Restaurant Interim General Manager / Restaurant Consultant - contract

Seeking Experienced Restaurant Professional for Short-Term Consulting Assignment - think 8 - 12 weeks.

A well-established and locally respected hospitality business in the Finger Lakes region is seeking an experienced, hands-on restaurant operations consultant to assist with front and back-of-house oversight during a transition period.

This 8 -12 week contract position offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned restaurant professional—possibly a retired or semi-retired GM, chef-owner, or operator—to step in as an interim advisor and operations lead to help elevate standards, optimize systems, and support a newly reopened restaurant and bar.

The Role:

This is an on-site, boots-on-the-ground position working alongside our current team, and shaping our direction. The ideal candidate will offer a steady presence and professional leadership while consulting on the following:

Back-of-house operations: kitchen flow, food consistency, staffing, accountability, food safety

Menu review and refinement (costing, execution, and streamlining)

FOH and BOH alignment: communication, culture, service standards

Inventory management and food cost controls

Staff training, leadership development, and scheduling support

Daily operational troubleshooting

Hands-on support and observation during service hours

General hospitality business consulting

Ideal Background:

10+ years experience in full-service restaurant or hospitality management

Past ownership, GM, or executive chef experience preferred

Comfortable working in both kitchen and front-of-house environments

Strong leadership presence, calm demeanor, and a mentor mindset

Comfortable handling operational challenges discreetly and effectively

A love for food, hospitality, and bringing out the best in people

What We Offer:

Competitive consulting rate (hourly or weekly, depending on experience)

Flexible but consistent schedule, including evenings/weekends during service hours

A chance to make a real impact in a community-centered, historic hospitality property

Lodging available if not local

This is a short-term role with long-term impact. If you’re the kind of pro who thrives on walking into a situation, tightening things up, elevating a team, having some fun, and walking away knowing you made a difference—this is for you

To Apply:

Please reply with a short introduction, resume or background summary, and availability. We will call you ASAP to discuss, and coordinate next steps. Thank you