General Manager (GM)

Dave's Hot Chicken is a dynamic and rapidly growing restaurant brand that originated from the passionate collaboration of four close friends: Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. Founded with just $900 in a small East Hollywood parking lot, this culinary venture quickly evolved into a beloved hot chicken sensation thanks to its unique offering and dedication to quality. Dave, who was trained by the esteemed Thomas Keller's French Laundry, crafted a menu centered around the juiciest and most tender chicken, expertly spiced with a range that starts from mild to intensely hot like "The Reaper." The brand's authentic and craveable flavor profile attracted instant local attention, amplified by social media buzz created by Arman, leading to long lines and significant media praise from outlets like Eater/LA. This initial success enabled the founders to open a permanent location in a trendy strip mall featuring decor by local street artists, further solidifying its place as a must-visit culinary destination. Today, Dave's Hot Chicken stands as a prominent example of how innovative comfort food and passion-driven entrepreneurship can create a cult-following and an expanding franchise footprint across multiple markets.

The General Manager (GM) role at Dave's Hot Chicken is a pivotal leadership position responsible for the overall success of the restaurant's daily operations. Reporting directly to the above-store leadership team, the General Manager oversees all aspects of restaurant performance, including staff management, customer service, food quality, operational efficiency, and financial results. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience managing a fast-paced restaurant environment with a strong focus on building high-performing teams and maintaining excellent guest experiences. The GM leads by example, working alongside the staff as needed while also executing business strategies that drive sales growth and profitability. Critical to the role is ensuring compliance with brand standards, food safety regulations, and labor laws, while fostering a positive and respectful workplace culture.

Key responsibilities for this position include training and supervising restaurant employees, managing recruitment and talent development efforts, maintaining the overall cleanliness and safety of the premises, and monitoring inventory and cash-handling processes. The General Manager is also tasked with analyzing operational and financial metrics to identify trends and implement corrective measures for continuous improvement. Additionally, the GM serves as the primary point of contact for guest concerns, ensuring swift and effective resolution to maintain strong customer loyalty. An essential part of the role is motivating and developing team members by promoting a supportive environment that values self-awareness, accountability, and proactive problem-solving. The position demands flexibility to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and the capacity to work a minimum of 50 hours per week. Physical stamina is required, given the need to be on one's feet for prolonged periods and handle tasks that can demand lifting and moving heavy items.

Joining Dave's Hot Chicken as a General Manager offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a bold, trend-setting restaurant concept at a lead position where leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for exceptional food and customer service intersect. This is a full-time role demanding a dedicated professional ready to embrace the challenges of a fast-paced and highly visible environment, contributing substantially to the brand's ongoing growth and reputation.