General Manager, Balboa

LUKES LOBSTER•Newport Beach, CA

8d•$80,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Luke’s Lobster is a Maine-inspired, fast-casual lobster shack known for our award-winning seafood rolls and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Every lobster we serve is traceable back to its source and sustainably harvested — because quality matters, and so do the people and oceans behind it. We’re looking for a General Manager (GM) to join our Balboa Island team — someone who’s hungry to grow, excited to lead, and passionate about creating memorable guest and team experiences. About This Location This General Manager role is based at our Balboa Island location in California — a standout shack in one of the most iconic, walkable coastal communities in Newport Beach. This location is a high-visibility neighborhood favorite, serving a steady mix of locals, weekend crowds, and tourists who expect fast, friendly service and a consistently great product. Balboa Island has a small-footprint, high-volume feel with an upbeat energy and constant guest interaction. This truly feels more like a takeout seafood shack than a dine-in outlet. Success here comes from being highly organized, leading from the front, and building a tight, reliable team that can execute with speed, quality, and hospitality — even during peak rushes. As the GM, you’ll oversee the full operation, elevate the guest experience, and create a strong team culture rooted in Luke’s standards — while running the shack like your own small business in a busy and high-demand market.

Requirements

Demonstrate joy leading people and serving guests
A positive attitude, curiosity, and commitment to continuous growth
Passion for the best tasting and highest quality seafood
Excellent communication skills
Strong financial acumen or eagerness to learn (P&Ls, COGS, etc.)
Ability to handle or be exposed to shellfish
Required food handler certification
Ability to perform physical requirements of the position (the ability to frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds)

Nice To Haves

Direct customer facing experience, to include restaurant management experience, is a plus but not required

Responsibilities

Build, inspire, and develop a diverse and high-performing team
Deliver warm, genuine guest interactions that highlight our Maine heritage
Work hands-on alongside your crew on the line
Analyze sales and manage controllable expenses, schedules, and inventory
Maintain exceptional standards for safety, cleanliness, and organization
Act like a small business owner and be responsible for the entire Shack operation

Benefits

Growth opportunities in a rapidly growing, family operated business that is also B Corp certified
Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 + competitive bonus program
Paid vacation, sick time & holidays
Medical, dental & vision insurance (national PPO) with company contributions after one month
Health Savings Account (HSA) + supplemental accident & hospital indemnity insurance
Optional pet insurance and life insurance after one month
Low-fee 401(k) with company access after one month
Mobile phone stipend
Company-provided laptop
Paid parental leave
Pre-tax commuter benefits (varies by State)
Employee discounts (hello, lobster rolls)
Casual dress code & supportive environment