General Manager - Schlow Restaurant Group - New Location

General Manager

Washington, DC - Opening Spring 2026

Schlow Restaurant Group, led by James Beard Award–winning Chef Michael Schlow, is opening its Washington, DC flagship restaurant in Spring 2026.

This restaurant will represent the next evolution of the group’s presence in DC: design-forward, hospitality-driven, and built to operate at a consistently high level. The concept will feature elevated American cuisine, a strong bar program, private dining, and a vibrant dining room designed to become a true neighborhood anchor.

We are seeking a seasoned, performance-driven General Manager to build and lead the front-of-house operation from the ground up.

The Role

The General Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the restaurant, including guest experience, team leadership, financial results, culture, and operational discipline. This is a flagship-level leadership position requiring maturity, accountability, and the ability to execute at a high standard in a competitive DC market.

The GM will partner closely with the Executive Chef and ownership to align hospitality, culinary execution, and financial performance.

Leadership & Culture

• Build and lead a cohesive management team• Create a culture of accountability, professionalism, and hospitality excellence• Maintain a strong daily floor presence during service• Establish clear service standards and enforce them consistently• Lead by example in guest engagement and conflict resolution• Drive collaboration between front and back of house

Staffing, Recruiting & Development

• Recruit, hire, and develop a best-in-class opening team• Build a strong management bench for long-term stability• Implement structured onboarding and training systems• Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching sessions• Develop future leaders within the organization

Guest Experience & Service Execution

• Set and uphold flagship-level service standards• Oversee reservation systems, floor plans, and service flow• Ensure seamless coordination between dining room, bar, and private events• Maintain active engagement with guests to build loyalty and repeat business• Monitor guest feedback and implement continuous improvements

Financial Performance & Accountability

• Own full P&L responsibility for the restaurant• Drive sales growth through leadership, marketing alignment, and community engagement• Manage labor costs with disciplined scheduling and forecasting• Monitor beverage cost and inventory controls• Lead monthly financial reviews and implement corrective action plans• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability

Operational Excellence

• Oversee systems for POS, reporting, scheduling, and cash controls• Ensure compliance with all DC regulatory requirements and licensing• Maintain facility standards, cleanliness, and preventative maintenance• Collaborate with culinary leadership on menu rollouts and seasonal transitions• Support private dining and event sales execution

Qualifications

• 7+ years of restaurant leadership experience• 4+ years in a General Manager or senior management role• Experience in high-volume, quality-driven restaurants• Proven P&L management and cost control success• Strong leadership presence with high emotional intelligence• Excellent communication and organizational skills• Experience opening or repositioning restaurants preferred

Compensation

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience• Performance-based incentive plan tied to revenue, labor, beverage cost, and overall profitability• Opportunity to lead the opening of a Washington, DC flagship restaurant• Growth opportunities within Schlow Restaurant Group

This is an opportunity to shape a flagship restaurant from day one and lead a team that reflects the standards and reputation of one of the country’s most respected hospitality groups.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a brief statement outlining their leadership philosophy and approach to building high-performing restaurant teams.