Area Director of Operations: Build Leaders & Grow Brands

Cafe Rio; Saint George (UT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cafe Rio is seeking an Area Director to lead 6–10 restaurants in a defined market. You will drive profitability, operational excellence, talent development, and guest satisfaction while coaching General Managers and partnering with regional leadership.

This role requires strategic vision, financial discipline, and a passion for building high-performing teams in a fast-growing environment. Expect travel across the market, rigorous execution of standards, and a focus on culture and guest

Qualifications

• 8+ years of restaurant operations experience.
• 3+ years of multi-unit leadership experience.
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and profitability.
• Experience leading diverse teams across multiple locations.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence across all assigned restaurants.
• Own the Profit & Loss performance for the portfolio.
• Lead development of General Managers and leadership teams.
• Build culture focused on accountability, engagement, and guest satisfaction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners for openings, remodels, and initiatives.
• Lead workforce planning to ensure staffing for growth.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-unit leadership

P&L management

Hospitality industry experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Hospitality

Tools

MS Office

Performance reporting tools

Job description

Cafe Rio is seeking an Area Director to lead 6–10 restaurants in a defined market. You will drive profitability, operational excellence, talent development, and guest satisfaction while coaching General Managers and partnering with regional leadership.

This role requires strategic vision, financial discipline, and a passion for building high-performing teams in a fast-growing environment. Expect travel across the market, rigorous execution of standards, and a focus on culture and guest