Founding Director of Operations

About Hustle & Dough

Hustle & Dough is the exclusive Midwest development group for PopUp Bagels — one of the fastest-growing and most culturally relevant food brands in the country.

We’re not building a single shop. We’re building a regional platform. Backed by years of experience scaling multi-unit franchise and hospitality businesses, our mission is to bring the energy, hospitality, and cult-like customer experience of PopUp Bagels to the Midwest through world-class operations, incredible people, and relentless execution.

Our first locations are launching in the Twin Cities, with plans to scale aggressively across the region over the next several years and this is an opportunity to join at the ground floor.

About PopUp Bagels 

PopUp Bagels is not just a bagel company—we’re a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we’ve reimagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it’s enjoyed: Grip, Rip and Dip! With a cult-like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and Brand Ambassadors, PopUp Bagels is defining a new food lifestyle brand. 

We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree. 

About the Role:

This is not a traditional restaurant management role.

As Founding Director of Operations, you will work directly alongside the owners to launch, build, and scale PopUp Bagels throughout the Midwest.

Your first responsibility will be opening and operating our first two locations. Your long-term responsibility will be building the systems, culture, leadership team, and operational infrastructure required to scale a multi-unit business.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable hiring a shift leader, training in the kitchen, opening a new location, coaching managers, reviewing financial performance, and helping shape the future of the organization.

This role is designed for someone who wants to build something meaningful, lead people, and grow into the senior operational leader of a rapidly expanding business.

What Success Looks Like

First 6 Months

• Complete PopUp Bagels training program in New York
• Lead hiring and onboarding for Location #1
• Build a strong culture and operating foundation
• Recruit and develop key leadership positions, including future shop leaders and production leaders
• Successfully open and stabilize the first location

Months 6–18

• Lead hiring and opening efforts for Location #2
• Develop future General Managers and leadership bench
• Build operational systems and routines that can scale
• Drive guest experience, profitability, and team retention

Year 2+

• Oversee multiple locations across the market
• Lead future openings
• Develop district and store-level leadership
• Partner with ownership on growth strategy, budgeting, and expansion planning
• Serve as the operational leader for the Minnesota market

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Own day-to-day operational performance across the market
• Drive execution, accountability, and consistency across locations
• Monitor KPIs, labor, food costs, sales performance, and profitability
• Establish scalable systems and operating procedures
• Ensure exceptional guest experiences at every location

Talent & Leadership Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop top hospitality talent
• Build a leadership pipeline capable of supporting future growth
• Coach and mentor General Managers and emerging leaders
• Create a culture of accountability, hospitality, and continuous improvement

New Store Openings

• Lead all operational aspects of new store openings
• Build opening teams and training plans
• Partner with founders and corporate teams during development and launch
• Ensure new locations open with strong culture, standards, and operational readiness

Community & Brand Building

• Serve as a key ambassador for PopUp Bagels throughout Minnesota
• Build relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and strategic partners
• Help establish PopUp Bagels as a destination brand within each community

Ideal Experience

We are less focused on titles and more focused on demonstrated leadership and scale.

Strong candidates may come from:

• Multi-unit restaurant operations
• District Manager or Area Manager roles
• Director of Operations roles
• Regional hospitality leadership
• High-growth restaurant concepts
• Multi-unit bakery, coffee, café, or fast-casual brands

Preferred qualifications:

• Multi-unit leadership experience
• Experience opening new locations
• Strong financial and operational acumen
• Proven ability to recruit and develop leaders
• High emotional intelligence and communication skills
• Passion for hospitality, food, and culture-building

Why This Opportunity Is Different

Most hospitality leadership roles involve maintaining an existing operation.

This role is about building one.

You'll help establish the foundation for one of the most exciting food brands in the country while creating a long-term career path with significant responsibility, autonomy, and growth potential.

If you're excited by the idea of building a market, leading great people, and helping scale a business from the ground floor, we'd love to talk.

Additional Role Note: 

The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. 

PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law. 

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