Restaurant General Manager

Potbelly Sandwich Shops is a popular fast-casual restaurant brand that began in 1977 in Chicago as a small antique store that transformed into a neighborhood sandwich shop known for its delicious, craveable food and vibrant atmosphere. Today, Potbelly has expanded to more than 400 locations across the United States, maintaining its commitment to providing great food and excellent customer service in a fun, friendly environment. Known for its signature hot sandwiches, fresh salads, and hand-dipped shakes, Potbelly has built a loyal customer base by fostering good vibes and a positive culture not just for customers but also for its employees. The company places great emphasis on team collaboration, community involvement, and creating memorable experiences for guests. Potbelly is recognized for supporting career growth within its ranks and encouraging employees to embody its core values, making it an attractive place to build a rewarding career in the foodservice industry.

The General Manager at Potbelly is the cornerstone of the shop's success, responsible for leading the team by example with positive energy, clear vision, and excellent management skills. This full-time, exempt position typically reports to the District Manager and involves rare travel. The GM must be adept at multitasking, overseeing operations, and maintaining the highest standards in food quality, customer service, and shop environment. The role requires hands-on leadership on the shop floor, spending approximately 80 to 90 percent of time front-of-house, ensuring that team members are well-trained and motivated to deliver exceptional service. The General Manager is accountable for recruiting, training, and developing staff, creating a positive work environment to reduce turnover while promoting employee engagement and productivity.

Operational responsibilities include managing financial outcomes by controlling costs of goods, labor, and inventory. The GM is expected to demonstrate strong business acumen, including fluency in financial reporting and budget management, to drive profitable growth. Building sales through local marketing initiatives and community engagement is a key focus, as is maintaining compliance with all safety, sanitation, and labor regulations. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of general management experience in a restaurant or retail setting with full P&L responsibility, excellent communication skills, and the ability to cultivate leadership within their team. Potbelly values candidates who are proactive problem-solvers, humble yet confident leaders with a strong work ethic and passion for fostering both customer satisfaction and employee development. This position offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic team within a well-established brand while earning up to $65,000 plus bonuses, subject to franchisee terms. Join Potbelly and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to making people happy through outstanding food and good vibes.