General Manager, Proof of Concept - Hello Hilo

Joining King’s Hawaiian makes you part of our ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If you’re excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana!

Who Are We?
Hello Hilo, is a new, fast casual restaurant bringing Hawaii-inspired eats & treats to Gainesville, GA. Developed by the Taira family, founders of KING'S HAWAIIAN®, Hello Hilo is named for Hilo, HI, where Robert R. Taira opened his first bakery more than 70 years ago. Hello Hilo offers a refreshing island oasis with a unique and delicious menu served with the 'Aloha Spirit'.

What Are We Looking For?
We’re seeking a General Manager to lead our proof-of-concept restaurant. This isn’t the General Manager role you’re used to; this is a unique opportunity to shape and build a brand. This role will continue the Taira family’s mission of spreading Aloha through our Hawaii-inspired food and core values. Aloha isn’t just a word, it’s a mindset that guides everything we do, from the way we create irresistible dishes to how we engage with our guests and the community we proudly consider our ‘Ohana’ (family).

As General Manager, reporting directly to the President of the IFG Restaurant Group, you’ll be at the forefront of building this new brand, driving its success, and ensuring it resonates with guests from the moment they walk through the door. You’ll own the responsibility for shaping every aspect of the restaurant, from creating and executing strategic initiatives that drive foot traffic to cultivating a strong brand presence in the community.

In this key role, you’ll own and align the vision and strategic plan, lead and develop a high-energy team of high-performing hearts and heads, inspire exceptional service, and cultivate an environment where every guest feels like family. You will use your ability to drive customer loyalty and develop innovative strategies that attract and retain a dedicated following. Your entrepreneurial spirit will fuel your ability to generate buzz, drive traffic, and elevate the restaurant’s reputation, ensuring it becomes a favorite local destination. This is an opportunity to not only lead but also create a lasting impact as you build and grow a new brand that will reflect the spirit of Aloha in everything we do.

Who Are You?
You’re an ambitious visionary leader, excited to leave your mark on the restaurant world. You’re not the typical restaurant general manager; you’re driven by the opportunity to take ownership of a new concept, make a continuous impact, and grow the business into something irresistible. Your passion for delivering unforgettable guest experiences is matched only by your dedication to building, empowering, and leading a high-performing team that shares your vision. You thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments, and you know how to inspire your team to reach new heights. You don’t just manage, you develop, and you live for watching your people grow into their full potential.

You see food as an art and a passion, and you believe every detail matters—from the dish that leaves the kitchen to the guest who experiences it. But you’re not just focused on the food; you understand that a great team is at the heart of everything. You know that when your team is motivated and supported, that's when the magic happens. You take ownership and create an environment where collaboration, curiosity, and success are the norm.

You’re a big-picture thinker, always seeking ways to innovate, scale, and grow. You want to shape the future of the business, and you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. You prioritize, execute, and lead by example. Your team looks to you not only for guidance but for inspiration.

Your passion for the restaurant industry is infectious, and you're always looking for the next opportunity to improve, evolve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. You’re not afraid to challenge the status quo and lead with a sense of purpose and excitement. You see challenges as opportunities and never settle for anything less than excellence.

You’re excited to create an environment where everyone works together to win, learns from the challenges, and celebrates the victories—big and small. When it comes down to it, you’re all about building something great together. It’s about having fun, getting things done, and leaving a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of the restaurant’s success, driving key initiatives, making bold decisions, and approaching every challenge with the mindset of a business owner. You will lead with confidence, holding yourself and the team accountable for achieving goals. Your decisions will affect every aspect of the restaurant, from day-to-day operations to long-term growth, and you will strive to create a high-performance culture grounded in our values.
• Lead the flawless execution of all food and bakery preparations, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency in every item served. You’ll set the standard for excellence, ensuring that every dish or baked good that leaves the kitchen reflects your commitment to food quality. Your attention to detail will elevate the guest experience, creating irresistible moments that delight and keep them coming back for more.
• Develop and implement creative strategies to drive foot traffic into the restaurant, maximize customer engagement, and build lasting relationships. You’ll be the driving force behind innovative strategies that attract new customers and keep them coming back. Your ability to think outside the box will turn every guest visit into a memorable experience and inspire word-of-mouth growth.
• Partner closely with the marketing team to create powerful campaigns that boost brand visibility, increase customer engagement, and drive promotions and events that captivate both new and returning guests. Your collaboration with marketing will elevate the brand, ensuring the restaurant stands out in the community. Whether it’s launching a new promotion or hosting an unforgettable event, you’ll ensure every initiative amplifies the restaurant’s presence and creates excitement.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with local businesses and the greater community to prove the brand as a cornerstone of the neighborhood. By engaging with the local community, you’ll forge connections that create loyalty and drive traffic. You’ll become the go-to gathering place, not just for great food, but for community events and partnerships that give back to the people you serve.
• Identify new revenue streams that ensure sustainable business growth and long-term success. You’ll uncover new opportunities to enhance profitability. Ensuring the restaurant continues to evolve and thrive.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and analyze the competitive landscape to adapt and continuously innovate. You’ll keep your finger on the pulse of the restaurant and hospitality industry, constantly seeking trends and insights that will keep the restaurant ahead of the curve. Your forward-thinking approach will ensure that the restaurant stays competitive, relevant, and innovative in a constantly evolving industry.
• Recruit, find, and cultivate top talent, building a high-performing team and providing opportunities for growth and advancement within the restaurant. You’ll be the champion for your team, recruiting the best talent and fostering a culture of support, accountability, and encouragement to learn and grow.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset & Self-Motivation : Strong drive for continuous improvement with a passion for the grind and growth in a startup environment.
• Leadership : Proven experience as a General Manager or a similar leadership role, with a focus on leading people rather than managing them. Strong leadership, communication, and people skills to build relationships with team members and peers at all levels.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability : Curious, critical thinker with a collaborative approach to problem solving and a strong ability to identify gaps and implement solutions. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Collaboration Across All Levels : Proven ability to collaborate effectively with teams at all levels of the organization, upward, downward, and across departments, ensuring alignment and driving shared goals and outcomes.
• Financial Acumen : Experience with budgeting, cost control, and understanding financial metrics to drive profitability.
• Customer Focus : Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and maintaining high service standards.
• Operational Knowledge : In-depth understanding of daily restaurant operations, food safety regulations, and best practices to ensure smooth and compliant operations.
• Experience in Startups : Proven ability to excel in a startup or proof-of-concept environment, demonstrating flexibility, resilience, and an entrepreneurial approach.

Requirements:

• Experience : 3-5 years in a leadership role, preferably as a General Manager or in a similar capacity within the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Communication : Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead teams and manage customer relationships effectively.
• Versatility : Ability to adapt and adjust with ease. Always willing to help where needed.
• Passion & Stamina : A deep passion for hospitality, with the ability to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a physically demanding environment.
• Education : High School Diploma or GED.

If you’re ready to bring your passion, creativity, and leadership to a place where you can truly make an impact, we want to hear from you. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to build something amazing, together.

King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.