General Manager | High-Volume Fast-Casual QSR

Role Overview

A high-volume fast-casual QSR restaurant located in Alton, IL 62002 is seeking an entrepreneurial General Manager to lead daily operations and transition directly into store ownership as a Franchise Partner. This opportunity is structured specifically for hands-on operational leaders who desire restaurant ownership rather than long-term corporate salaried roles.

The position follows a structured three-phase pathway to full ownership:
Phase 1 (Training & Certification): Start on day one with a guaranteed $75,000 base salary while running the store, completing a 5-week training program, and earning Gold Standard certification over the first 6 to 12 months.

• Phase 2 (Zero-Cash Buy-In): Upon certification, official store ownership is granted. The required $10,000 partner buy-in fee requires zero out-of-pocket cash from the candidate—the company funds the fee upfront and recovers it directly from future store profits.
• Phase 3 (50% Profit Share): Pay upgrades from a flat salary to receiving 50% of total net store profits. Average Franchise Partners earn $137,000 annually, with top operators earning substantially more based on store performance and cost control.
  

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations, food quality, guest satisfaction, and high-speed service execution.
• Maintain full P&L accountability, actively managing labor productivity, food cost controls, inventory, and overall profitability.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor store team members and shift supervisors to build strong succession pathways.
• Enforce strict compliance with food safety regulations, cleanliness standards, and operational guidelines.
• Complete all required certification milestones to transition successfully into the Franchise Partner role within 6 to 12 months.
  

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of successful General Manager experience in a QSR, Fast-Casual, High-Volume Restaurant, or Convenience Store Food operational environment.
• Fast-casual QSR background with brands known for high speed-of-service standards (e.g., Chick-fil-A) is strongly preferred.
• Strong, stable tenure in past roles with a clear history of progressive leadership and internal staff development (candidates with job-hopping histories will not be considered).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze P&L statements, manage operational metrics, and execute cost-control strategies.
• Proven track record of team building and staff retention.

Mandatory Non-Negotiables

• Entrepreneurial mindset with an explicit long-term goal of becoming a Franchise Partner and running an independent store.
• Adherence to professional appearance standards, including:
• • No face or neck tattoos.
  • No facial piercings or gauges.
  • No non-traditional hair colors or extreme styles.
• Candidates with pizza-heavy management backgrounds or those seeking traditional, permanent corporate GM salary positions are excluded.
• Valid Driver's License and active US Work Authorization.
• Physical capability to work hands-on alongside store staff in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Guaranteed Base Salary: $75,000 annually during Phase 1 training and certification.
• Earning Potential (Post-Certification): 50% of net store profits (average Franchise Partner earnings exceed $137,000 per year, with top performers earning significantly higher).
• Zero-Cash Buy-In: $10,000 ownership investment covered entirely by company profit financing ($0 personal cash outlay).
• Benefits Package: Full health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Bonus Potential: Additional discretionary performance bonuses during the pre-ownership phase.

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.