Assistant General Manager Authentic French Bistro Columbus

Assistant General ManagerLocation: Columbus, OHRelocation Assistance: AvailableCompensation: $80,000-$90,000 + benefitsEmployment Type: Full-time, salaried, exemptReports To: General ManagerAbout the OpportunityAn authentic French bistro and wine bar in a historic downtown Columbus building is seeking an Assistant General Manager to support daily operations and the guest experience.

The restaurant is the only US establishment certified by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs — one of just 22 holders of that distinction worldwide — and is part of a respected national hospitality group.

We're looking for a polished, hospitality-driven leader ready to be the GM's right hand and a clear successor in the making.Position SummaryThe Assistant General Manager partners with the GM to run the floor, develop the team, and protect the standard on every shift.

This is a hands-on, floor-forward role: the AGM is expected to lead service, train and coach the FOH team, and own meaningful pieces of the business — scheduling, training, beverage support, or events — depending on background.

The AGM steps in as the senior leader on the floor when the GM is off, and partners closely with the Executive Chef and beverage team to ensure food, wine, and service move as one program.Key ResponsibilitiesHospitality & Guest ExperienceLead service shifts: pre-shift meetings, floor flow, table touches, and recoveryBuild genuine relationships with regulars and VIPs; handle service issues with grace and authorityChampion the bistro's culture of warm, knowledgeable, unpretentious French hospitalityUphold the service standards required by the restaurant's international certificationFloor OperationsRun the door, the floor, and the bar pass during service; balance covers with quality of experienceManage reservations, OpenTable, and seating strategy to maximize the roomEnsure the dining room, bar, and public areas are immaculate, on-brand, and properly maintainedCoordinate with the kitchen on pacing, 86s, specials, and VIP attentionTeam Leadership & DevelopmentPartner with the GM on hiring, onboarding, and training FOH staff — servers, bartenders, hosts, and supportLead service training, menu and wine education, and steps-of-service reinforcementConduct one-on-ones, in-the-moment coaching, and performance feedbackBuild a respectful, professional team culture — high standards, no dramaFinancial & Administrative SupportSupport the GM on scheduling, labor management, and daily/weekly reportingApprove invoices, oversee cash handling, and ensure accurate end-of-night reconciliationHelp manage controllables — labor, beverage cost, supplies — to budgeted targetsStep in as the senior on-site leader during the GM's days off and vacationsBeverage Program SupportPartner with the sommelier and beverage team on wine list execution, by-the-glass rotations, and staff educationSupport cocktail program execution, bar standards, and inventory accuracyLead or co-lead pre-shift wine and cocktail tastingsEvents & ProgrammingHelp execute wine dinners, cocktail classes, private events, and seasonal happeningsCoordinate with the chef and ownership on event flow, staffing, and guest experienceSupport local partnership and community programming as neededCompliance & SafetyEnsure full compliance with Ohio liquor laws, food safety, and Franklin County health regulationsMaintain ServSafe and TIPS/responsible-service standards across the teamSupport HR documentation, scheduling compliance, and workplace safetyWhat We're Looking For3+ years of FOH leadership experience as an AGM, FOH Manager, Service Manager, or strong Lead Server / Head Bartender ready for the next stepBackground in upscale-casual or fine-dining French, European, or independent concept preferredStrong floor presence: warm, calm, and decisive in equal measureWorking financial acumen: comfortable with labor management, cost controls, and daily reportingSolid wine knowledge; sommelier certification (CMS Level 1+, WSET 1+) a strong plusComfortable with reservation systems (OpenTable, SevenRooms), POS (Toast, Aloha, or similar), and scheduling toolsTrack record of training and developing FOH talentServSafe Manager and TIPS certified (or able to obtain within 30 days)Available evenings, weekends, holidays, and for special eventsA genuine love of French food, wine, and hospitalityWhat We OfferBase Salary: $80,000-$90,000 DOEPaid time offHealth benefits packageBacking of an established hospitality group with growth opportunities across the portfolioWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.