Assistant Manager
Lead a Team. Build a Culture. Make an Impact.
We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and results-driven Assistant Manager to help lead the daily operations of our Tropical Smoothie Cafe. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys leading by example, developing team members, and taking ownership of restaurant operations.
The Assistant Manager plays a key leadership role by ensuring excellent customer service, maintaining operational standards, coaching employees, and helping the restaurant achieve its sales and profitability goals. We're looking for someone who is organized, accountable, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Weekend Leadership Requirement
This is primarily a weekend-based management position.
Applicants must be available to work most weekends throughout the year, including Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The Assistant Manager must be available to open and/or close the restaurant on weekends as business needs require.
Weekend availability is an essential function of this position. Applicants who cannot consistently meet this availability requirement will not be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily restaurant operations and ensure smooth, efficient service.
- Supervise, coach, and develop team members while fostering a positive and accountable work environment.
- Train and onboard new employees.
- Assist with scheduling and ensure shifts are properly staffed.
- Maintain and enforce company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
- Oversee inventory, ordering, and stock management.
- Handle customer concerns professionally and resolve issues promptly.
- Monitor labor, productivity, food quality, and overall operational performance.
- Assist with achieving sales, profitability, and operational goals.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards.
- Support ongoing process improvements to enhance the guest and employee experience.
- Serve as the Manager on Duty and confidently operate the restaurant in the absence of ownership.
Compensation & Benefits
This position includes both hourly pay and tip income. Tips are earned in addition to your hourly base pay and typically average $1.50–$2.50 per hour, depending on business volume and shifts worked.
Training Period (First 2 Weeks)
Introductory Period (Day 15 through Day 60)
Assistant Manager
Upon successful completion of the 60-day introductory period:
Paid Time Off
After successfully completing the 60-day introductory period, employees begin accruing 80 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually, accrued on a per-pay-period basis in accordance with company policy.
Performance Bonus
Assistant Managers are eligible to earn an annual performance bonus of up to 5% of their annual base wages. Bonus eligibility is based on overall job performance, leadership, reliability, and continued employment. Bonuses are evaluated and paid semiannually.
Schedule
This position may be full-time or part-time, depending on the candidate.
Required availability includes:
- Fridays
- Saturdays
- Sundays
- Opening and closing shifts as needed
Applicants without regular weekend availability will not be considered.
Qualifications
- Previous supervisory, assistant management, or management experience in food service, retail, or hospitality.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to motivate and coach a team while maintaining accountability.
- Excellent customer service and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Dependable, professional, and able to work independently.
- High school diploma or equivalent required. College coursework or a degree in Business, Hospitality, or Management is a plus.
Why Join Our Team?
We are a locally owned Tropical Smoothie Cafe located on the University of Tennessee campus. We believe great restaurants are built by great leaders. We invest in our managers by providing competitive pay, opportunities for advancement, paid time off, performance bonuses, and the autonomy to make a meaningful impact on our business.
If you're looking for more than just a job—and want the opportunity to lead a team, develop people, and grow with a successful local business—we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $16.50 - $22.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work most weekends throughout the year (Friday–Sunday)?
- Are you available to open or close on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays as needed?
- Do you have any recurring weekend commitments (school, second job, childcare, travel) that would limit your availability?
- Approximately how many weekends per year would you be unavailable to work?
Work Location: In person
