Assistant Manager

Tropical Holdings Illinois, LLC; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Team rewards

Exclusive discounts

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Job summary

SERVE Hospitality Group is seeking an Assistant General Manager in Gurnee, IL to partner with the General Manager in driving operational excellence and delivering standout guest experiences. You will lead a high-performing team, maintain brand standards, and manage daily operations in a fast-paced cafe environment.

The role emphasizes leadership, training, and hands-on involvement with scheduling, safety, and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Hospitality-driven leadership and guest service focus.
• Excellent communication with guests and team members.
• Strong decision-making under fast-paced conditions.
• Coaching mindset to train and develop staff.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional work habits.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example to coach, motivate, and support team members during every shift.
• Deliver friendly, accurate service while resolving guest concerns with care.
• Ensure food safety, cleanliness, and brand standards are consistently met.
• Execute opening, mid-shift, and closing procedures with accuracy and accountability.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training to build a strong bench.
• Support labor management, inventory control, and waste reduction to meet targets.
• Partner with the General Manager on sales initiatives and cost control.
• Promote an upbeat, hospitality-first culture.

Skills

Hospitality-driven leader

Excellent communicator

Strong decision-maker

Coaching mindset

Reliable and punctual

Flexible scheduling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college preferred

Job description

About this position

Company Overview

At SERVE Hospitality Group, it’s more than smoothies—it’s about serving smiles, one guest at a time. Built on hospitality, connection, and community, every interaction is a chance to brighten someone’s day.

SERVE Hospitality Group proudly operates 30+ Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations and is rapidly growing. As a fast-scaling, multi-unit franchisee, we’re expanding this nationally recognized brand with bold energy and purpose. Backed by a strong development pipeline and committed internal capital, we’re building a culture-driven, high-performance business that blends speed, discipline, and operational excellence.

About the Role

Join a people‑first, hospitality‑driven team where leadership, energy, and positivity set the tone. As an Assistant General Manager , you’ll partner with the General Manager to drive operational excellence, develop high‑performing teams, and deliver outstanding guest experiences—ensuring the café operates at its best every day.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive hourly pay of $17 - 19 per hour plus tips! Compensation is based on availability and experience*
• Work-life balance with flexible scheduling and consistent closing times (9 pm)
• Clean, healthy environment – no fryers, no grease, just fresh ingredients
• Career growth opportunities with clear internal promotion pathways
• Fun, fast-paced atmosphere with room for creativity
• Employee perks with paid training, team rewards, and exclusive discounts
• SERVE benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) with 4% company match (eligibility based on tenure, age, and hours requirements)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead by example to coach, motivate, and support team members during every shift.
• Deliver friendly, accurate, and efficient service while resolving guest concerns with care.
• Ensure food safety, cleanliness, and brand standards are consistently met.
• Execute opening, mid‑shift, and closing procedures with accuracy and accountability.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training to build a strong bench.
• Support labor management, inventory control, and waste reduction to meet targets.
• Partner with the General Manager on sales initiatives, cost control, and shift readiness.
• Promote an upbeat, hospitality‑first culture where teams feel supported and empowered.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Hospitality‑driven leader with a positive, hands‑on approach.
• Excellent communicator who connects easily with guests and team members.
• Strong decision‑maker who stays calm, resourceful, and solutions‑focused in a fast‑paced environment.
• Coaching mindset with the ability to set expectations, give feedback, and recognize great performance.
• Reliable and punctual team members with dependable work habits.
• Comfortable being active with frequent standing, walking, and light lifting
• Flexible with scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
• Minimum age 18; high school diploma or equivalent required (some college a plus)
• Legally authorized to work under State and Federal guidelines.
• Previous restaurant leadership experience in QSR or fast casual (1+ year required; 2+ years preferred) .

Join Our Team

Apply today and start your adventure with SERVE Hospitality Group. Let’s blend up some brilliance together!

SERVE Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The pay range for this role is:
17 - 19 USD per hour(IL-058 Gurnee)

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