General Manager (Sommelier is a plus)

Job Title: General Manager / Sommelier
Location: Yoshino New York — 342 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Owner

About Us:
Yoshino New York is a Michelin-starred omakase restaurant where tradition meets artistry. As one of only four restaurants awarded the 4-star rating by The New York Times , we craft a transcendent sushi experience under the leadership of Chef Tadashi “Edowan” Yoshida. Using the top echelon of seasonal ingredients from Toyosu and Kyushu Fish Markets in Japan, our intimate 10-seat counter invites guests into an immersive journey of precision, harmony, and culinary storytelling.

Job Description:
We are looking for a full-time General Manager / Sommelier with a passion for hospitality, exceptional leadership skills, and an expert understanding of fine dining service and beverage programs. This role is a rare opportunity to lead front-of-house operations at Yoshino New York while curating an extraordinary wine and sake program that enhances our omakase experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage all front-of-house operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences.
• Train, mentor, and manage front-of-house staff to uphold the highest service standards.
• Create and manage staff schedules.
• Process weekly payroll through ADP. 
• Conduct daily meetings with staff
• Constantly look for backup/replacement staff (servers and kitchen staff)
• Hiring staff after written approval from ownership
• Manage reservations on Tock, daily guest communications
• In charge of restaurant incoming calls
• Overall dining room flow to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest experiences
• Editing and printing daily omakase and beverage menus 
• Maintain inventory and ordering of wines, sake and beverages, optimizing selection and cost efficiency.
• Manage vendor relationships, vendor payments.
• Represent the restaurant’s brand and vision with professionalism and enthusiasm.
• Develop and maintain a distinguished wine and sake program, aligning pairings with Chef Yoshida’s culinary vision.
• Train and educate staff on beverage offerings
• Improve CRM to keep track of clients’ preferences, habits, and sales record.
• Maintain inventory
• Complying and ensuring all permits, services, and related matters are up to date.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, food handling and liquor licensing regulations.
• Generating daily activity reports to ownership. 
• Occasionally helping Chefs in English related and integration related matters (for example health insurance questions, visa issues, etc)

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in fine dining, with previous experience as a General Manager, Sommelier, or Beverage Manager .
• Experience working in a Michelin-starred or other high-end restaurant.
• Deep knowledge of wine and sake, with relevant certifications (e.g., CMS Certified Sommelier, WSET Level 3, Sake Sommelier Certification) strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for Japanese cuisine, omakase dining, and exceptional hospitality.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge of Adobe softwares (InDesign, Photoshop, …), Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Sheets, etc
• Must have valid employment authorization to work in the US.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Japanese language proficiency and omakase experience are a strong plus.
• Proficiency in reservation (Tock) and POS (Toast) systems.

Benefits:

• Base Salary: $100,000-$120,000 (commensurate with experience).
• Bonus on performance potential
• Health/dental/vision insurance premiums 100% covered
• 10+ days paid time off
• Growth: Career development and professional training in a Michelin-starred environment.
• Perks: Daily catered staff meals.

Why Join Us?
At Yoshino New York, you will be at the helm of an intimate, world-renowned omakase experience, shaping the service and beverage program while working alongside a team dedicated to excellence. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to craft an unforgettable dining journey for our guests and refine your expertise at one of New York City’s most esteemed restaurants.

How to Apply:
Apply here or email us at [email protected]
Submit your resume, a cover letter, and any references to [email protected] with the subject line: “General Manager / Sommelier – [Your Name].”

Immediate Hire: We are actively seeking to fill this position immediately.