General Manager

HOTBIRDS — GENERAL MANAGER

Location: Princeton, New Jersey

Type: Full-Time

Hotbirds isn't just another Nashville hot chicken shop — we're a modern Southern brand built on craveworthy food, sharp execution, and a culture that's genuinely fun to be part of. We move fast, we stay organized, we keep things clean, and we never compromise on quality or consistency.

We're looking for a General Manager who embodies the Hotbirds mindset: operational discipline, strong leadership, hospitality with personality, and the ability to deliver quality, consistency, guest satisfaction, and profitability every single day.

This role isn't about managing from the sidelines. It's about being in it — coaching, tightening up stations, elevating the vibe, and making sure the restaurant feels alive and dialed-in at all times.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Hotbirds GM is the driving force behind the restaurant's success. You own the restaurant operations. You develop the team. You protect the brand. You maintain the rhythm of service. You ensure that every order that leaves the kitchen reflects what Hotbirds stands for: bold flavor, clean execution, and a guest experience that feels confident, warm, and authentically Southern.

The right GM thrives in structure, communicates clearly, leads with purpose, and keeps the team aligned on standards without ever losing the fun and energy that make Hotbirds… Hotbirds.

RESPONSIBILITIES1. Operational Leadership

• Run daily operations with structure, clarity, and confidence.
• Ensure the restaurant is clean, organized, and "Hotbirds-ready" from open to close.
• Maintain tight control of lines, prep, BOH, FOH, expo, and station readiness.
• Hold every shift to brand standards — no drift, no shortcuts.
• Create an environment where the pace is high, the execution is sharp, and the energy is real.

2. Quality and Consistency

• Protect the integrity of every item served: perfect builds, correct portions, accurate temps, and on-brand presentation.
• Maintain the modern Southern cleanliness and polish that define Hotbirds.
• Use line checks, tastings, temp logs, and training to ensure consistency throughout the day.
• Identify issues early, correct them quickly, and coach the team to prevent repeats.

3. Hospitality and Guest Experience

• Deliver hospitality that is warm, confident, and naturally cool — never canned or corporate.
• Lead the floor during peak periods; be visible, approachable, and supportive.
• Resolve guest concerns with professionalism and genuine care.
• Oversee third-party accuracy and timing to ensure guests get the same high-level experience on and off-premise.

Every guest should walk out feeling taken care of — not rushed, not forgotten, and blown away by our ability to go above and beyond their expectations.

4. Financial Ownership

• Manage food cost, labor cost, SPLH, waste, and weekly P&L performance.
• Order accurately, maintain tight par levels, and keep inventory controlled.
• Use data (Toast, scheduling, waste logs, 3PD insights) to make smart, timely decisions.
• Protect profitability without sacrificing quality or guest experience.

This role requires financial awareness, but more importantly, operational discipline to support that awareness.

5. People and Culture

• Hire and develop a team that fits the Hotbirds personality: dependable, sharp, energetic, and guest-focused.
• Train with intention — clear communication, hands-on coaching, and follow-through.
• Build a strong bench by growing shift leaders and assistant managers.
• Maintain accountability without losing the supportive, upbeat energy that keeps people excited to come to work.
• Reinforce the chain of command and maintain a healthy communication rhythm with the team and with leadership.

6. Systems, Structure, and Brand Standards

• Execute all Hotbirds systems, platforms, and tools with precision: Toast, 7shifts, ADP, Loop, DoorDash Marketplace, SOPs, temp logs, sanitation logs, and checklists.
• Keep the restaurant visually and operationally aligned with Hotbirds' brand identity.
• Roll out new initiatives, SOP's, and systems with consistency and clarity.
• Maintain an environment that feels clean, current, and effortlessly organized.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• The restaurant feels controlled, consistent, and energized.
• Food quality is excellent at all times — peak hours included.
• The team is confident, highly trained, and aligned.
• The building stays clean, organized, and on-brand.
• Consistently meet or beat food and labor cost targets.
• The guest experience remains memorable, modern Southern, and unmistakably Hotbirds.

Success is simple: the restaurant runs right because the leadership runs right.

WHO FITS THIS ROLE

• Leaders who communicate clearly, calmly, and directly.
• Operators who thrive in fast-paced, hands-on environments.
• People who take pride in organization, cleanliness, and operational consistency.
• Managers who can coach, support, and hold standards — all at the same time.
• Individuals who bring fun and personality to the job, while maintaining professionalism and discipline.

If you believe a restaurant can be both structured and fun, both exacting and energetic, you will thrive at Hotbirds.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3–5+ years of management experience in fast-casual or QSR.
• Proven ability to run high-volume operations with consistency and control.
• Strong communicator with a track record of building cohesive teams.
• Skilled in food cost, labor management, inventory, and vendor relations.
• Hands-on leadership style — no office managers or clipboard leaders.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, modern Southern aesthetic and operational standard.

What's In It For You

• Competitive salary.
• Career Advancement Opportunities.
• Paid Time Off to support you in having an active life outside of work.
• Dining discount so you can share what you do with the ones you love.
• Shift meals because who doesn't like free food.

Hotbirds is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all employment decisions comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on any protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other status protected by state and or federal law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60, $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Work Location: In person