Company Overview

East Side Mario’s — A Recipe Unlimited Brand

Canada’s Premier Italian Casual Dining Chain

East Side Mario’s is a beloved Canadian casual dining restaurant chain specializing in authentic Italian-American cuisine. Established in 1987 and proudly Canadian owned and operated, we have grown to over 115 locations across Canada, serving families and friends who gather to enjoy our famous all-you-can-eat soup, salad, and garlic homeload, alongside our signature pastas and Italian-inspired dishes.

As part of Recipe Unlimited Corporation — Canada’s oldest and largest full-service restaurant company with more than 1,100 restaurants in over 300 communities — East Side Mario’s offers unmatched career stability, professional development, and advancement opportunities within one of the most respected hospitality organizations in North America.

Our mission is simple: to bring families together to “Mangia! Mangia!” for all of life’s moments. We deliver Amore in everything we do, from our larger-than-life dishes to our fun, energetic atmosphere inspired by the heart and spirit of Little Italy.

Job Details

Position Title: Food & Beverage Manager

Department: Restaurant Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Work Schedule: Flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays (typical restaurant management schedule)

Reporting To: General Manager / District Manager

Direct Reports: Kitchen Staff, Servers, Bartenders, Hosts, and Support Staff

Locations Available: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Start Date: As soon as possible

Job Description

Are you a passionate hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced, family-friendly environment? East Side Mario’s is seeking experienced Food & Beverage Managers to join our growing team across Canada. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind delivering exceptional dining experiences that keep our guests coming back for more.

As a Food & Beverage Manager, you will oversee all aspects of daily restaurant operations, from ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety to leading, mentoring, and developing a diverse team of hospitality professionals. You will be responsible for driving sales, managing costs, and upholding the brand standards that have made East Side Mario’s a household name for nearly four decades.

This is more than a management position — it is an opportunity to grow within Recipe Unlimited’s extensive network of iconic Canadian restaurant brands. Whether you are an experienced restaurant manager looking for a new challenge or a rising star in the hospitality industry, East Side Mario’s offers a supportive, dynamic workplace where your leadership skills will be valued and your career ambitions nurtured.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operational Excellence: Oversee all daily restaurant operations including opening/closing procedures, shift management, and ensuring smooth service flow during peak hours.
  • Team Leadership: Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor kitchen and front-of-house staff. Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to build a high-performing team.
  • Food Quality & Safety: Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, health codes, and company standards. Monitor food preparation, presentation, and portion control.
  • Guest Experience: Maintain exceptional customer service standards. Address guest concerns promptly and professionally. Implement strategies to improve guest satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Inventory & Cost Control: Manage inventory levels, place orders, and minimize waste. Monitor food and beverage costs to achieve target profit margins.
  • Financial Management: Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management. Analyze sales data and implement strategies to drive revenue growth.
  • Health & Safety Compliance: Enforce workplace safety protocols, WHMIS standards, and emergency procedures. Ensure a safe environment for both staff and guests.
  • Marketing & Promotions: Support local marketing initiatives, promotional campaigns, and community engagement activities to drive foot traffic.
  • Vendor Relations: Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure quality products and favorable terms.
  • Brand Standards: Uphold East Side Mario’s brand identity, culture, and values. Ensure the restaurant environment reflects our commitment to authentic Italian hospitality.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of progressive experience in food and beverage management within a full-service restaurant environment. Casual dining or Italian restaurant experience is a strong asset.
  • Education: High school diploma required. Post-secondary education in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
  • Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams in a high-volume, fast-paced setting.
  • Food Safety: Current Food Handler Certification required. SafeCheck, ServSafe, or provincial equivalent preferred.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of restaurant P&L statements, budgeting, inventory management, and cost control strategies.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset for Quebec locations.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to think on your feet, resolve conflicts, and make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency with POS systems, scheduling software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 kg, and work in a kitchen environment with varying temperatures.
  • Flexibility: Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant operations.

Salary & Benefits

$52,000 — $68,000
Canadian Dollars Per Year
Salary is commensurate with experience, location, and qualifications. Performance-based bonuses available.
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Health & Dental

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.

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Performance Bonus

Quarterly and annual incentive programs based on restaurant performance.

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Meal Discounts

Generous employee meal discounts at all Recipe Unlimited restaurant brands.

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Career Growth

Clear pathways to General Manager, District Manager, and corporate roles.

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Paid Time Off

Vacation days, personal days, and paid sick leave.

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Training Programs

Ongoing professional development and leadership training.

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Retirement Savings

Company-matched RRSP contributions to secure your future.

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Employee Perks

Ultimate Dining Card discounts, referral bonuses, and recognition programs.

Job Location

East Side Mario’s operates over 115 locations across Canada. We are currently hiring Food & Beverage Managers in the following provinces and major cities:

Toronto, ON Ottawa, ON Vancouver, BC Calgary, AB Edmonton, AB Montreal, QC Halifax, NS Winnipeg, MB

For a complete list of all locations, visit the East Side Mario’s Locations Page.

Map showing Toronto, ON — one of our primary hiring regions. Specific restaurant addresses will be shared during the interview process based on your location preference.

How to Apply

Ready to bring your leadership skills to East Side Mario’s? We would love to hear from you! Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Visit the Recipe Unlimited Careers Portal: Go to Recipe Unlimited Careers and search for “Food & Beverage Manager — East Side Mario’s.”
  2. Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form and upload your updated resume and cover letter highlighting your restaurant management experience.
  3. Phone Screening: If your qualifications match our requirements, a member of our recruitment team will contact you for an initial phone interview.
  4. In-Person Interview: Successful candidates will be invited to an interview with the General Manager and/or District Manager at a nearby location.
  5. Offer & Onboarding: Selected candidates will receive a formal offer letter followed by a comprehensive onboarding and training program.

💡 Pro Tip:

Mention your preferred province and city in your cover letter. We have openings nationwide and will do our best to match you with a location that fits your needs.

Summary

The Food & Beverage Manager position at East Side Mario’s offers a rare opportunity to combine your passion for hospitality with genuine career advancement within Canada’s largest restaurant company. With a competitive salary ranging from $52,000 to $68,000 CAD per year, comprehensive benefits, performance bonuses, and a clear path to senior leadership roles, this is more than just a job — it is the next step in your hospitality career.

Working under the Recipe Unlimited umbrella means access to world-class training, the stability of a nationally recognized organization, and the chance to work with iconic Canadian brands. If you are a results-driven leader who believes in delivering exceptional guest experiences while building and inspiring high-performing teams, we encourage you to apply today.

East Side Mario’s is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, and individuals with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the typical work schedule for a Food & Beverage Manager?
Food & Beverage Managers typically work 45-50 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The schedule is designed to cover peak restaurant hours while maintaining work-life balance. Most managers work 5 days per week with 2 consecutive days off when possible.
Is previous Italian restaurant experience required?
While previous experience in an Italian or casual dining restaurant is considered a strong asset, it is not strictly required. We value strong leadership, operational excellence, and a passion for hospitality above all. Comprehensive training on our menu and brand standards will be provided.
What career advancement opportunities are available?
Recipe Unlimited is committed to promoting from within. Food & Beverage Managers can advance to General Manager, then to District Manager overseeing multiple locations, or transition into corporate roles in operations, training, or brand management. Many of our senior leaders started in restaurant management positions.
Are relocation opportunities available?
Yes! With over 1,100 restaurants across Canada under the Recipe Unlimited portfolio, there are frequent opportunities for relocation and advancement to new markets. We support internal transfers and often prioritize existing employees for new openings.
What does the training program include?
New managers undergo a structured onboarding program covering East Side Mario’s brand standards, food safety protocols, POS systems, inventory management, team leadership, and financial management. Training typically lasts 4-6 weeks and includes both classroom-style learning and hands-on shadowing.
Do you sponsor work permits or visas?
Recipe Unlimited considers all applicants who are legally eligible to work in Canada. We encourage Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with valid work permits to apply. Specific visa sponsorship decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.