JF Restaurants is a New York City-based hospitality group led by Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur John Fraser. 

GENERAL MANAGER

Casa Cruz | Santa Cruz Co.

The opportunity to lead something exceptional.

At Santa Cruz Co., we create hospitality experiences that bring people together through exceptional food, thoughtful design, impeccable service, and a genuine sense of fun. We believe great hospitality should feel effortless, memorable, and full of personality.

Casa Cruz is looking for a General Manager with vision, presence, and a passion for hospitality at the highest level. This is an opportunity for a hands-on leader who understands that every detail matters, from the energy on the floor to the atmosphere in the room, the development of the team, and the performance of the business.

We're looking for someone who can inspire a team, build meaningful guest relationships, and deliver an experience that keeps people coming back.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Lead the Experience

• Set the tone for Casa Cruz with a visible, hands-on presence during service.

• Champion exceptional hospitality, anticipate guest needs, and handle feedback with confidence, warmth, and discretion.

• Ensure every detail of the house is right, from the room setup, lighting, and music to the bars, pantries, and overall atmosphere.

• Partner with the Executive Chef to deliver a seamless experience and uphold the highest standards of food, beverage, and service.

• Build relationships with our guests, cultivate our community of friends of the house, and support guest relations and outreach initiatives.

Build and Inspire the Team

• Lead, mentor, and develop the management team across operations, guest relations, and facilities.

• Recruit, train, and retain a strong front-of-house team that takes pride in what they do.

• Elevate onboarding, ongoing training, and professional development at every level.

• Foster a positive, accountable culture built on clear communication, teamwork, and high standards.

• Lead employee relations and performance management with sound judgment, consistency, and professionalism.

Own the Business

• Partner with the Director of Operations on financial planning, P&L performance, and business strategy.

• Manage labor and operating costs while protecting the quality of the guest experience.

• Build staffing schedules within budget, oversee accurate and timely payroll, and ensure operational procedures are followed.

• Manage vendor relationships, balancing quality, service, and cost.

• Review guest profiles and partner house accounts to support personalized service and long-term relationships.

• Collaborate with the communications team on marketing, brand positioning, and initiatives that elevate Casa Cruz.

• Bring ideas to the table, identify opportunities for improvement, and help move the business forward.

Protect the Details

• Maintain exceptional standards across all guest-facing spaces, including dining rooms, bars, pantries, beverage storage, and facilities.

• Ensure the house is properly opened, maintained, and closed each day.

• Uphold all applicable employment, wage and hour, workplace safety, and health regulations.

• Establish clear operating procedures and ensure consistent execution across the team.

• Lead productive weekly management meetings and collaborate with the Director of Operations on priorities, performance, and execution.

• Participate in company leadership and financial meetings, bringing insight, accountability, and solutions.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Hospitality leadership: At least 5 years of service or supervisory experience in a high-caliber restaurant or comparable luxury hospitality environment.

• A natural leadership presence: The ability to motivate, mentor, and hold a large team accountable while creating a positive culture.

• A passion for service: A genuine appreciation for exceptional food, beverage, design, and the details that distinguish a memorable experience from an ordinary one.

• Business acumen: Confidence working with budgets, labor controls, operating expenses, financial reporting, and P&L performance.

• Operational expertise: Strong knowledge of front-of-house operations, facilities, vendor management, and health and safety standards.

• Excellent communication: Clear, thoughtful, and professional communication with guests, employees, leadership, and external partners.

• Organization and judgment: The ability to prioritize, solve problems, make sound decisions, and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.

• Technology proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and POS systems such as Toast.

• Education: An associate or bachelor's degree is preferred; a degree in business management is a plus.

THE RIGHT FIT

You're someone who takes ownership, leads from the floor, and understands that the best hospitality is both highly considered and completely natural. You can zoom out to understand the business and zoom in on the smallest details that shape a guest's experience.

You know how to balance elegance with energy, standards with personality, and financial discipline with genuine hospitality. You're proactive, commercially minded, and comfortable making decisions, developing people, and finding solutions when things don't go as planned.

Most importantly, you take pride in creating an environment where guests feel welcome, teams feel supported, and excellence is simply the standard.

If you're ready to lead a distinctive hospitality experience and make your mark at Casa Cruz, we'd love to meet you.

Reports to: Director of Operations | Full-time, exempt position

Schedule flexibility is required, including evenings, weekends, and varying shifts based on the needs of the business.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing team while making a meaningful impact on our company. If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply and join our team!