General Manager - Big Chill Surf Cantina
Job Description
Summary of Position: Big Chill Surf Cantina isn’t just a bar — it’s a home away from home for locals, regulars, and visitors alike. We pride ourselves on knowing our guests by name and creating a laid-back, welcoming vibe where everyone feels like part of the family. As General Manager, you’ll be the heart of the Cantina, responsible for maintaining the success of the business by overseeing operations, finance, marketing, and team culture. This role isn’t just about running the show — it’s about driving the soul of the Cantina and helping it thrive. We're looking for someone with strong leadership skills, a sharp business mind, and a passion for hospitality. You'll be the person who sets the tone for the team, keeps the drinks flowing, the music bumping, and the vibe just right. Most importantly, you'll foster a positive, community-driven atmosphere where guests and staff alike love to spend their time. If you're passionate about creating memorable experiences and leading a team with heart, we want to hear from you. Apply today and Enjoy the Ride!
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage day-to-day operations of Big Chill Surf Cantina to ensure smooth, efficient business flow.
- Develop and implement systems and processes to improve efficiency and profitability.
- Manage bar operations, ensuring product quality and consistency.
- Oversee staffing, scheduling, and payroll to align with business needs and maintain labor costs.
- Handle all financials including monitoring liquor, beer, wine, entertainment, and maintenance costs to keep within goal ranges.
- Ensure the Cantina’s environment reflects the brand’s authenticity — from the music to the lighting to the cleanliness.
- Lead the team to provide an exceptional guest experience — we want guests to feel like regulars even on their first visit!
- Maintain a high level of service and hospitality — from a friendly greeting to a smooth last call.
- Ensure that the atmosphere reflects the relaxed, beach-life vibe that makes Big Chill special.
- Monitor guest interactions and feedback to continuously enhance the experience.
- Build and develop a strong team by hiring, training, and mentoring staff.
- Lead by example with a positive, professional, and approachable attitude.
- Collaborate with food trucks to secure and ensure a robust schedule of food options for our guests.
- Promote accountability and teamwork — make sure everyone’s on the same page and working toward shared goals.
- Drive team involvement with regular meetings, events, and outings to foster camaraderie.
- Celebrate wins and support your team through challenges — you’re the heart of the crew!
- Work with the Big Chill Brand Manager & marketing team to drive marketing strategies, promotions, and events.
- Be a visible and active presence in the local community — we’re the local’s bar, so let’s keep it that way!
- Book live music and entertainment that reflects the Big Chill vibe.
- Communicate updates, specials, and events to the team to ensure smooth execution.
- Ensure that Big Chill remains a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
- Maintain accountability for Big Chill’s profit and loss statements — stay within target ranges.
- Manage expenses for liquor, entertainment, building maintenance, and staffing.
- Ensure all administrative duties (invoicing, payroll, reporting) are completed accurately and on time.
- Ensure policies are followed and safety protocols are consistently enforced; properly report incidents and disciplinary issues when appropriate.
- Keep POS systems and back-office systems running smoothly.
- Ensure compliance with local liquor laws, health codes, and business licensing.
Qualifications:
- 3-5+ years of hospitality experience (bar or restaurant management preferred).
- College degree in hotel/restaurant management preferred (or equivalent experience).
- Experience in a Bar/Restaurant Management position
- Strong leadership qualities — ability to motivate and support a team.
- Experience with budgeting, inventory, and financial management.
- Deep understanding of food, beverage, and bar operations.
- Professional, punctual, and reliable with a guest-friendly attitude.
- Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and non-verbal.
- Proficient with POS and business software.
- Able to work nights and weekends.
- Must be ServSafe certified.
- Frequently walk and occasionally bend over, twist, kneel, climb, stoop and crouch. This position requires the ability to lift up to 55 pounds and maneuver 170 pounds.
Compensation: This position starts at $75,000/year with benefits and awesome employee perks. La Vida Hospitality Group offers unique lifestyle-based benefits geared towards doing what we do best - Enjoying the Ride & Celebrating our Tribe!
- Benefits for our salaried team - PTO & vacation, health insurance, & wellness resources
- Unlimited growth potential
- Travel opportunities
- Team events & outings like our recent ski trip to the Poconos
- Local lifestyle perks like paddleboarding & kayaking discounts
- Employee appreciation events & seasonal parties
- Professional leadership development and continuous coaching, training, and mentorship
- Food, beverage & retail discounts
...and tons more! We're firm believers in working & playing hard and we want to find people who share that same passion with us, so if that sounds like your kind of vibe, apply to join our team today!
