Store Manager

Workstream; Wheeling Township (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Taco Rico / Taco Works is seeking an experienced Store Manager to oversee daily restaurant operations, lead a team, and maintain high standards of food quality and service.

You will manage labor and inventory, ensure food safety compliance, and drive profitability through strong guest satisfaction and efficient processes while thriving in a fast-paced environment. This role also supports franchise growth and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3+ years of restaurant management in QSR or fast-casual.
• Food Protection Manager Certification (ServSafe or local equivalent) required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily restaurant operations and maintain brand standards.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and mentor staff.
• Drive guest satisfaction with high food quality and speedy service.
• Oversee profitability, labor costs, and food costs.
• Handle inventory, vendor orders, and shrinkage reduction.
• Ensure cash reconciliation, POS reporting, and safe drops.
• Maintain health codes, sanitation, and safety protocols.
• Support local promotions, openings, catering, and community outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team-building

POS systems

Shift scheduling software

Inventory management tools

Financial metrics understanding

High-volume handling

Tools

POS systems

Shift scheduling software

Inventory management tools

Job description

About Taco Rico / Taco Works

Since 1992, Taco Rico / Taco Works has been serving award-winning southwest and Tex-Mex cuisine. Known for our fresh ingredients, signature recipes, dedicated salsa bar, and fast, friendly service, we pride ourselves on creating a family-friendly atmosphere where every guest feels welcome. As our brand continues to grow, we are looking for strong, passionate leaders to join our team and drive operational success.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and results-driven Store Manager to oversee daily operations, lead team members, maintain high standards of customer service, and ensure profitability. As Store Manager, you will be the heart of store operations—ensuring top-tier food quality, maintaining strict health and safety standards, and fostering a positive, fast-paced work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Manage daily restaurant operations, ensuring smooth workflow during peak service times while adhering to brand standards.
• Team Development & Management: Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and mentor store staff. Foster a collaborative, positive team culture and manage performance.
• Customer Experience: Drive exceptional guest satisfaction by ensuring high food quality, rapid order speed, and friendly, efficient service.
• Financial & Inventory Management:
• Oversee store profitability, labor budgets, and food costs.
• Conduct daily and weekly inventory counts, place vendor orders, and minimize food waste/shrinkage.
• Manage daily cash reconciliation, POS reporting, and safe drops.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to local health codes, food safety regulations, sanitation protocols, and workplace safety guidelines.
• Local Store Marketing & Community Engagement: Assist with local promotional efforts, store openings, catering orders, and community outreach.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 2–3+ years of restaurant management experience in Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) or Fast-Casual environments.
• Food Safety: Valid Food Protection Manager Certification (ServSafe or local equivalent) required.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building abilities.
• Proficiency with POS systems, shift scheduling software, and inventory management tools.
• Solid understanding of basic restaurant financial metrics (labor %, COGS, food cost control).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle high volume during peak meal hours.
• Availability: Flexibility to work standard restaurant hours, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

WELCOME
Since our inception in 1992, Taco Rico / Taco Works has refined the recipes of our remarkable menu to perfection The flavors of southwest cuisine is proven with the many awards we've won throughout the years Taco Rico is now expanding through franchising in the state of Florida , and outside the state of Florida under the brand name "Taco Works".
Taco Works and Taco Rico are one in the same providing same recipes, same menus, same support, and the same founders Taco Rico /Taco Works offers more than tacos. Our menu encompasses all the staples of Tex-Mex cuisine, including burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, salads, a variety of lunch & dinner specials, a dedicated salsa bar, and vegan alternatives.
At Taco Rico/Taco Works there's a meal for everyone in the family. We strive to be quick convenient, and above all, delicious.