General Manager - Restaurant

Founded in Lexington in November 1986, Joseph Beth Booksellers functions as a general-interest bookstore hosting public events, Storytimes, author signings, and community program. Joseph-Beth Booksellers is a community bookstore and restaurant organization featuring two store locations in Cincinnati, Ohio (Rookwood Pavilion) and Lexington, Kentucky (The Mall at Lexington Green).

In October 2026, Barnes & Noble acquired Joseph-Beth Booksellers' two remaining storefronts and bistros. Joseph-Beth Booksellers will continue to preserve its independent identity, which has made it so special within the bookselling landscape for the last 40 years. Come be part of our team and help us shape what's next!

The General Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including selecting, developing, and supporting employees to succeed in their roles . In addition, they oversee the inventory and ordering of food and supplies, optimize profits and ensure that guests are satisfied with their dining experience.

The General Manager for the restaurant reports to the Area Manager.

Job Summary

• Oversee and manage all areas of the restaurant and make final decisions on matters of importance.
• Adhere to company standards and service levels to increase sales and minimize costs, including food, beverage, supply, utility and labor costs.
• Responsible for ensuring that all financial (invoices, reporting) and personnel/payroll related administrative duties are completed accurately, on time and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and dining areas. Ensure compliance with operational standards, company policies, federal/state/local laws, and ordinances.
• Responsible for ensuring consistent high quality of food preparation and service.
• Maintain professional restaurant image, including restaurant cleanliness, proper uniforms, and appearance standards.
• Estimate food and beverage costs. Work with Corporate office staff for efficient provisioning and purchasing of supplies. Supervise portion control and quantities of preparation to minimize waste.
• Estimate food needs, place orders with distributors, and schedule the delivery of fresh food and supplies.
• Will uphold all ServSafe guidelines.
• Set and hold accountable staff to performance and behavior standards that clearly define all areas of responsibilities.
• Ensure positive guest service in all areas. Respond to complaints, taking any and all appropriate actions to turn dissatisfied guests into return guests.
• Ensure that proper security procedures are in place to protect employees, guests, and company assets.
• Ensure a safe working and guest environment to reduce the risk of injury and accidents. Completes accident reports promptly in the event that a guest or employee is injured.
• Manage shifts which include daily decision making, scheduling, planning while upholding standards, product quality and cleanliness.
• Investigate and resolve complaints concerning food quality and service.
• Provide direction to employees regarding operational and procedural issues.
• Interview hourly employees. Direct hiring, supervision, development and, when necessary, termination of employees.
• Conduct orientation, explain the Company Philosophy, and oversee the training of new employees.
• Develop employees by providing ongoing feedback, establishing performance expectations and by conducting performance reviews.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date plan of restaurant staffing needs. Prepare schedules and ensure that the restaurant is staffed for all shifts.
• Provide strong presence in local community and high level of community involvement by restaurant and personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree is preferred. A combination of practical experience and education will be considered as an alternative.
• Proficient in the following dimensions of restaurant functions: food planning and preparation, purchasing, sanitation, security, company policies and procedures, personnel management, recordkeeping, and preparation of reports.
• Must possess a valid drivers license.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must agree to background and credit check.
• Must be ServSafe certified. Expected Behaviors:
• Self-discipline, initiative, leadership ability and outgoing.
• Pleasant and a polite manner.
• Ability to motivate employees to work as a team to ensure that food and service meet appropriate standards.
• Must be able to handle the pressures of simultaneously coordinating a wide range of activities and recommend appropriate solutions to restaurant problems.
• Must possess good communication skills for dealing with diverse staff. Ability to coordinate multiple tasks such as food, beverage and labor cost while maintaining required standards of operation in daily restaurant activities.
• Ability to determine applicability of experience and qualifications of job applicants.
• Keeps supervisor promptly and fully informed of all issues (i.e. problems, unusual matters of significance and positive events) and takes prompt corrective action where necessary or suggests alternative courses of action.
• Completes job responsibilities and performance objectives in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Maintains a favorable working relationship with all company employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate which will be conducive to maximum employee morale, productivity and efficiency/effectiveness.
• Consistently puts the customer first by creating a welcoming, positive and memorable experience for our guests.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required or requested.
• Supervise restaurant team members, providing daily direction and support to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
• Hours may vary if based on business needs or demands.
• Ability to perform all functions at the restaurant level, including delivery when needed.
• Position requires prolonged standing, bending, stooping, twisting, lifting products and supplies weighing 45 pounds, and repetitive hand and wrist motion.
• Work with hot, cold, and hazardous equipment as computers, copiers, and other office equipment.
• Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 50 pounds