General Manager/ SOMMELIER - Restaurant

General Manager / Sommelier - MEI (St. Petersburg, FL) Opening May 2026 | A New Standard in Modern Fine Dining This is not just a GM role. This is a stage. We are seeking a General Manager / Sommelier to lead MEI, an intimate, design-forward restaurant that blends French technique, Nordic philosophy, and Japanese ingredients into a deeply intentional dining experience. This is an opportunity to help build something rare: a restaurant where hospitality is felt, not performed, and every detail, from the first pour to the final bite, tells a story. About MEI Located in St. Petersburg, MEI is a 55-seat dining room and 8-seat chef's counter concept focused on: Seasonal, emotionally driven cuisine Thoughtful, curated beverage pairings (wine, sake, and non-alcoholic) A calm, refined, and deeply personal guest experience We are building toward Michelin-level execution , guided by a team that values intention over ego and precision over excess. The Role As GM/Sommelier , you will be the operational leader, culture builder, and beverage authority, owning both the business and the soul of the guest experience.

You will:

Lead all front-of-house operations with grace, precision, and presence Curate and execute a world-class wine and sake program Partner closely with the Executive Chef to craft seamless food-and-beverage storytelling Build and mentor a team that delivers soft-spoken, highly informed, intentional service Connect personally with guests to create moments that feel effortless yet unforgettable What You'll Be Responsible ForElevating the Experience Own the full guest journey, from reservation to farewell Deliver refined, personalized service and expert beverage guidance Create a dining room atmosphere that feels calm, confident, and welcoming Leading the Beverage Program Curate a program rooted in: French wine foundations Japanese sake expertise Natural and Nordic-influenced selections Design and execute: Tasting menu pairings A la carte beverage offerings Build relationships with wineries, importers, and sake producers Driving the Business Own financial performance (labor, beverage costs, revenue growth) Leverage pairings and guest engagement to increase check average Operate within a service-charge model designed to reward team performance Building the Team Recruit, train, and develop a top-tier FOH team Create a culture of learning, accountability, and a hospitality-first mindset Lead with humility, clarity, and high standards Who You Are You're not just experienced—you're intentional. 3-5+ years in fine-dining leadership (GM, AGM, or Beverage Director) Strong sommelier background with expertise in: Wine (Old & New World) Sake (required) Pairing development Experienced in tasting-menu environments A natural host who can read a room, guide a guest, and elevate a moment Deep appreciation for: Japanese ingredients & philosophy French technique Seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine Bonus if you: Hold a CMS, WSET, or equivalent certification Have opened or helped launch a concept Thrive in environments where details matter, and standards are uncompromising Why This Role is Different You'll help open and define a concept from the ground up You'll lead both operations and beverage , not just manage them You'll work alongside a chef-driven, highly intentional culinary team You'll be part of building a restaurant with national recognition goals Compensation & Growth Competitive salary + service charge participation Strong earning potential tied to performance Opportunity to grow into multi-unit leadership or beverage program expansion If This Sounds Like You… This role is for someone who believes: Hospitality is a craft Wine is a language And great restaurants are built on people, not just plates Apply now and be part of creating something unforgettable

Pay:

$75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance Application Question(s): What is your work week availability? Do you have any work restrictions? What is your desired salary?

Experience:

Restaurant management: 3 years (Required) Fine dining: 3 years (Required) Sommelier (Wine/Sake): 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

Food Handler Certification (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person