Founding General Manager / Director of Operations

About the Role:

This is not a traditional restaurant management role.

As the Founding General Manager / Bagel Chef for Hustle & Dough, you will help launch and scale the first PopUp Bagels locations in the Midwest. You’ll work directly with the founders to build the operational foundation, team culture, and guest experience for our first Minneapolis-area shops — with a clear path toward becoming a future District Manager or Regional Operations Leader overseeing multiple locations across the region.

We’re looking for someone who wants to build, lead, and grow alongside the brand.

This role is ideal for a high-energy, hospitality-obsessed operator who thrives in fast-paced environments, loves building teams, and wants to be part of something much bigger than a single store.

You do not need prior multi-unit experience. You do need hunger, leadership presence, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to run through walls to build something special.

Essential Responsibilities:

Shop Operations & Financial Performance

·     Own full shop operations, including P&L accountability, food cost management, labor optimization, inventory controls, and sales performance.

·     Monitor daily and weekly KPIs and take corrective action to drive profitability and operational efficiency.

·     Ensure consistent execution of culinary standards, recipes, portioning, and quality across all products.

·     Oversee all systems and technology, including POS, digital ordering platforms, delivery integrations, and scheduling tools; proactively troubleshoot issues.

·     Manage and execute new initiatives, product launches, and operational rollouts within the shop.

Leadership & Team Management

·     Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and retain top talent for all shop roles.

·     Build effective staffing plans and schedules aligned with business needs, labor targets, and employee availability.

·     Lead, coach, and develop the Bagel Sous and leadership team to create a strong bench and succession pipeline.

·     Conduct performance management processes, including goal setting, feedback, coaching, corrective action, and terminations in partnership with HR.

·     Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned with PopUp Bagels’ values.

Training, Development & Communication

·     Ensure all team members are properly trained on stations, food safety, hospitality standards, and operational procedures.

·     Lead pre-shifts, leadership meetings, and ongoing training sessions to reinforce priorities and standards.

·     Communicate clearly and consistently across digital platforms and in person to align the team on goals, updates, and expectations.

·     Partner with Field Leadership on development plans and leadership readiness for future growth.

Guest Experience & Brand Representation

·     Serve as the face of hospitality for the shop by actively engaging with guests, delivery partners, and the local community.

·     Address guest feedback and operational challenges promptly, converting insights into actionable improvements.

·     Uphold and model PopUp Bagels’ brand standards, energy, and service philosophy at all times.

Compliance, Safety & Employee Relations

·     Ensure strict adherence to Department of Health regulations, food safety standards, and internal policies.

·     Maintain required certifications and ensure team compliance with training and documentation.

·     Uphold PopUp Bagels’ anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and workplace conduct policies.

·     Maintain accurate documentation for employee relations matters and operational compliance.

·     Maintain operations in compliance with Federal, state, and local regulations, as required.

Education, Experience, and Skills:

·     High school diploma or equivalent required

·     Culinary training or coursework preferred but not required

·     Active Department of Health and/or ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe)

·     3–5 years of restaurant management experience, including full operational ownership

·     Prior experience managing both front- and back-of-house operations

·     Proven experience with hiring, scheduling, performance management, and employee relations

·     Experience with inventory management, food costing, and labor optimization

·     Experience working in fast-paced, high-volume, scratch-based kitchens preferred

·     Strong leadership and people management capabilities

·     Ability to motivate, coach, and develop high-performing teams

·     Excellent organizational, time-management, and prioritization skill

·     Strong business acumen with the ability to analyze financial and operational data

·     Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written)

·     High attention to detail and commitment to consistency and quality

·     Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in dynamic environments

·     Comfort navigating multiple technology platforms and digital systems

·     Ability to adapt, learn quickly, and lead through change

·     Passion for food, hospitality, and brand-driven experiences

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, and cleaning agents

Additional Role Note: 

The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. 

PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law. 

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