Operations Restaurant Manager

I know many of you have never once considered a restaurant leadership role — and honestly, that’s exactly why I’m writing this.

Sometimes the best career moves are the ones we never saw coming.

If you enjoy a fast-paced environment, staying active, leading people, and being right in the middle of the action… there’s a path you might actually love.

I recruit for the Restaurant Operations Manager role at Waffle House, and the people who thrive here are often the ones who simply said, “Sure… I’ll give it a whirl.”

Here’s why this path changes lives:

💰 Competitive Starting Pay:

Restaurant Managers earn $65K–$85K right out of training. Our District Managers reach $85K–$115K, and Division Managers make $115K–$145K.

📈 Real Advancement (Fast):

We promote based on performance — not waiting years for a title.

• 12–18 months to District Manager

• 18–36 months to Division Manager

Each step comes with salary increases and stock options, including a $17,500 stock option at hire.

🔥 Hands-On Leadership Experience:

You learn how to run a business: people, operations, budgeting, customer relationships… everything. And it’s physical, high-energy, and incredibly rewarding.

🛡 Stability & Growth:

We’re privately owned and adding 800 new restaurants in the next decade — meaning more leadership roles, more opportunities, more upward mobility.

This isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay.

But if you’re even a little curious, or if you’ve been searching for a career that gives you purpose, structure, and a real chance to grow… this might be worth exploring.

If you want more information, feel free to reach out. I’m always here to help you navigate your next step. 💛

— Jessica Herring, MBA

• Recruiting Director • Waffle House