General Manager - Food & Beverage

EPIC Resort Destinations is building the World's first Mattel Adventure Park and Barbie Beach House in Glendale, Arizona and we need you!  We're on the lookout for an exceptional GENERAL MANAGER – FOOD & BEVERAGE to join our team.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated General Manager to lead our food and beverage team and oversee the daily operations of our innovative and exciting IP-led full service and quick service outlets. If you are a people first operator who prides themselves on delivering stellar service, knows how to have fun while ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile (and a full belly!) then this may just be the role for you!

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

Leadership and Team Management:

• Providing visionary guidance and strategic direction to a multifaceted team of Food & Beverage staff, ensuring alignment with our objectives, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Inspiring and empowering a dedicated team of senior managers who oversee kitchen operations, bars, birthday parties, full service, and quick service restaurants to deliver top-tier performance and uphold our commitment to excellence.
• Ensuring that all employees are treated fairly, and with respect, creating an environment of open communication and fostering rapport by spending time with your team on the floor.
• Directing the annual people strategy in conjunction with HR – making sure that staffing levels are optimal to deliver an outstanding guest experience across all F&B outlets while remaining focused on the pipeline to develop our people and seeing them shine.

Operational Excellence:

• Overseeing the seamless execution of the daily operations of two full-service restaurants: Hot Wheels Legends Bar and Grill & Barbie Beach House Rooftop, three quick service locations: Taco Pit, Pizza Kitchen, and Dockside Café plus 10 birthday party rooms.
• Ensuring meticulous food safety standards, adherence to safety protocols, and optimization of guest flow dynamics to uphold operational efficiency and elevate the guest experience.
• Proactively identifying and addressing operational bottlenecks, resource constraints, and inefficiencies, leveraging data-driven insights and root cause analysis to drive sustainable improvements.
• Communicating regularly with senior leadership and key stakeholders on operational performance, challenges, and opportunities, providing actionable insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Quality Assurance:

• Implementing and enforcing strict quality standards and procedures to ensure consistency, freshness, and excellence in food and beverage offerings, maintaining high levels of quality throughout all stages of preparation and service.
• Conducting regular inspections and audits of kitchen operations, dining areas, and service stations to assess compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation guidelines, and cleanliness standards, taking corrective action as needed to address deficiencies and mitigate risks.

Safety Compliance:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive food safety policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices, mitigating risks associated with foodborne illnesses and contamination.
• Providing training and guidance to staff members on food safety practices, sanitation procedures, and hygiene protocols, fostering a culture of accountability and compliance throughout the organization.
• Conducting regular inspections and audits of kitchen facilities, storage areas, and food preparation processes to identify potential hazards, ensure proper handling and storage of food items, and maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards.
• Collaborating with suppliers, vendors, and distributors to ensure the quality and safety of food products and ingredients, conducting regular inspections and audits of suppliers' facilities and practices to verify compliance with food safety standards.
• Staying abreast of emerging trends, regulatory updates, and industry developments related to food safety and sanitation, incorporating relevant insights into ongoing training programs, operational procedures, and risk management strategies to continuously enhance food safety practices and protocols.

Innovation and Marketing:

• Developing and executing marketing strategies to increase brand visibility, attract new customers, and drive revenue growth for Barbie Beach House Rooftop and Hot Wheels Legends Bar & Grill.
• Planning and implementing promotional campaigns, events, and initiatives to enhance customer engagement and loyalty, leveraging both digital and traditional marketing channels.
• Collaborating with the Corporate Chef to develop and refine recipes, menu items, and plating techniques to enhance flavor profiles, presentation, and overall guest satisfaction, incorporating feedback from guests and staff to continuously improve product quality and innovation.
• Monitoring and analyzing customer feedback, market trends, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation, adjusting marketing strategies accordingly.
• Managing relationships with marketing team to maximize marketing effectiveness and ensure alignment with brand values and objectives.

Financial Management:

• Developing and managing budgets, financial forecasts, and cash flow projections to ensure the financial health and sustainability of all outlets.
• Monitoring and analyzing financial performance metrics, including revenue, expenses, and profitability, identifying areas for cost optimization and revenue enhancement.
• Implementing cost-control measures and expense management strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining quality standards and guest satisfaction.
• Overseeing payroll administration, inventory management, and purchasing processes to optimize operational efficiency and minimize waste.

Guest Excellence:

• Establishing and maintaining high standards for guest service excellence, ensuring that every guest interaction reflects our commitment to hospitality, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Training, mentoring, and motivating front-of-house staff members to deliver personalized, attentive, and memorable service experiences that exceed guest expectations and foster long-term loyalty.
• Implementing service protocols and standards to ensure consistency and quality across all touchpoints, including greeting, seating, ordering, and payment processes.
• Monitoring guest feedback and satisfaction metrics, actively seeking input and addressing concerns to continuously improve service delivery and enhance guest satisfaction levels.
• Leading by example, actively engaging with guests, soliciting feedback, and resolving issues in a prompt and courteous manner, demonstrating a hands-on approach to guest service excellence.

Building Relationships:

• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services, negotiate favorable terms and conditions, and resolve any issues or concerns that may arise.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

• Reporting to: Director – Operations & New Park Openings.
• Direct collaboration with: General Manager – Rides and Attractions, Senior Finance Manager, Senior Marketing Manager and Senior HR Manager, Corporate Chef.
• Direct management: Senior Manager Full Service, Senior Manager Quick Service, and Executive Chef.
• Indirect management: 10 mid-level managers/team leaders and a front-line team of up to 75.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Restaurant General Manager or similar leadership role in the hospitality industry, with a track record of success in driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and financial performance.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, build rapport with guests, and cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, with a customer-centric mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Solid understanding of restaurant operations, including staffing, inventory management, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance.
• Must possess a valid Manager's ServSafe and eTips certificates.
• Must be familiar with and adhere to all liquor liability laws.
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field is preferred, though relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Confident user of all Microsoft software programs.
• Able to work a varied schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package.
• 401k, Medical, Dental and Vision.
• Paid time off – with awards for long service.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Did we mention you’ll get to help open a BRAND-NEW theme park? Pretty cool, huh!

The information provided in this job description is intended solely for the purpose of outlining the general nature and scope of the work to be performed by the potential candidate. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required for this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Epic Resort Destinations is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities, and all hiring decisions are made based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.