The Popal Group, a family-driven boutique hospitality brand, is setting the standard in D.C. dining with our innovative restaurant concepts. We are looking for a passionate Assistant General Manager for Lapis. The ideal candidate will have a strong hospitality, food, and wine background. In this role, you’ll oversee daily operations, manage a talented team, maintain high service standards, and ensure the bar is a unique destination for guests. You’ll also develop strategies to drive growth and profitability. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team, elevate business performance, and deliver a memorable guest experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management
-
Oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures
-
Manage opening and closing procedures, including cash handling, safe deposits, and security protocols
-
Conduct regular inspections of dining areas, kitchen, and facilities to maintain cleanliness and operational standards
-
Implement and monitor food safety and sanitation procedures
-
Troubleshoot operational issues as they arise, making quick decisions to minimize disruption
-
Manage inventory levels, place orders with vendors, and conduct regular stock counts
-
Oversee equipment maintenance schedules and coordinate repairs when needed
-
Writing nightly shift reports outlining any important events from the day.
-
Troubleshoot any technical issues with POS systems and coordinate with IT or technical support as needed.
-
Report operational issues, staff concerns, or maintenance needs to senior management.
Staff Management
-
Promote a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and professionalism.
-
Assist in interviewing, and hiring qualified staff members
-
Train new employees on service standards, menu knowledge, and restaurant policies
-
Create employee schedules that optimize staffing levels according to anticipated business volume
-
Address employee concerns, mediate conflicts, and maintain positive workplace morale
-
Lead pre-shift meetings to communicate daily specials, promotions, and operational updates
-
Monitor and enforce attendance, punctuality, and dress code policies
Financial Oversight
-
Track daily sales figures, labor costs, and food costs
-
Implement cost-control measures to reduce waste and increase profitability
-
Process payroll and manage labor cost percentages
-
Control inventory costs through proper ordering, storage, and usage practices
-
Prepare financial reports for upper management review
-
Assist in budget adherence
Guest Experience
-
Maintain a visible presence in the dining area, greeting guests and ensuring satisfaction
-
Handle guest complaints with professionalism and find appropriate resolutions
-
Implement service recovery protocols when guest expectations are not met
-
Train staff on delivering consistent, high-quality service
-
Collect and analyze guest feedback to identify improvement opportunities
-
Ensure compliance with health department regulations and food safety standards
-
Monitor dining room ambiance including lighting, music, temperature, and cleanliness
Qualifications:
-
Proven experience (1+ years) in a senior management role, ideally in a fine-dining or wine-focused restaurant.
-
Deep knowledge of wines, wine pairings and cuisine is highly preferred.
-
Strong leadership skills with experience managing, developing, and motivating a diverse team.
-
Expertise in financial management, including budgeting, cost control, and profit analysis.
-
Ability to create and implement strategies that drive revenue and increase profitability.
-
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with both guests and staff.
-
Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work well under pressure.
-
Restaurant management
-
Shift management
-
Food Safety Certification
-
ServSafe
-
ABC/ ABRA
Skills:
-
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
-
Strong understanding of inventory management.
-
Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems, resy, inventory software, and Google Office Suite.
-
Creative thinking with a passion for providing an extraordinary dining and drinking experience.
-
Knowledge of local, state, and federal health, safety, and liquor laws.
-
DOH food handler certified.
Education & Experience:
-
High school diploma or equivalent required; a degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field is preferred.
-
Minimum of 1 years of experience in a managerial position within the restaurant or hospitality industry.
-
Strong background in wine service is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
-
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
-
Ability to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.
-
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure and attention to detail
More detail about Lapis Bistro part of The Popal Group
