Donoli's Kitchen, Silverest, Lusaka, Zambia
About Donoli's Kitchen:
Donoli's Kitchen is a vibrant and welcoming restaurant located in the heart of Silverest, Lusaka. We specialize in serving a delightful blend of authentic Traditional Zambian food and popular Western cuisine, catering to a diverse clientele. Our primary focus is to provide a comforting and satisfying dining experience for University of Lusaka (UNILUS) students, who often miss the taste of home-cooked meals, as well as local residents and working professionals in the area. We pride ourselves on offering quality food and excellent service in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Donoli's Kitchen is seeking a dedicated and experienced Restaurant Manager to oversee all aspects of restaurant operations. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with a passion for food and hospitality, capable of managing a diverse team and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction. This role requires a hands-on approach, strong organizational skills, and a keen understanding of the local market.
Responsibilities:
* Operational Management:
* Oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
* Manage inventory, ordering, and stock control to minimize waste and maximize profitability.
* Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
* Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout the restaurant.
* Implement and monitor operational procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
* Team Leadership and Management:
* Recruit, train, and supervise restaurant staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
* Schedule staff shifts and manage labor costs effectively.
* Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations.
* Address staff concerns and resolve conflicts promptly.
* Motivate the staff to provide excellent customer service.
* Customer Service:
* Ensure exceptional customer service by addressing customer inquiries and resolving complaints professionally.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with regular customers, particularly UNILUS students and local residents.
* Gather customer feedback and implement improvements to enhance the dining experience.
* Create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
* Financial Management:
* Monitor and manage restaurant finances, including sales, expenses, and profitability.
* Develop and implement strategies to increase sales and reduce costs.
* Prepare and analyze financial reports.
* Handle cash and payment transactions accurately.
* Marketing and Promotion:
* Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract and retain customers, particularly targeting the student population.
* Utilize social media and local advertising to promote Donoli's Kitchen.
* Create and manage special promotions and events.
* Understand and cater to the tastes of the local population.
* Menu Management:
* Work with the kitchen staff to ensure consistent food quality and presentation.
* Monitor customer preferences and recommend menu adjustments.
* Ensure that both African and Western cuisine are prepared to the highest standards.
* Understand popular local foods.
Qualifications:
* Proven experience as a Restaurant Manager or in a similar leadership role within the hospitality industry.
* Strong knowledge of restaurant operations, including food and beverage service, inventory management, and financial control.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
* Knowledge of local food and beverage trends in Lusaka is highly desirable.
* Familiarity with Zambian labor laws and health and safety regulations.
* Experience working with students is a plus.
* Basic Computer skills.
* Ability to speak local languages is a plus.