Restaurant Area Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

AREA DIRECTOR Our client owns and operates nine unique full-service restaurants across Orlando, FL, and Alexandria, VA. Guided by a hyper-local strategy, they leverage strong community connections, a loyal guest following, and dedicated team members to create exceptional dining experiences. With a portfolio of multi-million-dollar restaurants, their mission is to impact lives through extraordinary hospitality - "our people, our guests, and our community".

POSITION OVERVIEW The Area Director is responsible for overseeing the operational performance of four restaurant locations across Alexandria, VA and Orlando, FL. This role partners closely with General Managers to drive profitability, maintain operational excellence, strengthen team culture, and ensure exceptional guest experiences across all assigned restaurants. This position requires a highly organized, hands-on leader with strong multi-unit restaurant experience and the ability to effectively manage geographically separated teams.

The Area Director will serve as a key operational leader supporting company standards, financial performance, leadership development, and growth initiatives. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Operational Leadership Lead by example on company's operations vision and core principles Oversee daily hospitality and operational performance across all assigned restaurant locations Ensure consistency in hospitality, food quality, service standards, and cleanliness Manage and address to completion all day-to-day "fires" related to facility, people, and equipment Develop and execute action plans to enhance restaurant performance and operational execution Support and ensure new initiatives, menu items, training programs, and marketing promotions are rolled out to company standards Maintain full compliance with company standards, safety protocols, health regulations, and labor laws Conduct weekly in-person restaurant visits, shift operational reviews, and comprehensive operational audits Leadership & Team Development Coach, mentor, and develop General Managers and management teams Build accountability and leadership consistency across all locations Manage people processes like managers meetings, one-on-ones, and progressive discipline Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and retention efforts Develop succession plans and leadership bench strength Promote a positive, hospitality-driven culture focused on teamwork and performance Financial Management Maintain in-depth knowledge and understanding of respective restaurant P&Ls and financial trends Drive sales growth, profitability, and operational efficiencies across all locations Analyze P&L statements, labor reports, food costs, and operational KPIs Partner with General Managers to achieve budget and performance goals Identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce waste, and increase productivity Monitor inventory, receiving, and purchasing controls Monitor and coach on labor controls and costs Educate and coach the restaurant management teams to increase their financial know-how and teach them ways to impact their P&L Hospitality and Guest Experience Ensure the consistent delivery of Level 3 hospitality by cultivating an exceptional service culture through engaging pre-shift meetings and other impactful team touchpoints Resolve escalated guest concerns and operational issues Monitor guest feedback, online reviews, and service metrics Reinforce hospitality standards and company culture Food & Beverage Quality Conduct food and beverage quality reviews, especially observing and evaluating expo, during each restaurant visit to ensure consistent execution of company standards Maintain an expert-level understanding of all aspects of company's food production, continuously observing, evaluating, and correcting as needed, including recipe adherence, food quality, storage practices, and kitchen equipment Observe and validate that line checks and production walks are completed in accordance with company systems and standards Facilities & Maintenance Management Proactively identify and address facility issues before they impact operations or guest experience Oversee preventative maintenance programs across all restaurant locations Partner with GMs to coordinate repairs, vendor services, and emergency maintenance issues in a timely manner Ensure all locations are operating in a safe, clean, and well-maintained condition - conduct monthly facility audits at each store to validate Manage relationships with facility vendors, contractors, and service providers Ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety regulations, and health inspections related to physical plant standards Travel & Communication Travel regularly between Virginia and Florida restaurant locations Maintain strong communication and visibility with all restaurant leadership teams Partner closely with the Corporate team on performance updates, operational priorities, and strategic initiatives Utilize technology and reporting tools to manage multi-state operations effectively Oversees: 4 Restaurant Locations (2 in Virginia, 2 in Florida) Requirements QUALIFICATIONS 3-5+ years of multi-unit restaurant management experience Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required Experience overseeing multiple high-volume, full-service restaurants strongly preferred Strong understanding of restaurant financials, including P&L management Proven leadership abilities with a track record of team development Excellent communication, coaching, and organizational skills Willingness and ability to travel regularly between locations (up to 40%) Proficiency with restaurant POS, labor management, and inventory systems Hands-on, operationally strong leader with a hospitality-first mindset Data-driven decision-maker with strong analytical skills Highly organized, accountable, and detail-oriented Thrives in fast-paced, multi-unit environments Leads by example and builds culture through presence and consistency Strong follow-through and attention to detail Capable of balancing strategic leadership with tactical day-to-day execution Benefits People are the CORE of their company. That's why their benefits include: Monthly EBITDA-based bonus Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions Generous paid time off and sick leave 100% complimentary dining privileges across all locations.