General Manager - Starbucks by applegreen @ Vermilion Valley Travel Plaza

Applegreen USA operates over 80 travel plazas across the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, providing travelers with unparalleled convenience, comfort, retail options, and a wide variety of delicious food choices. Their travel plazas host some of the most popular quick service restaurant brands including Auntie Anne's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Cinnabon, Dunkin Donuts, Panda Express, Panera, Popeyes, Pret, Shake Shack, Starbucks, among many others. This diverse range of dining options ensures that every traveler can find something satisfying and delightful during their journey. Applegreen's commitment to customer satisfaction and community engagement is central to its operation, making their locations more than just rest stops but places where travelers can refresh and recharge.

Applegreen adheres strongly to its core values that emphasize putting customers and communities at the heart of all activities. The company values and develops its people, fostering a workplace culture driven by pace, passion, and performance. Embracing change and seeking opportunities are also guiding principles that promote a dynamic and growth-focused environment, making Applegreen a highly respected name in the travel plaza and quick service restaurant industry.

The role of General Manager (QSR) at Applegreen represents a vital leadership position responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and profitability of a quick service restaurant within one of their travel plazas. This is a full-time, on-site role that demands strong leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for exceptional customer service. As General Manager, you will be accountable for ensuring the food and beverage concept operates efficiently, meets financial goals, adheres to brand and food safety standards, and delivers an outstanding guest experience.

The General Manager will lead a dedicated team of associates and managers by setting clear objectives around sales targets, speed of service, customer satisfaction, brand standards, food quality, and safety protocols. Financial stewardship is crucial in this role, involving management of budgets, inventory controls, food and labor costs, gross profit margins, and reporting to maintain profitability. Besides operational oversight, the role requires fostering an engaging and supportive work culture promoting learning, development, and recognition of team members to maximize employee retention and performance.

This position also comes with responsibilities for recruitment, hiring, coaching, training, promotion, and if necessary, disciplinary actions, termination, or transferring of staff. It requires diligent monitoring and enforcement of cash handling policies and compliance with company policies and regulatory laws at local, state, and federal levels. The General Manager must also be adept at addressing customer concerns swiftly and professionally, ensuring positive and long-lasting customer relationships.

Collaboration is a key aspect of this position, requiring working closely with support partners that include brand partners, human resources, loss prevention, finance, and facilities maintenance teams. The role extends to maintaining seamless, cooperative relationships with business partners, vendors, and the surrounding communities, strengthening Applegreen’s commitment to operational excellence and community integration.

This role demands someone able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating excellent team management abilities, multi-tasking skills, sound judgment, and a proven track record of driving profitable growth while enhancing customer and associate satisfaction. The company offers competitive compensation alongside flexible schedules, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, earned wage access, education assistance, employee referral bonuses, meal discounts, and pet insurance, making it an attractive employer for experienced quick service restaurant professionals.