Location: Chicago, IL + Chicagoland
Type: Full-Time | Equity + Salary/Profit Share
Company Stage: Franchise
About the Opportunity
A popular specialty donut franchise concept is coming to Chicago, and we’re building the foundation for a high-growth, multi-location rollout across Chicagoland.
We’re looking for a founding operator to help launch and scale the first location with a clear path to equity and long-term ownership.
This is not a typical store manager role. This is for someone who wants to build something from the ground up and grow with it.
Role Overview
You’ll act as the day-to-day operator and right hand to ownership, responsible for bringing the concept to life and setting the standard for future locations.
Your impact will directly shape:
- The customer experience
- Store-level profitability
- The playbook for expansion
What You’ll Do
Operations & Execution
- Lead daily store operations (open → close)
- Ensure product quality, speed, and consistency
- Build and implement SOPs from day one
- Manage inventory, vendors, and cost controls
Team Building & Leadership
- Hire, train, and manage a high-performing team
- Create a strong culture of accountability and energy
- Own scheduling and labor optimization
Growth & Scaling
- Help refine and optimize the concept
- Identify ways to improve margins + efficiency
- Play a key role in opening additional locations
- Think like an owner — not just an employee
Requirements
- 3–5 years in food & beverage management or franchise operations
- Proven experience managing teams
- Strong grasp of unit economics (labor, food cost, margins)
- Must have reliable transportation (car)
- Willing to be hands-on and on-site daily
- Self-starter with a startup / entrepreneurial mindset
Ideal Candidate
- Background with high-volume QSR or fast casual brands like Wingstop, Dunkin', or similar
- Has ambitions to own or operate multiple locations
- Moves fast, solves problems, and takes initiative
- Strong leadership + operational discipline
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, build-as-you-go environment
Compensation
- Competitive base salary (based on experience)
- Performance bonuses tied to store success
- Equity / vesting opportunity or structured buy-in
- Significant upside as the concept scales
Why This Is Different
- Be part of launching a recognized specialty donut brand in a major market
- Direct path to ownership, not just employment
- Opportunity to grow into a multi-unit operator
- Build systems and processes that will scale across locations
How to Apply
Please send:
- Resume
- Short note: Why do you want to be an operator/owner vs. just a manager?
- Any experience with scaling or improving store operations
Bonus Points
- Experience opening a new restaurant/location
- Managed P&L responsibility
- Franchise or multi-unit exposure
- Entrepreneurial or investment mindset
Pay: $25.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
