General Manager

Steak 'n Shake East Peoria; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 58,500 - 71,500; Full time

Job summary

A leading quick service restaurant in East Peoria seeks a hands-on General Manager to lead restaurant operations. The successful candidate will manage a team, focusing on financial performance, food safety, and hospitality excellence. With a compensation of up to $65k and a potential path to ownership through the Franchise Partner Program, this role requires strong QSR management skills and a dedication to operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of QSR or fast-casual restaurant management experience required.
• Hands-on leadership—comfortable working the drive-through or grill when needed.
• Strong physical stamina; can lift 50 lbs. and thrive in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example on the restaurant line, ensuring operational excellence.
• Own the P&L, managing food costs and labor efficiency.
• Recruit, train, and retain top hourly talent.

Skills

QSR management

Food cost management

Labor optimization

Team building

Hospitality excellence

Tools

POS systems

Inventory platforms

Invoice tools

Job description

General Manager Compensation up to $65k with path to ownership
Job Type: Full-Time | 50–55 Hours per Week
Industry: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)
Opportunity: Eligible for Franchise Partner Program

Lead a Restaurant at the Forefront of QSR Innovation

At Steak 'n Shake, we’re blending our rich heritage with bold innovation to redefine what a quick-service experience can be with a relentless focus on hospitality, ensuring every guest feels welcome, valued, and cared for. As a General Manager, you won’t just manage, you’ll lead from the front. This is a hands‑on leadership role for those who take pride in operational excellence, team development, change management and getting results through doing the work, not just directing it.

If you’re a seasoned QSR leader looking to grow into ownership, this could be your pathway. Top-performing GMs are eligible to join our Franchise Partner Program—an opportunity to own and operate your own Steak 'n Shake with long‑term financial and personal rewards.

What You’ll Do

Restaurant Leadership & Operations

• Lead by example—actively working the line, prepping food, maintaining cleanliness, and serving guests.
• Wear a professional uniform daily—shirt and tie or collared blouse—setting the tone for team presentation.
• Ensure operational excellence across all shifts: opening, mid‑day, and closing.
• Uphold all brand standards, food safety practices, and service protocols.

Financial Performance

• Own the P&L: manage food costs, control inventory, verify invoices, and eliminate waste.
• Drive labor efficiency with smart scheduling, cross‑training, and station versatility.
• Proactively monitor and reduce shrinkage through strong controls and real‑time coaching.

Inventory & Supply Chain Control

• Oversee inventory from the back door to the front line.
• Conduct regular inventory counts with attention to accuracy and waste reduction.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and ensure tight invoice and delivery protocols.

Team Building & Development

• Recruit, train, and retain top hourly talent.
• Build a cross‑functional team trained across multiple stations to maximize labor productivity.
• Inspire a high‑performing culture centered on hospitality, accountability, and consistency.
• Provide clear feedback and coaching tied to operational standards and results.

Performance & Process Management

• Use metrics to drive decision‑making: speed of service, food quality, guest satisfaction, and labor costs.
• Reinforce systems and SOPs that create repeatable success.
• Take pride in developing a restaurant that’s clean, efficient, and welcoming.

Job Requirements

• 3+ years of QSR or fast‑casual restaurant management experience required.
• Proven history of consistent work tenure and reliable leadership.
• Deep understanding of food cost management, labor optimization, and operational KPIs.
• Hands‑on leadership—comfortable working the drive‑through or grill when needed.
• Tech‑savvy with POS systems, inventory platforms, and invoice tools.
• Strong physical stamina: can lift 50 lbs., stay on your feet all day, and thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen.
• Professionalism that extends to your LinkedIn profile (if you have one) and resume—both should tell the same story.
• Track record in driving hospitality excellence and navigating change in a team setting.

What Success Looks Like

• Your restaurant consistently exceeds goals for costs, guest satisfaction, and cleanliness.
• Your team is engaged, well‑trained, and delivers fast, friendly service with pride.
• You maintain a polished, energetic presence—setting the tone every shift.
• Your store becomes a top performer and you’re invited into the Franchise Partner Program.

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.