RESTAURANT MANAGER

Lead, Inspire & Create Unforgettable Dining Experiences!

Join Our Team and Make Your Mark in Wine Country Hospitality at Ponte Winery!

About Our Company:

Ponte Family Estate Winery has been a cornerstone of Temecula Wine Country since 2003. With vineyards dating back to 1984, we are a true working winery, producing over 20 estate-grown varietals within our certified sustainable facilities. Our restaurant pairs exceptional food with Ponte wines, offering guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience surrounded by breathtaking vineyard views.

Nestled in the heart of Temecula Wine Country at Ponte Winery, our restaurant offers a memorable outdoor dining experience with a focus on seasonal cuisine, and exceptional service. Our menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients with a focus on local and sustainable sourcing.

The Restaurant at Ponte has been a destination dining location in Temecula Wine Country since opening in 2003. The outdoor Restaurant has stunning vineyard and garden views and is open year-round for guests and Wine Club Members.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for hospitality, a strong background in managing a high-end dining establishment, and the ability to lead a team in delivering outstanding lunch and dinner services. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a blend of operational management, customer service excellence, and team development.

If you are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences and thrive in a leadership role, we encourage you to apply for the Restaurant Manager position at our prestigious outdoor restaurant in Temecula Wine Country!

Summary:

The Restaurant Manager oversees daily operations and ensures that every guest enjoys a seamless, memorable dining experience. This role is responsible for upholding Ponte's service standards, maintaining exceptional food and beverage quality, and fostering a positive, team-driven work environment. In addition, this position ensures cost control, inventory management, safety, and compliance with regulations while coaching, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team.

Compensation:

• $82,000+ annually DOE
• Discretionary bonus based on KPI expectations.

Schedule:

• Wednesday - Sunday (minimum), based on business needs
• Nights, Weekends, and Holidays required

Benefits Per Company Plan Details:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401k Matching Plan
• Life Insurance
• Hospital Confinement Plan
• Pet Insurance
• 3 Weeks of PTO
• 2 paid Holidays (Thanksgiving + Christmas) + 6 Floating Holidays

*The terms and conditions associated with each Benefit are outlined in the Associate Handbook, additional documentation provided by Human Resources, or within the policies of the carriers providing the benefits*

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Lead the front-of-house team to ensure exceptional service that exceeds guest expectations.
• Monitor food and beverage quality, ensuring consistency and adherence to Chef's specifications.
• Engage with guests, ensuring a warm, welcoming, and memorable dining experience.
• Resolve guest concerns with professionalism, creating positive outcomes.
• Uphold Ponte's hospitality standards, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable atmosphere.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, onboard, train, and mentor front-of-house associates to maintain high service standards.
• Coach and counsel staff, providing constructive feedback and development opportunities.
• Foster a positive and motivated team environment, leading by example.
• Ensure all staff adhere to food safety, sanitation, and service regulations.

Operations & Financial Management

• Achieve sales goals by driving an outstanding guest experience and upselling strategies.
• Manage cash handling procedures, nightly reports, and financial reconciliation.
• Oversee labor budgets, payroll, scheduling, and daily attendance.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local labor and health regulations.
• Monitor inventory and cost controls, placing beverage and supply orders as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including county sanitation standards.
• Conduct regular safety training to promote a safe environment for guests and staff.
• Understand winery closing procedures, securing property and setting alarms when necessary.
• Complete and report all incidents and accidents involving guests or associates.

Supportive Functions

• Step in as needed to assist with seating, serving, bussing, expediting, food running, and bartending.
• Handle guest inquiries regarding reservations, large parties, and special events.
• Oversee end-of-month inventory and purchase orders for supplies and beverages.
• Ensure all service equipment is properly maintained, submitting repair requests as needed.

Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years of hospitality management experience required.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, mentor, and develop a team.
• Extensive knowledge of food, wine, spirits, and hospitality service standards.
• Ability to provide direction to staff while maintaining respect and integrity.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience with Aloha POS, OpenTable, Microsoft Word & Excel preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Professional appearance and adherence to uniform standards.
• Riverside County Food Handler's Card & RBS Alcoholic Beverage Certification required.

Company Standards:

• Understand the PONTE Values, and Service Standards.
• Ensure the safety of guests and associates.
• Follow the environmental standards set by the Company
• Treat all associates and guests in a respectful manner.
• Exhibit integrity (honesty and truthfulness).
• Perform any other duties as required by your Manager.