Restaurant General Manager - Gotham Burgers

JFK Terminal 5 Airport | Gotham Burgers

Join Our Team as Restaurant General Manager - Gotham Burger Social Club at JFK Terminal 5!

Compensation:

• $75,000 / year
• Opportunity for quarterly bonus and year-end super bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Career Progression Opportunities
• Full-Service Restaurant with Bar Environment

Bring One of NYC’s Hottest Burger Concepts to JFK!

Here’s your chance to lead Gotham Burger Social Club, an award-winning New York City concept, as it takes off at JFK Terminal 5!

Founded by Mike Puma, Gotham Burger Social Club began as a passion for reviewing and making great burgers and exploded onto NYC’s food scene through hugely popular pop-ups during the pandemic. After three years of serving the community, supporting local bars and restaurants, and helping lead New York’s smash burger craze, Gotham Burger Social Club opened its permanent home on Essex Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Now, Gotham Burger Social Club is coming to JFK Terminal 5 - and we’re looking for an experienced Restaurant General Manager to lead this exciting new airport location.

The menu brings serious NYC personality, featuring Gotham’s award-winning burger, winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 2021 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, along with its signature chopped cheese taco, crispy fries, homemade onion rings, frickles and classic New York egg creams honoring the nostalgic roots of the Lower East Side.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Restaurant: Take ownership of the day-to-day operation of Gotham Burger Social Club at JFK T5, managing all front-of-house, kitchen and bar activities while creating an energetic, guest-focused culture.
• Focus on the Food: Ensure exceptional food quality and standards, recipe adherence and portion control while maintaining company, brand and food safety specifications.
• Lead and Develop the Team: Recruit, train, coach and develop a high-performing team of Food Travel Experts. Set clear daily goals and assignments, provide ongoing feedback and maintain strong guest service and brand standards.
• Drive the Business: Optimize food, beverage and labor costs to maximize restaurant performance and profitability.
• Deliver the Brand: Bring Gotham Burger Social Club’s distinctive NYC identity to life while maintaining brand standards in the fast-paced environment of JFK Terminal 5.
• Systems and Processes: Maintain adherence to all company policies and procedures as well as state health and sanitation standards.
• Merchandising and Displays: Maintain merchandising standards and display presentations while monitoring inventory levels.
• Own the Operation: Oversee management of funds and media, receiving, inventory, purchasing, team member scheduling and payroll.
• Forecasting and Budgeting: Monitor sales and operating performance, analyze reports and use results to identify opportunities and drive the business forward.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of Restaurant General Manager experience in a full-service restaurant with bar environment required. Culinary background is desirable.
• High-Volume Leadership: Proven success leading a high-volume restaurant operation, including front-of-house and kitchen teams.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of food and beverage costs, labor management, inventory, budgeting and restaurant profitability.
• People Leadership: Proven ability to recruit, coach, develop and motivate diverse restaurant teams.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact effectively at all levels, including executives, union representatives and diverse hourly team members. Proven ability to navigate and resolve challenging situations with guests, peers and direct reports.
• Technical Skills: Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, with strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize daily, weekly and long-term activities.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or equivalent coursework preferred.

Why Join Us?

This isn’t just another Restaurant General Manager opportunity. You’ll have the chance to launch and lead an exciting NYC-born restaurant concept at one of the busiest gateways in the world, backed by SSP America’s global airport restaurant expertise.

You’ll work in the fast-paced and exciting environment of JFK Terminal 5 while building a team, developing your career and bringing an award-winning New York restaurant concept to travelers from around the world.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: $75,000 / year + bonus opportunity, Health, Dental, Vision and Life Plans, Paid Time Off, 401(k) with company match, Employee Assistance Program, and more!

If you’re a restaurant leader who loves building teams, opening new concepts, delivering great food and creating memorable guest experiences, we’d love to meet you!

SSP America is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. SSP America will provide reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws.