Job Description

New Restaurant Opening Specialist

Department:

Operations

Reports To:

Director of Operations

Location:

Homebased in Dallas, TX or Indiana - travel 80-90% required

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced

New Restaurant Opening Specialist

to oversee and execute the end-to-end process of opening new restaurant locations. This role will ensure smooth coordination between construction, training, operations, HR, and marketing teams to launch successful restaurant openings on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management:

Lead and coordinate all activities related to opening new restaurants from pre-opening through post-opening phases. Develop and manage opening timelines, checklists, and critical path schedules. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including permits, inspections, and licensing.

Team Coordination & Training:

Partner with HR to recruit, onboard, and train new team members. Support training teams to implement company standards in service, food quality, and cleanliness. Conduct on-site training and team-building activities before opening.

Operations Readiness:

Ensure readiness of all operational systems including POS, inventory, scheduling, and vendor setup. Verify that all equipment, furniture, and supplies are delivered, installed, and operational. Perform pre-opening audits and ensure brand standards are met.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

Act as liaison between corporate departments (marketing, culinary, HR, finance) and field teams. Work closely with construction/project managers to ensure site readiness aligns with launch schedule.

Opening Execution:

Oversee "soft openings" and "grand openings," providing on-site leadership. Troubleshoot and resolve issues in real time to ensure a smooth guest experience.

Post-Opening Support:

Monitor operations for a defined period after opening to ensure stability and quality. Provide feedback and recommendations for improving future openings.

Qualifications:

3-5+ years experience in restaurant operations, preferably with multi-unit or new store opening exposure. Strong project management and organizational skills. Excellent communication and leadership abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Willingness to travel frequently (up to 75% or more depending on openings). Knowledge of restaurant compliance requirements (health & safety, permits, etc.). Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in franchise or corporate restaurant chains. ServSafe certification or equivalent. Bilingual (English/Spanish or other) is a plus.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary + opening bonuses or per diem (if applicable) Travel reimbursements Health, dental, vision, and other benefits Career growth opportunities in a growing company Dynamic and supportive work culture
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance
Work Location: In person