Restaurant Operations Manager

Job Description

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

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ABOUT FRESH KITCHEN

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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.

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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.

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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.

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THE ROLE

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

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

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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.

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WHAT GREAT LOOKS LIKE

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

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• Flow, friendliness, speed, cleanliness, and energy are consistently strong
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• Dining room, beverage station, expo, entry, and pickup areas stay guest-ready all shift
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• Peak periods feel controlled: you set the pace, direct traffic, and protect hospitality
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• Guest issues are handled with empathy + urgency + ownership (fix it fast, make it right)
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• Guest feedback becomes coaching, recognition, and visible improvement
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• The environment is clean, welcoming, and consistent (presentation, signage, vibe)
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You Build a High Performing FOH Team. You build a connected culture through real-time leadership, standards stay high and the team stays connected.

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• Hiring, onboarding, and training are strong in partnership with the Managing Partner
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• Bench strength is growing - you identify potential and develop future leaders
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• Accountability + positivity + urgency show up consistently
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You treat online ordering and pickup as part of our experience - not a side task.

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

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

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

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• 4+ years management experience in a high-volume restaurant environment
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• Strong Restaurant/ Operational leadership with a real passion for hospitality and food
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• Willingness to Learn our Kitchen: Strong food palate and confidence making food calls/coaching on quality as needed
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• Experience in a food-focused operation with high standards
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• Proven ability to coach, develop, and hold teams accountable
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• Comfortable leading in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
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• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
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• Ability to work a flexible schedule (nights, weekends, holidays)
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• ServSafe certified (or willingness to obtain)
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• Must pass background check
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Physical Requirements: must be able to stand/walk 8–10 hours per shift and work in varying temperatures.

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WHY PEOPLE STAY

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