Assistant General Manager - Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud - Costa Mesa

The Assistant General Manager (AGM) serves as a key operational leader, partnering closely with the General Manager to support the successful launch, stabilization, and ongoing operation of the group's first California location. This role is ideal for a hospitality leader with extensive fine-dining experience, exceptional floor presence, and a passion for developing teams while delivering an elevated guest experience.

The AGM is responsible for supporting day-to-day restaurant operations, maintaining Michelin-caliber service standards, driving team performance, and ensuring operational excellence. This individual will serve as a hands-on leader, coach, and ambassador of the brand, helping cultivate a culture of hospitality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Support the General Manager in fostering a culture of excellence, professionalism, and accountability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop managers and hourly team members through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Promote a positive and collaborative work environment that reflects the company's values and service philosophy.
• Serve as a visible leader on the floor, setting the standard for hospitality and guest engagement.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and retention initiatives.

Operations & Guest Experience

• Support the daily execution of all front-of-house operations while partnering with culinary leadership to ensure seamless service.
• Ensure all policies, service procedures, and operational standards are consistently followed.
• Actively monitor guest satisfaction and resolve concerns promptly and professionally.
• Assist in managing reservations, floor plans, private dining, and service flow during high-volume periods.

Financial & Business Management

• Partner with the General Manager to achieve financial goals through effective labor management, cost controls, and revenue optimization.
• Assist in monitoring labor, food, and beverage costs while identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Support inventory controls, purchasing procedures, and financial reporting.
• Help execute initiatives that improve profitability while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.

Pre-Opening & Operational Support

• Assist with all aspects of the restaurant opening, including hiring, onboarding, training, systems implementation, and opening preparations.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with culinary leadership, vendors, and corporate partners to ensure operational readiness.
• Help implement company systems and standards while adapting to California labor requirements and local market needs.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all California labor laws, wage and hour regulations, health and safety requirements, and responsible alcohol service standards.
• Maintain safe working conditions and proper food handling procedures.
• Assist in maintaining accurate operational records, documentation, and reporting.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of progressive restaurant management experience in high-end, high-volume restaurants.
• Previous experience as an Assistant General Manager, Senior Manager, Dining Room Manager, or similar leadership role preferred.
• Experience supporting restaurant openings is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of restaurant financials, labor management, and operational best practices.
• Proven ability to coach, develop, and motivate high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and guest relations skills.
• Experience working within California labor and regulatory environments is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Operational Leadership
• High-Volume Fine Dining Operations
• Guest Experience Excellence
• Team Development & Coaching
• Labor & Cost Management
• Brand Stewardship
• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and actively support restaurant operations for extended periods.
• Must be available to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Compensation and Benefits

• Eligibility for yea end discretionary bonus.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions of up to 4% of salary
• Competitive health insurance options, with employer contributions toward premiums based on the selected plan*
• Access to ancillary benefits, including dental, vision, short-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance
• Employee discounts at other Dinex properties (restrictions apply)
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within The Dinex Group
  
  

The Dinex Group LLC is an equal opportunity employer. The Dinex Group does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

More detail about Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud - Costa Mesa part of The Dinex Group, the Restaurant Group of Chef Daniel Boulud, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/1073927-Blue-Box-Caf%25C3%25A9-by-Daniel-Boulud---Costa-Mesa