General Manager - Maleza Costa Mesa
About The Position
What You’ll Do Lead the daily operations of a high-volume restaurant and mezcal bar Recruit, hire, train, and develop a strong hospitality-driven team Drive sales, profitability, and operational performance Manage labor, food cost, and beverage cost to meet financial targets Create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the Maleza brand Collaborate with our Corporate Chef on menu execution and quality standards Partner with our Corporate F&B Director on operational strategy and performance Ensure exceptional service standards and guest engagement throughout every shift What a Day at Maleza Looks Like No two days are the same — but every day is focused on creating an unforgettable experience for our guests and our team. You might start the day reviewing sales and labor performance, connecting with your leadership team about reservations and events, and walking the restaurant to ensure everything is ready for service. During service, you’re on the floor- welcoming guests, supporting the team, solving problems before they happen, and making sure the energy in the room feels exactly like Maleza. You’re coaching managers, developing your team, collaborating with our Corporate Chef on menu execution, and working with our Corporate F&B Director on strategy and performance. At the end of the night, you leave knowing the restaurant ran beautifully, the team felt supported, and guests had an experience worth coming back for. Our Leadership Style At Maleza, we believe great restaurants are built by leaders who are present, curious, and genuinely invested in their teams. Our General Managers are not office managers — they are hospitality leaders who set the tone on the floor, build strong teams, and create an environment where both guests and employees feel the energy of the restaurant. We value leaders who: Lead with confidence and humility Build teams through coaching and mentorship Care deeply about the guest experience Balance creativity with strong operational discipline Take ownership of the restaurant as if it were their own You’ll have strong support from our Corporate Chef and Corporate Director of Food & Beverage, but we look for General Managers who embrace ownership, bring ideas to the table, and help shape the future of the restaurant. Because the best restaurants are built by teams that care; about the food, the experience, and each other.
Requirements
- 5+ years of restaurant management experience
- Experience leading high-volume restaurants ($3M+ annual revenue preferred)
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Solid understanding of restaurant financials (labor, food cost, P&L)
- Passion for hospitality, food, and beverage programs
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with cocktail or agave-forward beverage programs is a plus
Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operations of a high-volume restaurant and mezcal bar
- Recruit, hire, train, and develop a strong hospitality-driven team
- Drive sales, profitability, and operational performance
- Manage labor, food cost, and beverage cost to meet financial targets
- Create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the Maleza brand
- Collaborate with our Corporate Chef on menu execution and quality standards
- Partner with our Corporate F&B Director on operational strategy and performance
- Ensure exceptional service standards and guest engagement throughout every shift
Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus structure
- Opportunity to build and develop an exceptional team
- Be part of a concept built around creativity, culture, and connection
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
