

The Restaurant General Manager role is ideal for a motivated professional looking to advance their career within one of the world’s largest airport restaurant and bar operators. SSP America provides structured career progression opportunities across more than 60 airports in North America, making this an excellent stepping stone for those seeking to grow within the hospitality industry. The role requires a flexible schedule including early mornings, weekends, and holiday shifts to meet the operational needs of a 24/7 airport service environment.

Candidates must bring a minimum of three years of management experience in a full-service restaurant environment, ideally with some background in bar or beverage program management. Strong financial acumen, including profit and loss ownership, managing inventory, and cost control, is essential. Furthermore, proven success in leading diverse teams and navigating high-pressure environments is key. With a service-focused leadership approach prioritizing coaching and accountability, the successful candidate will drive performance and guest satisfaction concurrently.

Joining SSP America means becoming part of an organization that values inclusion and equal opportunity. The company’s employment practices are free from discrimination of any kind and provide reasonable accommodations to support applicants throughout the hiring process. By applying for this position, candidates are stepping into a role that blends operational excellence with genuine hospitality to make a positive impact on travelers’ airport experiences.

In summary, the Restaurant General Manager will oversee all aspects of the restaurant and bar, ensuring optimal operation under the unique conditions of an active airport. This includes managing team performance, financial results, bar service quality, compliance, and guest experience. The role is challenging, rewarding, and strategically vital to SSP America’s continued success at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport.