Trailside Tap - Front of House Manager

Front of House ManagerTrailside Tap | Uptown Ankeny, Iowa Full-Time |

Working Floor Manager Role Compensation:

$50,000-$60,000 annually, based on experience Bonus potential may be available based on performance goals and owner approval About Trailside Tap Trailside Tap is a locally owned restaurant and bar located in the heart of Uptown Ankeny . We are known for great food, drinks, hospitality, and a lively atmosphere, including our popular patio and brunch. We are looking for a strong Front of House Manager who can lead from the floor, support the team during service, help drive guest satisfaction, and work closely with the General Manager to keep daily restaurant operations running smoothly. This is a hands-on leadership role. The right person will not manage from the sidelines. They will be on the floor, helping the team, solving problems, engaging with guests, and making sure Trailside Tap delivers a great experience every shift. Position Summary The Front of House Manager is responsible for supporting and leading front-of-house operations, including servers, bartenders, hosts, bussers, and support staff. This position reports directly to the General Manager and plays an important role in service execution, staff training, guest experience, bar operations, events, and local marketing support. The ideal candidate is organized, upbeat, accountable, guest-focused, and comfortable working in a fast-paced restaurant and bar environment. Key Responsibilities Act as a working floor manager during service, actively supporting servers, bartenders, hosts, and bussers. Lead daily front-of-house operations during lunch, dinner, bar, patio, and event service. Ensure guests receive friendly, timely, and professional service. Handle guest questions, concerns, and complaints in a professional and solution-focused manner. Coach, train, and support FOH team members to improve service, teamwork, and accountability. Assist the General Manager with scheduling, labor management, and shift coverage. Help recruit, interview, onboard, and train new front-of-house employees. Support bartender oversight, bar standards, drink consistency, and responsible alcohol service. Assist with beverage ordering, inventory awareness, product organization, and vendor communication. Help monitor cleanliness, table presentation, opening duties, closing duties, and side-work completion. Support communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams. Help coordinate reservations, large parties, patio flow, private events, and special promotions. Assist with social media, events, community engagement, and local marketing efforts as directed by the General Manager or ownership. Enforce company policies, health standards, safety procedures, and alcohol service requirements. Help create a positive team culture built on hospitality, urgency, teamwork, and accountability. Qualifications Prior restaurant, bar, or hospitality leadership experience preferred. Experience as a floor manager, shift lead, lead server, bartender, assistant manager, or similar role strongly preferred. Full-service restaurant and/or bar experience preferred. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Ability to stay calm and professional during busy shifts. Willingness to work side-by-side with staff and lead by example. Basic understanding of scheduling, labor control, guest service, bar operations, and cash handling. Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and peak restaurant hours. Must be dependable, professional, organized, and guest-focused. Alcohol service certification or ability to obtain certification preferred. Food safety or ServSafe certification preferred, but not required at time of hire. Social media, event, or marketing experience is a plus. What We Are Looking For We are looking for someone who: Leads from the floor, not from the office. Has a strong sense of urgency. Enjoys creating a great guest experience. Can support bartenders, servers, hosts, and bussers in a positive but accountable way. Communicates well with the GM, ownership, kitchen leadership, and staff. Can help improve service standards, team culture, and daily execution. Is willing to help with events, social media, and community promotion. Takes ownership of problems and follows through. Wants to help Trailside Tap continue to grow as a strong local restaurant and bar in Ankeny. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $50,000-$60,000 annually , based on experience. Possible performance-based bonus if goals are met and approved by ownership. Employee meal/discount opportunities. Paid time off eligibility. Growth opportunity within a locally owned restaurant business. Positive, community-focused restaurant environment. Schedule This is a full-time management position. The schedule will include a mix of days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak service times. This role requires availability when the restaurant is busiest and leadership is most needed. How to Apply Interested applicants should submit a resume and a brief note explaining their restaurant leadership experience and why they would be a good fit for Trailside Tap.

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person