Restaurant Assistant Manager

Restaurant Assistant Manager – BBQ Restaurant

Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)

Full-Time, Salaried Exempt Position

Salary: $50,000 - $56,000 annually

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Restaurant Leadership Career?

At Old Carolina Barbecue Company, we're looking for leaders who are passionate about developing people, delivering exceptional hospitality, and building a long-term career in restaurant management.

This isn't just another Assistant Manager position—it's an opportunity to gain the experience, training, and leadership skills needed to advance into future General Manager and multi-unit leadership roles within a growing BBQ restaurant company.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy coaching and developing teams, and want to make a meaningful impact every day, we'd love to meet you.

ABOUT OLD CAROLINA BARBECUE COMPANY

Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.

While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for leaders who are passionate about people, hospitality, and building a long-term career with a company that values development, teamwork, and operational excellence.

BUILD YOUR LEADERSHIP CAREER WITH OLD CAROLINA BARBECUE COMPANY

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is seeking an experienced and motivated Restaurant Assistant Manager to join our growing BBQ restaurant team. This position is more than a restaurant management role—it's a leadership development opportunity designed for individuals who want to grow their careers and prepare for future General Manager and multi-unit leadership positions.

As a Restaurant Assistant Manager, you will partner with the General Manager to lead daily operations, develop team members, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and drive business results. You'll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of restaurant leadership, including operations, financial performance, people development, food quality, and guest satisfaction.

WHY JOIN OLD CAROLINA BARBECUE COMPANY?

• Salary of $50,000 - $56,000 annually

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits

• Paid vacation and holidays

• Free meals during shifts

• Company-provided uniforms

• Structured leadership development and training

• Opportunities for advancement into General Manager and future leadership roles

• Supportive and people-focused culture

• Growing BBQ restaurant company with long-term career opportunities

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

At Old Carolina Barbecue Company, we believe great leaders are developed, not simply hired. Restaurant Assistant Managers receive hands-on training and mentorship in:

• Restaurant operations management

• Financial performance and profitability

• Team building and talent development

• Recruiting and staffing

• Coaching and performance management

• Guest experience leadership

• Food safety and quality systems

• Business planning and execution

Successful Restaurant Assistant Managers may be considered for future General Manager and multi-unit leadership opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist in leading daily BBQ restaurant operations

• Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and develop team members

• Provide coaching, recognition, and performance feedback

• Help build a culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and hospitality

• Direct and supervise team members to ensure operational excellence

• Support succession planning and leadership development within the restaurant

Guest Experience

• Deliver exceptional hospitality and guest satisfaction

• Resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly

• Lead by example in creating a welcoming and engaging dining experience

• Ensure Old Carolina Barbecue Company's service standards are consistently executed

Operations & Financial Performance

• Support restaurant sales growth and profitability objectives

• Monitor labor, food, and operating costs

• Assist with inventory management, ordering, and cost control initiatives

• Maintain company operating standards and procedures

• Ensure accurate reporting and administrative compliance

Food Quality & Safety

• Ensure all BBQ and menu items are prepared according to company standards

• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance

• Oversee product quality, consistency, and presentation

• Promote a culture focused on cleanliness and operational excellence

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe environment for guests and team members

• Ensure compliance with all company policies and applicable regulations

• Follow cash handling, security, and loss prevention procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous restaurant management, hospitality management, or food service leadership experience required

• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills

• Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced restaurant environment

• Demonstrated success developing employees and building strong teams

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

• Experience managing labor, food costs, and restaurant operations preferred

• High school diploma or GED preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and lift as needed

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds

• Ability to work in a fast-paced restaurant environment

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a full-time salaried exempt management position. Assistant managers are expected to work the hours necessary to effectively fulfill their leadership responsibilities and meet business needs. Minimum 45 hours per week. Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required. This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not-so-secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio.
Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.