General Manager, Proof of Concept Hello Hilo

Joining Kings Hawaiian makes you part of our ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate pursue learning through curiosity and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If youre excited to rise with our team come and join our ohana!

Who Are We
Hello Hilo is a new fast casual restaurant bringing Hawaii-inspired eats & treats to Gainesville GA. Developed by the Taira family founders of KINGS HAWAIIAN Hello Hilo is named for Hilo HI where Robert R. Taira opened his first bakery more than 70 years ago. Hello Hilo offers a refreshing island oasis with a unique and delicious menu served with the Aloha Spirit.

What Are We Looking For
Were seeking a General Manager to lead our proof-of-concept restaurant. This isnt the General Manager role youre used to; this is a unique opportunity to shape and build a brand. This role will continue the Taira familys mission of spreading Aloha through our Hawaii-inspired food and core values. Aloha isnt just a word its a mindset that guides everything we do from the way we create irresistible dishes to how we engage with our guests and the community we proudly consider our Ohana (family).

As General Manager reporting directly to the President of the IFG Restaurant Group youll be at the forefront of building this new brand driving its success and ensuring it resonates with guests from the moment they walk through the door. Youll own the responsibility for shaping every aspect of the restaurant from creating and executing strategic initiatives that drive foot traffic to cultivating a strong brand presence in the community.

In this key role youll own and align the vision and strategic plan lead and develop a high-energy team of high-performing hearts and heads inspire exceptional service and cultivate an environment where every guest feels like family. You will use your ability to drive customer loyalty and develop innovative strategies that attract and retain a dedicated following. Your entrepreneurial spirit will fuel your ability to generate buzz drive traffic and elevate the restaurants reputation ensuring it becomes a favorite local destination. This is an opportunity to not only lead but also create a lasting impact as you build and grow a new brand that will reflect the spirit of Aloha in everything we do.

Who Are You
Youre an ambitious visionary leader excited to leave your mark on the restaurant world. Youre not the typical restaurant general manager; youre driven by the opportunity to take ownership of a new concept make a continuous impact and grow the business into something irresistible. Your passion for delivering unforgettable guest experiences is matched only by your dedication to building empowering and leading a high-performing team that shares your vision. You thrive in fast-paced dynamic environments and you know how to inspire your team to reach new heights. You dont just manage you develop and you live for watching your people grow into their full potential.

You see food as an art and a passion and you believe every detail mattersfrom the dish that leaves the kitchen to the guest who experiences it. But youre not just focused on the food; you understand that a great team is at the heart of everything. You know that when your team is motivated and supported thats when the magic happens. You take ownership and create an environment where collaboration curiosity and success are the norm.

Youre a big-picture thinker always seeking ways to innovate scale and grow. You want to shape the future of the business and youre not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. You prioritize execute and lead by example. Your team looks to you not only for guidance but for inspiration.

Your passion for the restaurant industry is infectious and youre always looking for the next opportunity to improve evolve and push the boundaries of whats possible. Youre not afraid to challenge the status quo and lead with a sense of purpose and excitement. You see challenges as opportunities and never settle for anything less than excellence.

Youre excited to create an environment where everyone works together to win learns from the challenges and celebrates the victoriesbig and small. When it comes down to it youre all about building something great together. Its about having fun getting things done and leaving a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of the restaurants success driving key initiatives making bold decisions and approaching every challenge with the mindset of a business owner. You will lead with confidence holding yourself and the team accountable for achieving goals. Your decisions will affect every aspect of the restaurant from day-to-day operations to long-term growth and you will strive to create a high-performance culture grounded in our values.
• Lead the flawless execution of all food and bakery preparations ensuring exceptional quality and consistency in every item served. Youll set the standard for excellence ensuring that every dish or baked good that leaves the kitchen reflects your commitment to food quality. Your attention to detail will elevate the guest experience creating irresistible moments that delight and keep them coming back for more.
• Develop and implement creative strategies to drive foot traffic into the restaurant maximize customer engagement and build lasting relationships. Youll be the driving force behind innovative strategies that attract new customers and keep them coming back. Your ability to think outside the box will turn every guest visit into a memorable experience and inspire word-of-mouth growth.
• Partner closely with the marketing team to create powerful campaigns that boost brand visibility increase customer engagement and drive promotions and events that captivate both new and returning guests. Your collaboration with marketing will elevate the brand ensuring the restaurant stands out in the community. Whether its launching a new promotion or hosting an unforgettable event youll ensure every initiative amplifies the restaurants presence and creates excitement.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with local businesses and the greater community to prove the brand as a cornerstone of the neighborhood. By engaging with the local community youll forge connections that create loyalty and drive traffic. Youll become the go-to gathering place not just for great food but for community events and partnerships that give back to the people you serve.
• Identify new revenue streams that ensure sustainable business growth and long-term success. Youll uncover new opportunities to enhance profitability. Ensuring the restaurant continues to evolve and thrive.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and analyze the competitive landscape to adapt and continuously innovate. Youll keep your finger on the pulse of the restaurant and hospitality industry constantly seeking trends and insights that will keep the restaurant ahead of the curve. Your forward-thinking approach will ensure that the restaurant stays competitive relevant and innovative in a constantly evolving industry.
• Recruit find and cultivate top talent building a high-performing team and providing opportunities for growth and advancement within the restaurant. Youll be the champion for your team recruiting the best talent and fostering a culture of support accountability and encouragement to learn and grow.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset & Self-Motivation: Strong drive for continuous improvement with a passion for the grind and growth in a startup environment.
• Leadership: Proven experience as a General Manager or a similar leadership role with a focus on leading people rather than managing them. Strong leadership communication and people skills to build relationships with team members and peers at all levels.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability: Curious critical thinker with a collaborative approach to problem solving and a strong ability to identify gaps and implement solutions. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Collaboration Across All Levels: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with teams at all levels of the organization upward downward and across departments ensuring alignment and driving shared goals and outcomes.
• Financial Acumen: Experience with budgeting cost control and understanding financial metrics to drive profitability.
• Customer Focus: Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and maintaining high service standards.
• Operational Knowledge: In-depth understanding of daily restaurant operations food safety regulations and best practices to ensure smooth and compliant operations.
• Experience in Startups: Proven ability to excel in a startup or proof-of-concept environment demonstrating flexibility resilience and an entrepreneurial approach.

Requirements:

• Experience: 3-5 years in a leadership role preferably as a General Manager or in a similar capacity within the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to lead teams and manage customer relationships effectively.
• Versatility: Ability to adapt and adjust with ease. Always willing to help where needed.
• Passion & Stamina: A deep passion for hospitality with the ability to work long hours including nights weekends and holidays in a physically demanding environment.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED.

If youre ready to bring your passion creativity and leadership to a place where you can truly make an impact we want to hear from you. This isnt just a job its a chance to build something amazing together.

Kings Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.