General Manager

Playa-Bowls; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaried compensation

Structured leadership training

Clear career path

High-energy, team-oriented culture

Employee discounts - free bowl during,

discounts when off the clock

Job summary

Playa Bowls seeks a General Manager for an upcoming Knoxville location. You will lead daily operations, develop a high-performing team, and own the shop’s long-term success from opening through ongoing performance.

The role emphasizes leadership, guest experience, and operational excellence in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Competitive salaried compensation and structured leadership support are provided.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in restaurant, retail, or hospitality management.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• A hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment with a focus on hospitality and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead from the floor; hire, train, coach, and develop staff to build a high-performing team.
• Ensure food quality, brand standards, guest experience, and daily operations meet expectations.
• Manage labor, scheduling, payroll, inventory, and controllable costs to hit goals.
• Own opening/closing procedures and maintain accurate operational reporting.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication

Problem-solving

Hands-on leadership

Team development

Operational excellence

Job description

Salary Range: $50,000.00 To $65,000.00 Annually

About the Company

Playa Bowls is New Jersey’s original acai shop and one of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands in the country, with 300+ locations nationwide and continued expansion planned for 2025. We are seeking a General Manager to lead an upcoming Knoxville location and play a key role in its successful opening and long-term performance.

This is a leadership position for an operator who takes ownership, develops people, and executes with consistency in a fast-paced environment.

Target opening: late February. Start date flexible based on construction timeline.

What We Offer

• Competitive salaried compensation with performance-based growth opportunity
• Structured leadership training and operational support
• Clear career path within a rapidly growing brand
• High-energy, team-oriented culture focused on accountability and positivity
• Employee discounts - free bowl during shifts and discounts when off the clock

Playa Bowls is led by operators who believe strong businesses are built through teamwork, preparation, and accountability. Our ownership group brings a high-performance mindset to the brand, shaped by leadership experience from a 9-year NFL career, and applies those principles to building supportive, people-first teams and strong in-store execution.

What You’ll Do

As General Manager, you will be fully responsible for the day-to-day and long-term success of the shop.

Leadership & Team Development

• Hire, train, coach, and develop Assistant Managers, Shift Leaders, and Team Members
• Build a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture
• Lead from the floor and set expectations through example

Operations & Guest Experience

• Ensure food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and brand standards are met daily
• Deliver an exceptional guest experience and resolve concerns professionally
• Maintain compliance with food safety, health, and operational standards

Financial & Business Management

• Manage labor, scheduling, payroll, and controllable costs
• Oversee inventory, ordering, and waste control
• Monitor performance metrics and adjust execution to meet business goals

Execution & Accountability

• Own opening and closing procedures
• Ensure accuracy in cash handling and operational reporting
• Step in as needed to support service, prep, or team execution

What Success Looks Like

• A well-trained, engaged, and accountable team
• Labor and operations consistently within target
• Strong guest satisfaction and repeat business
• Trust and autonomy to operate the shop as your own business

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in restaurant, retail, or hospitality management
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage people, processes, and priorities simultaneously
• A hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment
• Passion for hospitality, team development, and operational excellence
• Full‑time leadership role
• Typically 40–50 hours per week, including weekends and holidays
• Schedule adjusts to meet the needs of the business and team

Requirements

• Ability to pass Playa Bowls Food Safety Certification within 3 months
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25–40 lbs
• Must meet company performance and operational expectations

Our Mission

Inspire and support our communities — one bowl at a time.

“Playa Bowls is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and diversity in our workplace. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.”