Restaurant Operations Manager

OWN THE GUEST EXPERIENCE. BUILD THE TEAM. DRIVE THE SHIFT.

ABOUT FRESH KITCHEN

Fresh Kitchen is redefining what “fast food” can be: real food, made from scratch, with ingredients and standards you can feel good about. That means 100% pure olive oil (no seed oils), hand-cut veggies, antibiotic- & hormone-free meats, responsibly sourced seafood and 100% gluten-free recipes. We call it Good Food Forever.

Our vision is big: 100 remarkable restaurants by 2034. We’re building a brand that’s as serious about people and culture as we are about food quality and performance, and we’re looking for leaders who want to build something that lasts.

This role will support our upcoming Lakewood Ranch location that will open in Q1 of 2027. The person hired will train/work in another store until the official opening.

THE ROLE

As a Restaurant Operations Manager you are the primary leader of the front-of-house/ general operations experience and accountable for:

• Guest Experience (hospitality, speed, cleanliness, energy, recovery)
• Shift Execution (shift leadership, order flow, accuracy, coordination)
• Digital + Off-Premise (online orders, pickup experience, catering support)
• People + Culture (coaching, accountability, engagement, bench strength)
• FOH Labor + Deployment (smart schedules, right people in the right places)

You’re not a “stand in the corner and supervise” manager. You’re visible, hands-on, and coaching in real time. You are a hospitality trend setter and make sure guests feel welcomed, cared for, and excited to come back.

You report to the Managing Partner and partner closely with the Culinary Operations Manager to keep FOH and BOH aligned, especially during peak volume and high online ordering/catering demand.

WHAT GREAT LOOKS LIKE

You own the full guest journey, entry to exit, and you make it feel fast, friendly, and on brand.

• Flow, friendliness, speed, cleanliness, and energy are consistently strong
• Dining room, beverage station, expo, entry, and pickup areas stay guest-ready all shift
• Peak periods feel controlled: you set the pace, direct traffic, and protect hospitality
• Guest issues are handled with empathy + urgency + ownership (fix it fast, make it right)
• Guest feedback becomes coaching, recognition, and visible improvement
• The environment is clean, welcoming, and consistent (presentation, signage, vibe)

You Build a High Performing FOH Team. You build a connected culture through real-time leadership, standards stay high and the team stays connected.

• Hiring, onboarding, and training are strong in partnership with the Managing Partner
• Bench strength is growing - you identify potential and develop future leaders
• Accountability + positivity + urgency show up consistently

You treat online ordering and pickup as part of our experience - not a side task.

• Online orders are accurate, fast, and consistent with the in-store experience
• Pickup flow is smooth and organized
• You balance digital + in-store volume to protect quality, speed, and the guest experience
• You use feedback trends to tighten execution and elevate the team
• Catering/large orders get proactive communication and clean handoffs

You run shifts with confidence, keep standards tight, and look to improve efficiencies.

• You can run a shift independently, calm, clear, and in control
• You are deeply connected to our food and know how to spot issues and make food calls
• Schedules and deployment set the team up to win (right people, right places, right pace)
• Food safety, cleanliness, and brand standards are met every day
• FOH and BOH stay aligned through tight handoffs and clear communication during peak
• You spot bottlenecks (speed of service, layout, order flow) and drive improvements

OUR LEADERSHIP VIBE

• High standards + high heart. You lead with care and accountability through our values.
• Coach in the moment and remain calm under pressure.
• You care about the details. You protect the brand through consistent execution.
• You bring pace and positivity. The team learns from you.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

• 4+ years management experience in a high-volume restaurant environment
• Strong Restaurant/ Operational leadership with a real passion for hospitality and food
• Willingness to Learn our Kitchen: Strong food palate and confidence making food calls/coaching on quality as needed
• Experience in a food-focused operation with high standards
• Proven ability to coach, develop, and hold teams accountable
• Comfortable leading in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (nights, weekends, holidays)
• ServSafe certified (or willingness to obtain)
• Must pass background check

Physical Requirements: must be able to stand/walk 8–10 hours per shift and work in varying temperatures.

WHY PEOPLE STAY

• REALLY GOOD COMPENSATION | Salary ranges from $65k-$75k
• BENEFITS | Affordable Group health, vision and dental Plans + a 401(k) match
• A REAL CAREER PATH | People development is intentional - we invest in leaders who want to grow with us
• FREE FOOD | Your FK meals are on us
• CULTURE | Values driven company that is good to people
• HOLLA-DAYS | Closed for 9 holidays, so you can enjoy time with family and friends
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE | Progressive PTO + balanced schedules, including our commitment to not exceed a 50-hour workweek.
• A VIBEY BRAND | Food you’re proud to serve and a brand you feel good to rep