Growth & Real Estate VP — Restaurant Expansion Leader

Willow Tree Recruiting; New York (NY); On-site; USD 200,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance 100%

Dental & Vision insurance

FSA/HSA

401k with 5% match

2 weeks vacation, 3 weeks after 2+ yrs

Job summary

Upscale Restaurant Group in New York City seeks a VP of Growth & Real Estate to lead expansion strategy, market evaluation, and site selection for a growing portfolio of upscale concepts.

You will manage broker and landlord relationships, lead lease negotiations, and align real estate with long-term business objectives, working closely with ownership and cross-functional teams to drive portfolio growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in restaurant real estate, hospitality development, commercial real estate, brokerage, or related multi-unit growth environments.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred is optional but beneficial.
• Proven success leading multi-market expansion, site selection, and real estate strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the company’s growth and real estate strategy, identifying priority markets and expansion opportunities that align with long-term business objectives.
• Evaluate prospective markets, trade areas, and sites using demographic, competitive, operational, and financial insights to determine overall restaurant viability.
• Source and assess new restaurant locations, ensuring alignment between concept, market, site characteristics, and projected business performance.
• Manage relationships with brokers, landlords, developers, and other real estate partners across existing and new markets.
• Lead lease negotiations and deal structuring in partnership with ownership, legal, and financial stakeholders, balancing growth objectives with sound terms.
• Partner with ownership to evaluate expansion opportunities, present recommendations, and support high-level decisions around market entry and portfolio growth.
• Build and leverage a national network of market resources to identify opportunities across regions.
• Collaborate with Construction & Design, Operations, Finance, and other leadership teams to ensure a seamless transition from deal through development and opening.

Skills

Market analysis

Lease negotiations

Real estate strategy

Multi-market expansion

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, Hospitality Management, or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

Upscale Restaurant Group in New York City seeks a VP of Growth & Real Estate to lead expansion strategy, market evaluation, and site selection for a growing portfolio of upscale concepts.

You will manage broker and landlord relationships, lead lease negotiations, and align real estate with long-term business objectives, working closely with ownership and cross-functional teams to drive portfolio growth.