Director of Restaurant Operations

Gold Star•Cincinnati, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

GSR Brands is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Restaurant Operations to lead operational excellence across company-owned and franchised Gold Star and Tom & Chee restaurant locations. The role drives restaurant performance, strengthens franchise partnerships, develops field leadership, and ensures consistent execution of brand standards and the company’s Service Promise. The Director should understand restaurant operations and financial performance, build successful franchise relationships, and balance accountability with collaborative, people-focused leadership. This is an onsite position in Cincinnati, Ohio. Local candidates only; remote and hybrid candidates will not be considered. The position requires regular travel to company-owned and franchised restaurant locations, and candidates must currently live within commuting distance of Cincinnati. GSR Brands describes its culture as collaborative and people-first, guided by respect, integrity, passion, and trust. The company offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive culture where work-life balance matters.

Requirements

Minimum 8 years of progressive restaurant operations experience, including multi-unit leadership.
Direct experience working for a multi-unit restaurant franchised organization.
Previous experience as a Director of Operations, Regional Director, Area Director, or comparable multi-unit restaurant leader.
Proven success improving restaurant profitability, operational performance, and guest satisfaction.
Strong understanding of franchise relationships, brand compliance, and franchise operational support.
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop restaurant and field operations teams.
Strong financial acumen, including restaurant P&L management, budgeting, labor, and cost controls.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to travel regularly to company-owned and franchised restaurant locations.
Must currently reside within commuting distance of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Nice To Haves

Quick-service or fast-casual restaurant leadership experience.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
Experience with franchise development and new restaurant openings.
ServSafe certification.

Responsibilities

Oversee company-owned and franchised restaurant performance, driving sales, profitability, operational consistency, and guest satisfaction.
Build trusted relationships with franchise owners, provide operational guidance, and ensure adherence to brand standards.
Coach and lead District Managers, Franchise Business Consultants, and restaurant leadership teams; build accountability and develop talent.
Monitor P&Ls, labor, food costs, sales, and operating metrics to identify opportunities and improve restaurant profitability.
Lead hospitality initiatives, guest experience improvements, and consistent execution of the company’s Service Promise.
Oversee operational systems, food safety, quality, compliance, and consistent execution across the restaurant system.
Lead operational aspects of new restaurant openings, menu launches, technology implementations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Partner with executive leadership, Marketing, HR, Training, Finance, and franchise partners to execute strategic initiatives and achieve business objectives.