Job Overview
General Manager
AYG Foods — Layne's Chicken Fingers
At Layne's Chicken Fingers, we take everything seriously except ourselves. Established in 1994, Layne's is THE “born and breaded in Texas” chicken finger restaurant. Our culture traces back to College Station, where we perfected our chicken finger frying technique — and that same spirit drives every AYG Foods restaurant today: a fun, fast-paced, dynamic team that never takes itself too seriously, but takes food and service EXTREMELY seriously.
Our Store Managers are our HOSTs, responsible for upholding our core values every single shift. Each HOST leads a team of officers — because at Layne's, everyone we hire matters, and the minimum title you'll ever hold here is Officer.
Reports To
District Manager
Direct Reports
Shift Leaders & Restaurant Officers
Location
AYG Foods / Layne's Chicken Fingers — Houston, TX Restaurants
Employment Type
Full-Time, Salaried
Position Summary
The General Manager is responsible for running the restaurant and reports directly to the District Manager. The GM maintains the restaurant in accordance with AYG Foods' approved operating procedures and within the approved budget, while building excellent relationships with employees, ownership, and guests alike and promoting the professional growth of the entire team.
The GM also provides strategic direction for the restaurant — driving results through people development, sales growth, and profit growth. This means hiring, training, and developing employees and managers who share Layne's values and culture, and conveying that culture to the crew as a creative team player who works hard, has fun, and shows sincere dedication to Layne's Chicken Fingers.
Core Values
Core Value
What It Means as GM
Joy of Food
You set the standard for product pride in your restaurant — every basket that leaves the window reflects your quality bar.
Guaranteed Hospitality
You build a floor culture where great guest experience isn't the exception, it's the habit — for every guest, every shift.
Community Serving
You think beyond your four walls, actively engaging local schools and businesses to make your restaurant a meaningful presence in the neighborhood.
Persistent Improvement
You are never satisfied with the status quo — you drive daily improvements in speed, quality, and team performance.
Feedback with Kindness
You give and receive feedback with honesty and empathy, and you coach your team the same way.
Enthusiastic Positivity
Your energy sets the tone for the shift — you lead with optimism and build a team that wants to win together.
Key Responsibilities
People & Team Development
- Schedule, train, manage, and develop staff, including oversight of the new-hire orientation process.
- Monitor, manage, and develop the performance of associates; communicate closely with leadership on hiring, counseling, and separation decisions.
- Ensure all company procedures are followed for HR issues, and participate in employee meetings and training programs.
- Carry out management responsibilities in accordance with AYG Foods' policies and all applicable employment laws.
Financial & Operational Management
- Own your restaurant's budget with a complete understanding of what you're accountable for financially and what it costs to run the store.
- Perform regular cash and safe audits per company policy, and continuously monitor sales and cost trends to keep the restaurant performing at its financial best.
- Maintain food cost while protecting quality standards, and manage purchasing and inventory controls.
- Schedule, hire, train, and inspect both back-of-house and front-of-house workstations, including inventory and ordering.
Restaurant & Guest Standards
- Always maintain the restaurant in immaculately clean condition; promptly communicate any maintenance, repair, or service issues to leadership.
- Continuously look for new ways to enhance the customer experience, and maintain excellent relationships with every guest.
- Be knowledgeable on HACCP controls and the proper storage and use of food; conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance programs.
- Handle sudden situations — staff or customer complaints, inventory shortages, staffing gaps, or emergencies — with style and grace.
Brand & Community
- Represent Layne's at all times in conjunction with the brand's Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
- Actively connect with the local community, reaching out to schools and businesses to elevate Layne's presence in the neighborhood.
- Serve as a brand ambassador for Layne's both inside and outside the restaurant.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2+ years of previous quick-service restaurant drive-thru supervisory experience.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Proficient in a variety of technology systems, especially Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), with the ability to adapt to new systems quickly.
- Able to lift and carry, push or pull heavy objects up to fifty pounds; kneel, bend, stoop, ascend or descend stairs; reach and grasp objects as needed.
What Sets a Great AYG GM Apart
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to quickly and effectively resolve issues involving staff and customers.
- Excellent leadership and organizational skills; flexible and adaptable with sharp attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of food purchasing, food costs, and inventory control.
- Ability to build budgets, flash reports, financial targets, and forecasts, and to analyze P&L statements and overall restaurant financial performance.
- Knowledge of cash handling procedures and reconciliation of multiple cash banks and reports.
- Understanding of compliance requirements for health and fire regulations around food preparation and service.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage all public dealings professionally.
- Strong time management, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Sound knowledge of labor laws and staffing best practices.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and empower associates to higher levels of performance.
- Ability to recognize problems, problem-solve, and convert plans into action.
- Ability to accept feedback and a genuine willingness to improve.
- Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior.
- ServSafe or Department of Health certification a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer competitive compensation, medical benefits, and a 401(k) match. Team members enjoy free meals during their shift and flexible hours.
Layne's was established in College Station in 1994. After years of perfecting our craft, AYG Foods is proud to help graduate the brand into bigger markets — and we'd love for you to come with us.
We are looking for GREAT people. Huge emphasis on great! Our team is full of positive, friendly, hardworking individuals, and we work hard to keep it that way — it's a huge part of what makes this such a great place to work.
Our promise is as simple as our concept. We serve four main products: Soon to be Famous™ Chicken Fingers, Crinkle-Cut Fries, Secret Sauce, and Texas Toast. That focus lets us deliver the best quality food with the most efficient service.
AYG Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Pay: From $58,750.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
