General Manager - Palo Alto

Salt & Straw; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus potential

Healthcare options

Paid Time Off 2 weeks

Paid Holidays

Team discounts

Educational support

Job summary

Salt & Straw in Palo Alto is seeking a General Manager to own the shop's success—people, operations, and guest experience. You will lead a team, set standards, and drive financial performance in a fast-paced retail and food-service environment.

This full-time role offers base pay $31.99-$34.13 per hour plus quarterly bonus potential, plus benefits, PTO, holidays, and a culture rooted in hospitality and community.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of leadership experience in food service, hospitality, or retail.
• Led teams of 10+ people in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to coach, develop, and support others with clarity and care.
• Avail evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shop operations including scheduling, payroll, inventory, facilities, and financial performance
• Hire, train, and develop a leadership team of Assistant General Managers and Shift Coordinators
• Set clear expectations and coach with consistency, generosity, and directness
• Create a culture where people feel supported, challenged, and proud of their work
• Deliver thoughtful, memorable hospitality that reflects curiosity, warmth, and care
• Use data and insights to drive results across sales, labor, and guest experience

Skills

Leadership

People management

Operations management

Coaching

Customer service

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Palo Alto Shop - Palo Alto, CA, Education Level: None, Salary Range: $31.99 - $34.13Hourly, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Any, Job Category: Retail,

Lead Something Sweet

General Manager - Salt & Straw

Full-Time | $31.99-$34.13 per hour + Quarterly Bonus Potential

From our humble beginnings to becoming a beloved spot in our communities, our story is one of innovation, connection, and the pursuit of the perfect scoop. Each flavor tells a story, and every cone holds more than just ice cream—it holds memories, smiles, and moments of pure joy.

Using ice cream as the platform, we pioneer and share experiences that inspire and connect us all.

What General Managers Do:

General Managers own the full success of the shop: people, operations, and guest experience. As a General Manager, you'll lead a team, shape the guest experience, and drive the overall success of a fast-paced retail and food service operation. You'll develop future leaders, build a strong culture, and deliver operational excellence while bringing Salt & Straw's mission to life in your community.

You will:

• Lead daily shop operations including scheduling, payroll, inventory, facilities, and financial performance
• Hire, train, and develop a high-performing leadership team of Assistant General Managers and Shift Coordinators
• Set clear expectations and coach with consistency, generosity, and directness
• Create a culture where people feel supported, challenged, and proud of their work
• Deliver thoughtful, memorable hospitality that reflects curiosity, warmth, and care
• Use data and insights to drive results across sales, labor, and guest experience
• Navigate challenges with calm leadership and celebrate wins—big and small
• Build strong relationships in the local community and represent Salt & Straw as a thoughtful, generous neighbor
• Partner with District Managers and cross-functional teams to support long-term shop and market success

Qualifications: Why You’ll Love It Here:

• Competitive base pay + up to 20% quarterly bonus potential
• Financial Flexibility: Optional earned wages access, plus 401(k) match with 50% company match up to 1% of your salary after three months
• Medical, dental & vision insurance options starting your first month
• Paid Time Off: Start with 2 weeks PTO, grows from there
• Paid Holidays: 12 paid holidays/year
• Paid Sick Time: Stay home, stay well, get paid
• Two Days Off in a Row (a rarity in retail!)
• Mental Health Support: On-demand access 24/7/365 for you and your family
• Educational Support: Up to $1,800/year to support your learning goals
• Team Discount: 30% off all the magic
• First Dibs on Flavors before the public
• Pet Insurance (because pets = family)
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, and more

You’re a Great Fit If You:

• Have 3+ years of leadership experience in food service, hospitality, or retail (GM candidates typically bring 5+)
• Have led teams of 10+ people in a fast-paced environment
• Know how to coach, develop, and support others with clarity and care
• Enjoy balancing people leadership with operational responsibilities
• Are energized by building strong teams and helping people grow
• Are 18+ and available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Wage Transparency

We are actively embracing pay transparency by disclosing the hiring wage for this role as $31.99-$34.13, highlighting its full earning potential within the broader range of $31.99-$39.10

Important Notes

• Food Allergy Warning: This role involves working in an environment where common food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, seafood) are present.
• Equal Employment Opportunity: Salt & Straw is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and provides equal opportunity to all applicants, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or background.
• E-Verify Participation: We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization.

Our Values

• Create the Unbelievable
• Show Up Generously
• Act with Thoughtful Curiosity
• Share Human Kindness
• Make It Count

These values guide everything we do — from the way we scoop, to how we show up for our guests, teammates, and communities.