Sonny's BBQ Restaurant Manager - Gainesville

iServ / Sonny's BBQ - Restaurant Manager

Location: Gainesville, FL
Company: The iServ Group - Licensed Franchisee of Sonny's BBQ
Position Type: Full-time, salaried, on-site


Great Leaders Can Grow With A Thriving Brand

We're looking for experienced Restaurant Managers who have a passion for the FULL-SERVICE restaurant business and want to lead a winning team at one of our awesome locations - not just fill a slot. As a Sonny's BBQ Restaurant Manager , you'll be responsible for day-to-day operations, team development, and delivering a consistent guest experience that represents the brand and our values.


You'll be supported by a company that focuses on people's development, training, and fair performance expectations. If you're hungry to grow, eager to lead, and ready to take on new challenges, this is your opportunity to shine.


What You'll Do

• Bring your hands-on energy, heart and focus to both the front & back of house.

• Lead and develop a team of 25-40 hourly team members, including training, schedules, and coaching.

• Contribute to managing P&L for your store by controlling food & labor costs, controlling waste, as well as looking for ways to improve people retention and guest satisfaction.

• Ensure both front & back of house run smoothly, consistently, and on brand, with clear standards around food quality, cleanliness, speed of service and overall guest experience.

• Communicate clearly with above store management, Team, and guests, handling feedback (good and bad), and keep your store a positive, professional place to work.

• Partner with General Manager and above store leadership on performance reviews, promotions, and internal growth opportunities.

Who You Are (Required Qualifications)

• A minimum of 2 years of full-service restaurant management experience (both front & back of house) in a high-volume restaurant (fast-casual, family dining, or BBQ).

• Comfortable in a fast-moving environment where "hustle" is paired with structure and accountability.

• Proven at coaching team members, resolving conflict, and building a culture that reduces turnover.

• Ability to effectively share information and new objectives with both management and hourly Team Members.

• Good at basic math, reading schedules, and using simple systems (POS, email, simple reporting).

• Available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed; this is an on-site leadership role.

• A valid driver's license and the ability to complete a successful driver insurability check; as well as reliable transportation.

• Must be able to submit and pass a background check.

Nice to have: (Desired Qualifications)

• Prior BBQ or meat-focused restaurant experience.

• Experience training or mentoring Managers-In-Training or high-potential supervisors.

Why This Matters

At iServ / Sonny's BBQ, managers don't just "run a store." You're part of a growing management group with multiple brands and locations across Florida and southern Georgia. We invest in:

• Internal growth: We promote from within and look for managers who can grow into multi-unit or training roles when they're ready.

• Real support: You'll have a caring team of upper management, HR support, and regular conversations about performance, compensation, and your career path.

About The Position:

• Reports to Directors and upper store management regularly regarding store performance.

• Works with both FOH & BOH team members to ensure all shifts run smoothly and the needs of our guests are met above expectation.

• Ensures proper staffing levels are met daily while also following budget guidelines.

• Ensures THE ISERV GROUP's Mission and Values are communicated, understood, and practiced with all team members, as well as our policies and procedures are followed in all situations.

• Prepares monthly financial objectives by analyzing forecasts, trends, and variances.

• Hires, trains, and develops all hourly team members while ensuring they feel appreciated and comfortable in their roles.

• Upholds specs and company standards for all outgoing dishes & drinks.

• Knowledge of all menu items, including consistently changing seasonal items.

• Maintains all required licenses, posters, documentation, and safety equipment.

• Maintains safe & organized work areas.

• Performs bi-weekly inventory and communicates with vendors for food orders.

Who We Are:

• We are a fast-casual dining restaurant.

• Our managers are involved in all areas of the restaurant and should feel comfortable in both FOH & BOH.

• Be prepared to stand for prolonged periods of time and handle products, tools, paperwork, and equipment.

• All Team Members may be requested to work with cleaning chemicals as well as be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme heat, steam, and cold, which are present in a kitchen environment.

• Team Members may inhale smoke from a wood-burning cooker.

• Our Managers regularly lift and/or move up to 35 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds with a team.

ANNUAL SALARY: $50,000-$60,000

OUR HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 11AM-9PM / Friday-Saturday 11AM-9:30PM

Why Join the iServ Team?

Growth Ahead. We're a growing company with big expansion plans - bringing plenty of room for your career to grow.


Advance From Within. We believe in promoting our leaders and giving you the tools to succeed.


People-First Culture. We invest in our teams, mentor our managers, and inspire both personal and professional growth.


Our Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive Pay with monthly bonus potential

• Immediate PTO

• Select Paid Holidays

• Work/Life Balance

• 401K with employer match

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance with company contribution

• Company paid Life Insurance

• Team Member food discounts (On Duty -100% / Off Duty - 25%)

• Ongoing development

• Multiple Levels of Care (Team Chaplains, iServ Cares)

CHECK US OUT FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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