Dining Room Manager: New Chef-Driven Restaurant

Hospitality Confidential is pleased to present an exciting Dining Room Manager opportunity with a new European-American restaurant in Bergen County, New Jersey. The restaurant will be guided by the seasons and the belief that simplicity and effort are inseparable. The cooking is grounded in classical technique—focused on exceptional ingredients and precise, labor-intensive preparations that celebrate the integrity of the product itself.

The kitchen team includes alumni of Saga, Crown Shy, Misi, MisiPasta, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and Daniel, bringing the refinement and discipline of New York’s most respected kitchens to a more intimate setting.

The space reflects the same intent: walnut, stone, and copper details framing an intimate dining room and back patio designed for unhurried meals and late afternoons that stretch into the evening. Whether guests join for a coursed dinner or a cocktail and something light, every experience is shaped by quiet craftsmanship and care.

About the Position

The Dining Room Manager will lead the Front of House team and help bring this vision to life. This role balances leadership and presence - ensuring that service runs seamlessly, the team feels supported, and every guest interaction reflects the spirit of the restaurant.

This position will oversee all FOH operations and service for approximately 200 covers, working directly with ownership to uphold the highest standards of hospitality, training, and organization.

Key Responsibilities

Service Standards

• Lead the dining room with composure, warmth, and precision.
• Be a visible presence on the floor, setting the tone for service and guest experience.
• Train staff to understand the food, the flow, and the purpose behind the details.
• Partner with the kitchen to ensure fluid communication and consistent pacing.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and visual integrity of the dining room and patio.
• Execute all opening and closing procedures with accuracy and care.

Leadership & Culture

• Recruit, train, and schedule FOH staff who share a sense of discipline and pride.
• Foster a culture of mutual respect, professionalism, and growth.
• Ensure compliance with Department of Health and labor standards.
• Work closely with ownership to align service, financial, and cultural goals.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of management experience in fine dining or high-volume hospitality.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Full availability (nights and weekends).
• Solid knowledge of food, wine, and spirits—or a strong desire to learn deeply.
• Ability to multitask, delegate, and maintain calm focus in a busy environment.
• A genuine appreciation for precision, craft, and the shared experience of a meal.

Compensation and Benefits

• $65,000 - $80,000 Base annually plus Bonus
• Paid sick and personal time.
• Dining discounts.
• Health insurance package offered.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• The opportunity to build and lead a new Bergen County dining room from the ground up.

Join us as we open our doors and build something lasting—a restaurant defined by quiet discipline, generosity, and care.

Our client is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, ancestry, national origin, alienage or citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, or other protected status.