Bagel Chef (General Manager)

Job Description

Job Description

Bagel Chef (Shop Manager)

Reports To: District Manager

About PopUp Bagels

PopUp Bagels is redefining the bagel experience through exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a culture built on energy, quality, and community. From our signature Grip, Rip & Dip® experience to our growing presence across multiple markets, we have built a loyal following by focusing on what matters most: making great bagels and creating memorable guest experiences.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for leaders who are passionate about food, hospitality, and team development to help drive the next chapter of the PopUp Bagels story.

Position Summary

The Bagel Chef (Shop Manager) is the leader of the shop and is responsible for the overall success of the business. This role oversees all front-of-house and back-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, operational excellence, financial performance, and guest satisfaction.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who enjoys developing people, building strong teams, and creating a culture of accountability, hospitality, and continuous improvement. The Bagel Chef is responsible for driving results through effective leadership, coaching, planning, and execution while maintaining the standards that define the PopUp Bagels brand.

What You'll Do

Operations & Business Performance

• Lead all aspects of daily shop operations
• Drive sales, profitability, and operational performance through effective management of labor, food costs, and controllable expenses
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement action plans to achieve business goals
• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, food quality standards, and operational procedures
• Oversee inventory management, ordering, receiving, and product controls
• Manage shop technology platforms, including POS systems, scheduling software, and digital ordering platforms
• Execute new menu launches, promotions, and operational initiatives

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop high-performing team members
• Create staffing plans and schedules that support operational needs and labor goals
• Coach and develop Shift Supervisors and hourly team members through regular feedback and training
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven culture
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching conversations, and corrective action as needed
• Build leadership capability within the team and create development opportunities for future growth

Guest Experience

• Champion exceptional hospitality and service standards
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and effectively
• Ensure every guest receives a consistently positive experience
• Serve as a brand ambassador within the local community
• Maintain a welcoming, energetic, and guest-focused environment

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
• Ensure adherence to Department of Health, food safety, and sanitation standards
• Maintain all required certifications and operational documentation
• Uphold company policies, procedures, and workplace standards
• Ensure a safe environment for guests and team members

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Culinary training or coursework preferred but not required
• Active ServSafe and/or Department of Health certification, or ability to obtain certification within required timeframe
• 3–5 years of restaurant management experience with full operational responsibility
• Experience managing both front-of-house and back-of-house operations
• Proven success in hiring, scheduling, coaching, and performance management
• Experience managing inventory, food costs, labor budgets, and operational metrics
• Background in high-volume restaurant, café, bakery, or scratch-kitchen environments preferred
• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Effective communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to analyze operational data and make informed business decisions
• Comfortable using restaurant technology and digital platforms
• Passion for hospitality, food quality, and team development

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, and cleaning chemicals

Why Join PopUp Bagels?

• Competitive salary and bonus opportunities
• Leadership development and career growth opportunities
• Supportive, team-oriented culture
• Complimentary PopUp Bagels and schmear during shifts
• Paid time off and eligible benefits
• Opportunity to lead a growing, innovative hospitality brand
• Direct impact on team development, shop performance, and guest experience

Additional Information

The duties and responsibilities of this position may be modified at any time to meet business needs. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.