Restaurant Manager

This job opening is for a Restaurant Manager position at a restaurant that operates under the Del Taco brand but is owned and managed by an independent franchisee. The independent franchisee is responsible for all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, wages, staffing, and supervision. This means that if hired, the employee will have a direct employer relationship with the franchisee rather than the Del Taco corporate entity itself. Del Taco is a recognized fast-food restaurant chain specializing in Mexican-inspired cuisine, known for offering quality products while emphasizing a fun, service-oriented culture. The restaurant environment combines the fast-paced dynamics of quick-service restaurants with the need for operational excellence, team leadership, and customer engagement to deliver the Del Taco Way.

The Restaurant Manager role is crucial for maintaining and growing the restaurant’s success. Reporting to the Area Director, this position is responsible for protecting and delivering the Del Taco brand experience consistently. The manager leads their team in recruiting and retaining quality employees, ensuring all team members meet ongoing certification and training standards, and fostering a positive, service-oriented culture built around teamwork and fun. Operationally, the manager is charged with maintaining high standards of cleanliness and facility management, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and adhering to strict product quality standards on every shift. They must also manage staffing levels relative to sales projections to maximize efficiency and profitability.

In addition to operational oversight, the Restaurant Manager drives growth by enhancing customer counts and sales averages through effective local store marketing and promotional campaign execution. Understanding the competitive landscape and local community dynamics is vital for tailoring marketing efforts and improving customer loyalty. On the financial side, the manager is responsible for rigorous inventory control to reduce waste, cash handling accuracy, and controlling labor and service costs to meet profitability goals. This role requires a leader capable of making sound judgments in managing discipline, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering employee development and career progression within the restaurant.

This position requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and interpersonal, the ability to multitask and work under pressure, and strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Physical demands include standing for extended periods and occasional travel within the assigned geographic area, for which a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance are mandatory. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 5 years of experience in quick-service or full-service restaurant management and hold ServSafe certification. Bilingual candidates fluent in English and Spanish are preferred but not required.

Working for an independent franchise allows for greater local decision-making and flexibility while maintaining the strength and standards of the Del Taco brand. This role is an excellent opportunity for experienced restaurant managers looking to lead with autonomy and focus on delivering exceptional customer service and operational excellence in a dynamic environment.