Restaurant Manager jobs in Cape Town, Western Cape

Company Description:

Cappello Cocktail Lounge and Bar is more than just a venue on Long Street, it's an experience. We pride ourselves on crafting perfect cocktails, delivering exceptional service and creating an electric atmosphere for our guests. We are a dedicated team passionate about hospitality and are looking for a leader to help us scale.

Role Description:

This is a full-time, on-site role for a hands-on Bar & Lounge Manager at our Long Street location in Cape Town. You are the heartbeat of the operation, responsible for translating our vision into daily execution. You will oversee all aspects of the venue, leading by example to ensure every guest has a memorable experience and every team member feels valued and motivated. This role demands a balance of creative energy and operational discipline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Culture: Lead, train, and inspire our front-of-house team (bartenders, servers, hosts) to deliver world-class, consistent service.
• Guest Experience: Be the ultimate host. Manage the floor, resolve issues with grace, and ensure the Cappello atmosphere is always perfect, from music volume to lighting.
• Operational Excellence: Manage daily opening/closing procedures, inventory (especially premium spirits), cost controls, and supplier relationships. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and liquor licensing regulations.
• Commercial Performance: Drive sales through strategic service, staff incentives, and contributing to cocktail menu development and promotional events. Analyse sales reports and manage labour costs to meet financial targets.
• Craft & Quality: Uphold the highest standards in cocktail production, presentation, and speed of service. Maintain venue presentation.

Qualifications:

We're looking for a charismatic leader with a proven track record in premium hospitality:

• Experience: 3-5 years in a management or leadership role in a high-volume bar, cocktail lounge, premium restaurant or hotel.
• Leadership: Natural ability to motivate, coach, and build a cohesive, high-performing team. You lead from the front.
• Operational insight: Strong understanding of bar profitability, inventory systems (like GAAP), stocktaking, and cost management.
• Craft Knowledge: A passion for and strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, and current industry trends. Formal mixology training is a significant plus.
• Calm Under Pressure: Thrives in the fast-paced energy of Long Street, with exceptional problem-solving skills and grace under pressure.
• Legal & Compliance: Must be over 21.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written English; additional languages are a bonus.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to lead and shape the team at one of Cape Town's premier cocktail destinations.
• A competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• A dynamic, creative, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• Strore Manger: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person