Restaurant jobs in Sarnia, ON

About The Little Sparo

The Little Sparo is an independently operated Italian restaurant where passion for food and genuine hospitality come to life every single day. Built around handmade cuisine, an energetic dining room, and a strong service culture, this is not a corporate concept, it’s a place where creativity, personality, and leadership truly matter.

Here, you’ll be part of a people-first environment that celebrates local ingredients, authentic experiences, and meaningful guest connections. Set within a dynamic hotel setting, The Little Sparo has a strong sense of place and a loyal, engaged clientele that appreciates quality, consistency, and real hospitality.

Our philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: exceptional food, highly engaged service, and leadership that is hands-on, visible, and deeply involved in the day-to-day operation. If you thrive in an environment where you can lead from the floor, inspire a team, and shape a restaurant’s identity not just manage it, this is the opportunity to make your mark.

We are looking for a hands-on Restaurant Manager who operates like an owner on the floor. This is a working leadership role inside an independent-style restaurant, not a desk-based management position.

The Restaurant Manager leads service, supports the kitchen, knows the team personally, and is actively involved in the rhythm of the restaurant every day. You will oversee both the restaurant and hotel food & beverage operations while maintaining the feel of a standalone, high-quality dining experience.

You are expected to be present during service, read the room, jump in where needed, and set the tone through action.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the restaurant from the floor with a constant service presence
• Lead daily service alongside the team, not from an office
• Oversee both restaurant, bar, and hotel F&B operations - (with the Catering and Events Manager) with an operator’s mindset
• Work closely and directly with the Executive Chef
• Engage with guests naturally and frequently to build a loyal, local following
• Coach staff in real time during service, not just in meetings
• Hire, train, and develop a tight, hospitality-focused team
• Maintain high standards in service, cleanliness and quality
• Take ownership of scheduling, labor control, inventory, and day-to-day operations
• Step into service, support roles when the floor needs leadership
• Be deeply involved in pre-opening culture building, soft launch, and ongoing operations

Qualifications

• Experience leading an independent or chef-driven full-service restaurant
• Strong floor leadership presence and service instincts
• Experience in Italian/Mediterranean cuisine
• Ability to manage both FOH and BOH in a collaborative, non-corporate environment
• Deep understanding of hospitality, service flow, and guest experience
• Financial awareness with practical cost and labor management skills
• Passion for Italian food, wine, and genuine restaurant culture
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-accountability, hands-on environment

Why Join Us

• Independent-style operation with real leadership autonomy
• Opportunity to shape the culture of a new restaurant from the ground up
• Close collaboration with ownership and culinary leadership
• A restaurant environment that values presence, personality, and hospitality over corporate structure
• Beautiful waterfront location with strong community engagement and lifestyle appeal

The Location

283 Christina Street North
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, N7T 5V4
Toll Free: +1-519-337-7571

Set in the heart of vibrant Sarnia, our restaurant is perfectly positioned along the stunning waterfront where Lake Huron meets the St. Clair River. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, scenic marinas, and welcoming city charm, Sarnia offers a unique coastal lifestyle that blends natural beauty with a growing and energetic culinary scene.

With its walkable downtown, beautiful parks, Blue Water Bridge views, and strong sense of community, Sarnia delivers an exceptional quality of life, all with a lower cost of living than major urban centres. It’s a city where hospitality professionals can truly thrive both personally and professionally.

This is more than a job relocation; it’s a lifestyle opportunity. For a hands-on hospitality leader, Sarnia provides the rare chance to build a standout restaurant, develop deep connections with a loyal local guest base, and make a meaningful impact in a market that genuinely values authentic, high-quality food and beverage experiences.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sarnia, ON N7T 5V4: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Have you attended an Interview at The Insignia Hotel in the Past?

Experience:

• Restaurant management: 1 year (required)
• Italian cuisine: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person