CEO/COO (Chicago)

Position Summary- Relocation to Minneapolis, MN

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall leadership, growth, and profitability of a multi-concept restaurant group. This executive will develop and execute the company's strategic vision while ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, and a strong culture across all locations. The CEO serves as the primary leader of the organization, partnering closely with ownership and senior leadership to drive sustainable growth, enhance guest experiences, and maximize shareholder value.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's long-term vision, growth strategy, and business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for expansion, acquisitions, new concepts, and market growth.
• Establish organizational goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive accountability and results.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives and ensure alignment across all departments.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee all restaurant operations to ensure consistency, quality, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
• Partner with operations leaders to improve systems, processes, and execution across multiple concepts and locations.
• Drive operational efficiencies while maintaining brand standards and culture.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, labor, and regulatory requirements.

Financial Management

• Maintain full responsibility for company-wide P&L performance.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and financial strategies to achieve revenue and profitability goals.
• Monitor labor, food, beverage, and operating costs while identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze financial performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Leadership & Culture

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing executive leadership team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and hospitality excellence.
• Establish succession planning and leadership development programs throughout the organization.
• Serve as the ambassador of the company's mission, vision, and values.

Brand & Guest Experience

• Ensure exceptional guest experiences across all concepts and locations.
• Collaborate with marketing and culinary leadership to strengthen brand positioning and market presence.
• Monitor guest feedback, market trends, and competitive activity to identify opportunities for growth.
• Champion innovation while preserving each concept's unique identity.

Business Development

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, investors, landlords, vendors, and community partners.
• Evaluate new business opportunities, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead negotiations related to leases, contracts, and major vendor agreements.
• Represent the organization at industry events and within the community.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within the restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit retail industry.
• Proven experience leading multi-unit operations with full P&L responsibility in a CEO or COO capacity.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and profitability management.
• Demonstrated success driving organizational growth and operational performance.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading executive teams and managing cross-functional departments.

Preferred

• Experience leading a small to mid-sized restaurant group with multiple concepts.
• Background in both operational leadership and corporate strategy.
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, concept development, or expansion initiatives.
• MBA or advanced business degree.
• Private equity-backed or founder-led company experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive compensation package
• Annual performance-based bonus opportunity (20%)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off and executive benefits package
• Technology and travel allowances
• Opportunity to lead and shape the future of a growing restaurant organization

Jamie Klüg