RISE Restaurant Development Program

Workstream; Lincoln Park (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park offers the RISE Restaurant Development Program Leader—a 2-year intensive leadership experience designed to develop high-potential leaders for restaurant ownership, senior leadership roles, or advanced Chick-fil-A leadership pathways.

Participants will gain hands-on operational leadership experience while focusing on people leadership, business acumen, culture building, and community impact, preparing you to lead shifts, develop teams, and partner with Directors on

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of work experience.
• Demonstrated prior leadership experience.
• Hold a 4-year college degree.
• Exhibit strong character, coachability, and work ethic.
• Desire long-term leadership growth or restaurant ownership.
• Align with Chick-fil-A values and service standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and oversee daily restaurant operations.
• Manage and develop Team Members and Team Leaders.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and people development initiatives.
• Execute operational excellence in food safety, service, and systems.
• Partner with Directors on business strategy and execution.
• Take ownership of specific business areas and projects.
• Assist with HR processes and team member relations.
• Model Chick-fil-A hospitality and leadership culture daily.
• Willing to work open or close shifts.
• Ability to work 45–60 hours per week.
• Comfortable working long hours on their feet.
• Willing to step outside of comfort zone regularly.
• Lead people with accountability and care.
• Maintain a growth mindset and learning posture.
• Model professionalism, ownership thinking, and humility.

Job description

RISE Restaurant Development Program Leader

Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park | 2-Year Leadership Development Program

Program Overview

The RISE Restaurant Development Program is a 2-year intensive leadership experience designed to develop high-capacity leaders for future restaurant ownership, senior leadership roles, or advanced Chick-fil-A leadership pathways.

Participants will receive hands‑on operational leadership experience while engaging in structured development focused on people leadership, business acumen, culture building, and community impact.

This role is for individuals ready to grow, lead, and step outside of their comfort zone in preparation for long‑term leadership within the Chick‑fil‑A organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and oversee daily restaurant operations
• Manage and develop Team Members and Team Leaders
• Support hiring, onboarding, and people development initiatives
• Execute operational excellence in food safety, service, and systems
• Partner with Directors on business strategy and execution
• Take ownership of specific business areas and projects
• Assist with HR processes and team member relations
• Model Chick‑fil‑A hospitality and leadership culture daily

Development Commitments

Participants will engage in structured growth including:

• Weekly leadership development meetings
• Book studies (4 books per year)
• HR Certification completion
• ServSafe Certification completion
• Exposure to financials, staffing, and business planning
• Community and marketing initiative involvement
• Ownership preparation conversations and coaching

Admission Criteria

To be considered for the RISE Program, candidates must:

• Have minimum 2 years of work experience
• Demonstrate prior leadership experience
• Hold a 4-year college degree
• Exhibit strong character, coachability, and work ethic
• Desire long‑term leadership growth or restaurant ownership
• Align with Chick‑fil‑A values and service standards

Role Expectations

• Willing to work open or close shifts
• Ability to work 45–60 hours per week based on business needs
• Comfortable working long hours on their feet
• Willing to step outside of comfort zone regularly
• Lead people with accountability and care
• Maintain a growth mindset and learning posture
• Model professionalism, ownership thinking, and humility

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on restaurant leadership experience
• Executive‑level coaching from the Operator and Directors
• Business, financial, and people leadership exposure
• Ownership or corporate pathway preparation
• Certification and professional development credentials
• Opportunity to impact team members and community

Working at a Chick‑fil‑A® restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people‑focused environment. Most Chick‑fil‑A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.