Restaurant Operations Manager

Fresh Kitchen is a pioneering fast-casual restaurant chain that is redefining the concept of fast food by focusing on real, wholesome ingredients and high-quality preparation standards. Unlike traditional fast food, Fresh Kitchen serves food made from scratch, using only 100% pure olive oil, hand-cut vegetables, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, responsibly sourced seafood, and entirely gluten-free recipes. This focus on healthful, sustainable, and delicious food aligns with their mission of delivering "Good Food Forever." With a vision to grow to 100 remarkable locations by 2034, Fresh Kitchen is committed to building a brand that prioritizes people and culture as much as it prioritizes food quality and performance, creating a workplace where every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the customer experience.

The company culture emphasizes high standards paired with high heart, meaning leadership operates with a balance of care and accountability driven by core values. This results in a workplace environment that is not only fast-paced and energetic but also welcoming, supportive, and respectful of work-life balance. Fresh Kitchen has become a trendsetter in the hospitality industry by integrating modern, health-conscious dining experiences with conscientious business practices. Their commitment to people extends beyond customers to the employees, offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a clear pathway for career growth.

In the role of Restaurant Operations Manager at Fresh Kitchen, you will be the primary leader of the front-of-house (FOH) and general operational experience, taking the helm to ensure exceptional guest experiences on every shift. This role is hour-intensive and dynamic, designed for a hands-on, visible leader who is invested in coaching the team in real time rather than merely supervising from a distance. You will be responsible for multiple key facets of restaurant operations: managing the guest experience by ensuring hospitality, cleanliness, speed, energy, and efficient recovery during challenges; executing smooth and coordinated shifts maintaining optimal order flow and accuracy; overseeing digital and off-premise orders such as online requests and catering with a customer-first approach; driving people development and culture through effective coaching, engagement, and accountability; and managing FOH labor with smart scheduling to deploy the right people in the right positions.

This position reports directly to the Managing Partner and works closely with the Culinary Operations Manager to maintain seamless alignment between front-of-house and back-of-house activities, especially during peak periods when volumes and online orders surge. Exceptional operators in this role drive improvements in service speed, quality, and operational flow while maintaining the hospitality essence that differentiates Fresh Kitchen in the market.

Successful candidates possess at least four years of management experience in a high-volume restaurant setting, exhibit a deep passion for hospitality and food quality, and demonstrate strong leadership abilities. A palate attuned to menu items, willingness to make food-quality decisions, and skill in coaching team members on standards and operational efficiency are highly valued. This role requires flexibility for varied schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, and an ability to maintain composure under pressure while remaining approachable and engaging with both guests and employees.

The Restaurant Operations Manager position comes with competitive compensation ranging from $65,000 to $75,000 annually and a robust benefits package including affordable group health, vision, and dental plans, a 401(k) match, paid time off, holidays off, and an intentional focus on career development — investing in leaders who want to grow within the organization. Additional perks include free meals during shifts, a vibe-driven brand culture that values authenticity and respect, and a progressive PTO policy designed to support work-life balance by capping weekly hours at 50. By joining Fresh Kitchen, team members become part of an innovative company where they can genuinely own the guest experience, develop meaningful leadership skills, and help build a lasting brand focused on quality food and culture.