Restaurant Operations manager

Waffle House, Inc.; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Waffle House, Inc. in Tallahassee, FL is seeking a Restaurant Operations Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, supervise front-of-house and back-of-house teams, and uphold hospitality standards.

You will coach staff, manage scheduling, inventory, and costs, ensure food safety, and build strong guest relations while delivering excellent service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Supervise daily restaurant operations and staff.
• Provide guest service and maintain a welcoming dining environment.
• Schedule staff, manage inventory, and balance costs during shifts.
• Monitor sales and labor costs; use metrics to drive performance.
• Train associates on food safety, sanitation, and policies.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and safety rules.
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
• Lead, coach, and schedule Associates.
• Monitor inventory, purchasing, and cost controls.
• Handle guest concerns and resolve service issues promptly.

Skills

Operations leadership

Customer service

Scheduling & forecasting

Inventory management

Cash handling & budgeting

Food safety & sanitation

Communication & team-building

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor's in hospitality or business (preferred)

Job description

Company Description

Waffle House, Inc. has been serving Good Food Fast® since 1955, growing from a single restaurant in Avondale Estates, GA into a national brand with more than 2,000 locations across 25 states. The company provides meaningful career paths for over 45,000 Associates and is known for promoting from within, creating long-term growth opportunities in both Restaurant Operations and Corporate Support. Waffle House is recognized worldwide for its strong customer loyalty and commitment to serving great food around the clock—early mornings, late nights, and every hour in between. Its mission is to care for people on both sides of the counter, fostering a culture that values team members and guests equally.

Role Description

The Restaurant Operations Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Tallahassee, FL. This role is responsible for overseeing daily restaurant operations, including managing front-of-house and back-of-house activities, monitoring food quality, and ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. The Restaurant Operations Manager leads and schedules Associates, provides ongoing coaching, and supports hiring, onboarding, and performance management to maintain strong, engaged teams. The role also includes managing inventory and supplies, monitoring sales and costs, handling cash controls, and ensuring adherence to company policies and food safety standards. The Manager builds positive relationships with Customers, resolves service issues promptly, and upholds Waffle House’s standards of hospitality and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Operations and leadership skills: experience supervising teams, overseeing daily restaurant operations, and coordinating front-of-house and back-of-house activities.
• Customer service and hospitality skills: ability to provide excellent guest service, resolve customer concerns, and maintain a welcoming dining environment.
• Organizational and time management skills: proficiency in scheduling staff, managing inventory, and balancing multiple operational priorities during busy shifts.
• Financial and analytical skills: experience with cash handling, basic budgeting, tracking sales and labor costs, and using metrics to improve performance.
• Compliance and safety skills: knowledge of food safety standards, health and sanitation regulations, and company policies, with the ability to train Associates on these requirements.
• Communication and interpersonal skills: strong verbal communication, ability to give clear direction, and skill in building collaborative relationships with team members.
• Preferred experience and education: prior restaurant or retail management experience; high school diploma or equivalent required, associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or related field preferred.
• Work environment readiness: ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays; capacity to stand for extended periods and perform hands-on tasks in a fast-paced setting.