Restaurant Manager

This job opportunity is with an independent franchisee that owns and operates a Del Taco restaurant, which means that while you will be working for the Del Taco brand, your employer will be the franchisee, not Del Taco LLC itself. The franchisee holds full responsibility for all employment-related matters including setting job-specific requirements, hiring decisions, disciplinary actions, wages, supervision, staffing, and scheduling. This setup enables the franchisee to maintain a focused and personal approach to managing the restaurant, delivering excellent customer service that aligns with both local market needs and the overarching Del Taco brand standards.

This position is for a Restaurant Manager who will play a crucial role in overseeing day-to-day operations of the Del Taco restaurant under the guidance of an Area Director. The Restaurant Manager is tasked with protecting and promoting the Del Taco brand by driving sales growth, ensuring operational efficiency, and optimizing profitability. This is achieved by leading the team according to the Del Taco Way, a set of standards designed to unify brand delivery across all franchise locations. The manager will lead recruitment, hiring, training, and retention efforts to build a strong team of employees who embody the service-oriented and team-driven culture that Del Taco strives to maintain.

Responsibilities include staffing the restaurant with quality personnel, ensuring all staff are properly trained and certified according to current processes, creating a fun and collaborative work environment, and continuously developing both team members and future managers. The Restaurant Manager also takes ownership of performance evaluations, salary recommendations, and disciplinary actions when necessary to maintain high standards and compliance with brand policies.

Operationally, the manager ensures that all customer areas and facilities are maintained at exemplary standards, equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, all food and service offerings meet Del Taco’s quality standards, and that the restaurant adheres strictly to cleaning schedules and uniform requirements. Delivering a consistent and positive service experience is critical, alongside the proper display of point-of-purchase signage and promotional materials.

In terms of sales and profitability, the Restaurant Manager works to meet or exceed sales plans by optimizing staffing based on sales projections, increasing customer counts and average check sizes, and executing local marketing activities to attract new customers. The manager keeps a close eye on the competition and local events to strategically position the restaurant for success. Financial oversight includes managing labor costs, inventory control to minimize waste and theft, enforcing cash handling procedures, conducting audits, and managing vendor relationships to keep repair, maintenance, and supply costs within target limits. Safety and health standards are strictly enforced to provide a secure environment for both employees and customers.

This role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication skills, and a passion for the restaurant industry, particularly quick-service restaurants (QSR). The Restaurant Manager should be highly organized, detail-oriented, analytically minded, and capable of working effectively under pressure with minimal supervision. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel between locations within the assigned area, including overnight stays, are essential. This position offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for individuals committed to advancing within the fast-paced QSR industry while upholding the high standards and positive culture that Del Taco represents.