Job Description
Restaurant General Manager
The Little Sparo is seeking a hands-on General Manager to lead daily restaurant and hotel food & beverage operations in a dynamic, independent-style Italian dining environment. This is a floor-driven leadership role focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences, building a strong service culture, and collaborating closely with culinary and hotel leadership. The General Manager will operate as a visible, engaged leader who sets the tone for hospitality, supports the team in real time, and ensures the restaurant consistently delivers high-quality food, service, and operational excellence.
What You’ll Do:
Lead daily restaurant and bar operations with a strong presence on the floor during service
Oversee both restaurant and hotel food & beverage operations in partnership with the Catering and Events Manager
Work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure seamless collaboration between front and back of house
Engage with guests to build relationships, enhance the dining experience, and create a loyal local following
Hire, train, coach, and develop a hospitality-focused team that delivers exceptional service
Maintain high standards in service, cleanliness, and overall guest experience
Manage scheduling, labor control, inventory, and day-to-day operational performance
Coach and support staff in real time during service, stepping in wherever needed
Lead pre-opening culture building, soft launch activities, and ongoing operational improvements
Create a positive, energetic environment where teamwork, accountability, and hospitality thrive
About You:
Experience leading a full-service or independent restaurant environment
Strong, hands-on leadership style with a passion for floor presence and guest engagement
Experience working with Italian or Mediterranean cuisine preferred
Ability to manage front-of-house and back-of-house operations collaboratively
Deep understanding of hospitality, service flow, and guest experience standards
Strong organizational and financial awareness, including labor and cost control
Passion for Italian food, wine, and authentic restaurant culture
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-accountability, team-oriented environment
Natural relationship builder who leads by example and inspires team performance
Willing and able to commute to or relocate to Sarnia, Ontario
About Us:
The Little Sparo is an independently operated Italian restaurant built on handmade cuisine, genuine hospitality, and a people-first culture. Located within a dynamic hotel setting in beautiful waterfront Sarnia, Ontario, the restaurant offers a unique opportunity to lead in an environment where creativity, personality, and leadership truly matter.
Our philosophy is simple: exceptional food, engaged service, and leadership that is visible, hands-on, and deeply involved in daily operations. This is not a corporate concept—it’s a place where leaders can shape culture, build meaningful guest relationships, and create a standout dining experience from the ground up.
Sarnia offers a vibrant waterfront lifestyle, scenic views of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, a welcoming community, and a lower cost of living than major urban centers—making it an ideal place for hospitality professionals to grow both personally and professionally.
Benefits include:
Paid time off
On-site parking
Full-time leadership opportunity in a growing restaurant environment
Opportunity to shape and lead a standout independent dining concept
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at every level of the organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.