Front of House - Flight Team Leader

bartaco•Arlington, VA

About The Position

At bartaco, food is our passion - but people are our purpose. We invest in our team because our people are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re growing into leadership, hospitality, or culinary, bartaco is the place to learn, succeed, and thrive. Founded in 2010 and inspired by a healthy, outdoor lifestyle, bartaco combines fresh, upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. With more than 30 locations across the country, bartaco remains committed to delivering good vibes, inspiration, and joy to one guest, one employee, and one community at a time. We’re guest-obsessed and culture-driven. We’re guest-obsessed and culture-driven, working together to create unforgettable guest experiences. We’re all about fresh flavors, coastal vibes, and good energy. We’re looking for culinary leaders who live and breathe hospitality, love developing people, and have a serious passion for precision & fun. Our culture is built on what we call our bartaco touchstones - the things that make us who we are: Pride – You bring your best self to every shift and take pride in the magic we create together. Good People – You value teamwork, lead with kindness, and build trust with everyone around you. Positively Intolerant – You hold yourself and your team to high standards—because “good enough” isn’t in your vocabulary. Introspective – You’re always learning, growing, and leveling up. Transparent – You communicate openly, honestly, and with heart. We Have Fun + Make People Happy – You bring the energy and positivity that make bartaco a place people want to be. We are seeking an Operational Leader who leads with heart, inspires teams, and brings out the very best in every guest experience. This role is ideal for a proven operator and culture-builder who thrives in dynamic environments—someone who can step into a variety of restaurant settings, much like navigating different markets, quickly reading the room, understanding the culture, and elevating each experience with care and intention. You will move fluidly across restaurants, bringing stability, strengthening teams, and enhancing hospitality wherever you go. Like a seasoned traveler who knows how to find connections in any place, you’ll adapt to each restaurant’s unique rhythm while ensuring a consistently warm, welcoming, and memorable guest experience. As a trusted partner and leader, you will lead by example, guide teams through change, and create a sense of belonging for both guests and team members. Your impact will be measured not only in performance, but in how guests feel when they walk through the door—and how teams feel when they come to work.

Requirements

A love to travel + spend time in different cities
5+ years of Manager, AGM, or General Manager, training, or multi-unit leadership experience in high-volume restaurant
Ability to travel extensively (90%+) - or a mix of all!
A track record of improving performance while enhancing the overall guest experience
Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to quickly build trust with diverse teams
Solid business acumen, with experience improving sales, retention, and guest satisfaction
Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, ever-changing environments

Nice To Haves

You lead with hospitality, creating experiences that guests remember and teams are proud of
You inspire others through your presence, empathy, and consistency
You balance results with care, ensuring both performance and people thrive
You leave every place better with stronger teams, elevated service, and a lasting culture of hospitality!

Responsibilities

Lead with authenticity, care, and high standards - creating an environment where both guests and team members feel valued.
Set the tone quickly by fostering a culture of genuine hospitality, teamwork, and pride in service.
Model behaviors that put the guest experience at the center of every decision
Champion exceptional service standards that create memorable, repeat-worthy guest experiences.
Ensure consistency in food quality, cleanliness, and atmosphere across every location.
Identify opportunities to elevate the guest journey and turn everyday visits into standout moments.
Build a positive, inclusive culture rooted in respect, recognition, and clear communication.
Coach and support leaders and team members to deliver both great results and great hospitality.
Strengthen trust and engagement by listening, responding, and leading with empathy.
Quickly assess each restaurant’s operations and implement thoughtful improvements that enhance both efficiency and the guest experience.
Ensure teams have the tools, training, and clarity needed to succeed.
Maintain strong performance through smart decision-making around staffing, scheduling, and resource management.
Step into leadership roles as needed to provide continuity and confidence for teams and guests.
Support restaurant openings, transitions, and key moments with a steady, guest-first approach.
Partner with regional and support teams to ensure alignment and seamless execution when new managers are hired
Identify and develop future leaders who embody both operational excellence and genuine hospitality.
Mentor managers and team members to build confidence, capability, and career growth.
Help create strong, sustainable teams that continue delivering great guest experiences long after your time on-site.