Area Manager / Assistant Manager

Our client is a rapidly growing Japanese restaurant franchise with multiple locations throughout Southern California, specifically in Torrance and San Diego. This full-time position offers an annual salary around $90,000, depending on experience. The company has established a strong reputation for delivering authentic Japanese cuisine paired with exceptional service, making it a beloved brand in the local dining scene. As the franchise continues its nationwide expansion, it seeks talented professionals eager to grow within the restaurant industry.

The Area Manager/Assistant Manager role is a vital leadership position responsible for overseeing multiple restaurant locations, approximately five, ensuring operational excellence across all sites. This position involves frequent domestic travel with potential relocation requirements as the business expands into new markets. The successful candidate will act as the link between restaurant-level managers and executive leadership, coaching general managers and store managers to elevate performance and maintain consistent high standards.

This opportunity is suitable for experienced restaurant leaders who thrive on improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving business results. The role offers a career progression path toward becoming a General Manager or senior leader within the organization. By managing multi-unit operations, the Area Manager/Assistant Manager will support both business development initiatives and team development efforts, including recruiting, training, and mentoring future leaders.

Key responsibilities encompass multi-unit operations management, including monitoring sales, labor, food costs, and profitability, ensuring every location upholds the company’s operational policies and service standards. This role requires a proactive problem solver who can identify operational challenges and implement effective process improvements. Supporting new store openings and assisting with franchise operations are also critical functions of this role.

Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership skills, the ability to analyze business performance, and a passion for developing teams in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility regarding frequent travel and relocation is essential, as the company’s expansion may require presence in various markets. A valid driver’s license is necessary due to travel demands. Experience within Japanese or other Asian restaurant concepts and franchise operations is considered advantageous, and while Japanese language skills are a plus, they are not required.

Overall, this role is ideal for dynamic, career-oriented individuals aiming to grow with a flourishing restaurant franchise. The company fosters a positive, high-performance culture where collaboration and innovation are valued. This position not only promises a competitive compensation package but also a fulfilling career path in the hospitality industry, supporting candidates who seek to lead restaurant teams and contribute meaningfully to the expansion of a well-respected brand.