In the competitive landscape of hospitality, staffing is not just about filling vacancies—it's about aligning people with purpose. The Gilkey Restaurant Consulting Group recognizes this truth and is committed to delivering high-quality recruitment services tailored to the needs of the restaurant and hospitality industry. Whether you're a national brand or an ambitious independent operator, we specialize in sourcing, vetting, and placing exceptional talent who drive revenue, elevate service standards, and foster brand loyalty.
With deep industry insight and an expansive network of candidates, The Gilkey Restaurant Consulting Group is trusted by operators across the United States for its unparalleled ability to find and place General Managers, Executive Chefs, and other key personnel in front-of-house and culinary roles.
Core Areas of Recruitment Expertise
Finding talent who not only possess technical skills but also fit your company culture is critical for achieving long-term success. The Gilkey Restaurant Consulting Group addresses this by focusing on four primary staffing categories:
Front of House Management Recruitment
Strong leadership at the front of house (FOH) sets the tone for daily operations and customer experience. We recruit for roles including:
- General Managers: Experts at overseeing restaurant performance, managing P&L, and developing team culture.
- Dining Room Managers: Operational leaders who ensure optimal guest flow and table management.
- Bar Managers: Beverage program specialists focused on inventory control and customer satisfaction.
- Event Coordinators: Professionals skilled at managing logistics, vendors, and high-profile events with precision.
These roles are essential for creating consistent guest experiences that result in repeat business and positive online reviews. According to a report by Toast, 69% of restaurant customers say consistent service significantly impacts their return decisions.
Culinary Talent Acquisition Services
A creative and cost-conscious kitchen team is the backbone of any successful restaurant. We help you hire:
- Executive Chefs: Visionary leaders capable of designing menus, maintaining food quality, and managing kitchen budgets.
- Sous Chefs: Right-hand support to executive chefs, critical for consistency and execution.
- Kitchen Managers: Experts in inventory management, food safety compliance, and staff training.
For restaurants looking to elevate their culinary vision, our Menu Development Services complement recruitment by ensuring your culinary team has the strategy needed to excel.
Skilled chefs not only inspire loyalty among guests but also reduce turnover in the back-of-house—an issue the National Restaurant Association identifies as a top cost driver.
Front of House Service Staff Placement
Guest-facing team members define the emotional touchpoints of your brand. We place:
- Servers: Trained professionals who balance speed, accuracy, and warmth.
- Bartenders: Creative mixologists who drive bar revenue while enhancing guest experience.
- Hosts: The first impression of your restaurant is skilled in communication and customer service.
To see how talent quality impacts real-world performance, explore one of our client success stories such as the Lu Lu Craft Bar + Kitchen case study
These roles often shape guests' first and last interactions with your brand, making their selection critical to your reputation and online presence.
Our Recruitment Methodology: A Holistic and Customized Process
The Gilkey Restaurant Consulting Group takes a consultative, tailored approach to each client. Our process is designed to save time, reduce hiring risks, and increase retention:
1. Understanding Your Restaurant Hiring Needs
We begin with an in-depth consultation to identify your unique staffing needs, team dynamics, business model, and growth trajectory. This allows us to align recruitment efforts with your strategic goals. For operators preparing to scale or refine operations, our Management Recruitment Services provide end-to-end support.
2. Targeted Hospitality Talent Sourcing
Leveraging a robust database, proprietary tools, and industry connections, we source candidates who match not only the job description but also your organizational values. We also engage passive candidates who are not actively looking but are open to new opportunities.
3. Streamlined Candidate Vetting and Interview Process
Every candidate undergoes:
- Detailed background and reference checks
- Skills and personality assessments
- Cultural fit evaluations
Our commitment to quality is reinforced by our Quality Assurance Services, which ensure consistency across your operations.
4. Post-Placement Support and Success Management
We don't end our partnership after placement. Our consultants remain involved during onboarding and provide guidance to ensure smooth transitions. Additionally, we offer performance check-ins to refine recruitment strategies and ensure long-term success.
Why Partner with The Gilkey Restaurant Consulting Group?
Our edge lies in our industry-specific expertise, personalized service, and nationwide network. Here's what sets us apart:
- Proven Track Record: We’ve placed top talent in leading hospitality brands across the U.S.
- National & Local Sourcing: We can find local candidates as well as those willing to relocate.
- Hands-On Support: Unlike generic staffing firms, we specialize in hospitality and act as your strategic advisor.
- Low Turnover Rates: Our placements often enjoy high retention, saving you thousands in rehiring and retraining costs.
Hiring a misaligned manager or chef can cost a restaurant over $25,000 in direct and indirect losses, according to industry research by Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. Our process helps prevent those costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Recruitment
How Long Does the Restaurant Recruitment Process Take?
Depending on the role, the average timeline from intake to placement ranges between 2 to 6 weeks. Urgent placements may be expedited through our pre-vetted candidate pool.
Do You Offer Restaurant Staff Onboarding and Training Support?
Yes. We provide onboarding guidance and follow-up consultations to ensure a seamless transition for both the candidate and your management team.
What Types of Restaurant Concepts Do You Recruit For?
We serve a wide range of concepts, including fine dining, casual, quick-service, hotel restaurants, and private clubs. Whether you’re a start-up or an established national brand, we tailor our services to fit your operation.
Can You Help with Seasonal Restaurant Staffing?
Absolutely. We assist in building seasonal staffing strategies and sourcing reliable team members who can perform well under high-volume conditions, especially during peak seasons and events.
How Do You Ensure Cultural Fit in Restaurant Hiring?
We conduct in-depth interviews and use personality assessments to evaluate alignment with your company values, communication style, and team dynamics. Cultural fit is a cornerstone of our recruitment philosophy.
Let’s Build Your Dream Team
Your guests deserve more than average. Your brand deserves talent that reflects excellence, consistency, and passion. Whether you’re hiring an Executive Chef to reinvent your menu or a General Manager to streamline operations, The Gilkey Restaurant Consulting Group is ready to help you build a team that delivers results.
Get in touch today to learn how our tailored recruitment services can reduce turnover, increase profitability, and enhance your restaurant’s reputation.