General Manager

Sonic Drive-In; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SONIC Drive-In is seeking a General Manager in Little Rock, AR to lead daily drive-in operations with a focus on quality, safety, and guest satisfaction. You will hire, train, and supervise staff, manage scheduling and labor costs, and drive local marketing efforts to grow sales.

Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are essential to maintain P&L targets and a positive team culture. Responsibilities include maintaining standards, analyzing performance metrics, and ensuring

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years in restaurant management, preferably QSR.
• Flexible to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily drive-in operations to ensure quality, safety, and guest satisfaction.
• Hire, train, supervise, and develop team members
• Manage labor costs and scheduling
• Monitor inventory and control costs
• Prepare reports and drive sales growth
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations

Skills

Restaurant management

Leadership

Hiring & training

Scheduling

P&L management

Staff development

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

POS systems

Excel

Job description

Job Description

As a SONIC Drive-In General Manager, you are responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the Drive-In to provide quality food in a clean, safe, and efficient manner so that guests will have an enjoyable experience at the Sonic Drive-In. As the highest management position within the Drive-In, you are accountable for the Drive-In and its operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Hiring, training, managing, supervising, directing, and developing Great People ready to serve a SuperSONIC experience to every guest
• Demonstrating a Fair, Firm, Fun leadership approach, and leading by example
• Managing a profit and loss statement to exceed expectations every week, month, and year
• Preparing employee work schedules and making appropriate adjustments to restaurant staffing levels
• Monitoring and maintaining restaurant inventory levels and placing orders for food, paper, and other supplies within cost-control procedures
• Completing and maintaining required restaurant employment-related and payroll records
• Interviewing and hiring restaurant crew and management team members to maintain appropriate staffing levels
• Preparing operational reports and developing action plans to address unfavorable financial and/or sales trends
• Developing and implementing local marketing plans and initiatives
• Swiftly resolving employee concerns with a thoughtful approach
• Celebrating team successes and coaching for better performance
• Setting expectations and providing clear and continuous feedback
• Creating an upbeat, positive atmosphere during the shift that makes work fun
• Helping employees understand the big picture and their role by sharing the why behind tasks
• Understanding how to use metrics to evaluate Drive-In performance and make necessary improvements
• Getting out in the community, making a difference, and growing sales for your Drive-In and the brand
• Maintaining and enforcing SONIC safety and sanitation standards
• Relentlessly complying with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations

What You'll Need:

• Prior management experience; restaurant or retail industry highly preferred (subject to franchise discretion)
• High standards for self and the team
• Positive attitude, especially during rushes or stressful situations
• Resiliency in trying different approaches to solve a problem; working to get better every day
• Eagerness to learn and grow professionally and personally
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks accordingly
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Associate's degree in Business or related field preferred (subject to franchise discretion)
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

The Fine Print:

As required by applicable law, SONIC Drive-In franchise organizations will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Each franchise organization is an independent employer and thus responsible for making its own employment-related decisions. Nothing in these materials should be construed as the franchisor being involved in or having control over a franchise employee's essential terms and conditions of employment.

Requirements

Additional General Manager Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Advanced studies in business, restaurant management or related fields are preferred
• Minimum of two (2) years of restaurant management experience (QSR preferred), experience running shifts without supervision
• Required to work a minimum 5-day workweek with 4 closing shifts (or 4-day workweek guaranteed) including irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
• Knowledge of recruiting, interviewing and selection practices
• Knowledge of federal and state labor laws as well as local health and sanitation laws and regulations
• Leadership and supervisory practices and skills; effective verbal and written communication skills
• Basic accounting and computer skills
• Ability to follow directions and work with autonomy once given directions; ability to multitask and successfully solve problems
• Problem solving, decision-making and conflict-resolution skills
• Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC

Additional Info

Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the SONIC Drive-In restaurant experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bees knees, cruisin . . . you get the picture! It's downright sensational!!

SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.

You are applying for work for a franchisee D.L. Rogers Corp of Sonic, not Sonic Corporate, or any of its affiliates. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who set their own wage and benefit programs that can vary among franchisees.

Here at SONIC Drive-in, our priority isn't just great service, it's great experiences. Whether you're coming for a Cherry Limeade on your lunch break or picking up Shakes with your team after a big win, we're ready for you. That's why our drive-in makes your burgers with 100% pure beef patties, prepares hand‑made onion rings, and serves real ice cream. Carhops deliver orders with a smile because "This is How We SONIC". Download the SONIC app and order your favorites to enjoy exclusive perks and offers, including half price drinks and slushes any time. Stop by to treat yourself today!