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Restaurant Consulting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Manager

Mill Valley, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Restaurant Manager - Piatti Mill Valley Do you love the structure of a well-run restaurant? Does a ... consulting services. Palisades is committed to creating design-driven, dynamic spaces thoughtfully ...

Restaurant Manager - Piatti Mill Valley Do you love the structure of a well-run restaurant? Does a ... consulting services. Palisades is committed to creating design-driven, dynamic spaces thoughtfully ...

Restaurant Manager

Mill Valley, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Restaurant Manager - Piatti Mill Valley Do you love the structure of a well-run restaurant? Does a ... consulting services. Palisades is committed to creating design-driven, dynamic spaces thoughtfully ...

Restaurant Manager

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$64K - $69K/yr

The Role The Restaurant Manager oversees daily operations, staff performance, and customer ... consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also a violation of the law.

Restaurant Manager

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$64K - $69K/yr

The Role The Restaurant Manager oversees daily operations, staff performance, and customer ... consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also a violation of the law.

New

Restaurant Manager

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$64K - $69K/yr

The Role The Restaurant Manager oversees daily operations, staff performance, and customer ... consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also a violation of the law.

Restaurant Manager

Manhattan Beach, CA ยท On-site

$64K - $69K/yr

The Role The Restaurant Manager oversees daily operations, staff performance, and customer ... consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also a violation of the law.

The Role The Restaurant Manager oversees dailyoperations, staff performance, and customer ... consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also aviolation of the law.

New

The Role The Restaurant Manager oversees dailyoperations, staff performance, and customer ... consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also aviolation of the law.

New

The Role The Restaurant Manager oversees dailyoperations, staff performance, and customer ... consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also aviolation of the law.

New

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Showing results 1-20

Restaurant Consulting information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$59.3K

$189K

How much do restaurant consulting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant consulting in California is $59,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $63,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is restaurant consulting?

Restaurant consulting is a professional service where experts provide advice and strategies to help restaurant owners improve their business operations, increase profitability, and solve specific challenges. Consultants may assist with menu development, staff training, marketing, financial analysis, and overall business planning. Their goal is to leverage industry experience to help restaurants achieve sustainable success and growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Consultant, you need in-depth knowledge of restaurant operations, culinary trends, and business management, usually supported by experience in hospitality or a related degree. Familiarity with POS systems, restaurant analytics software, and food safety certifications is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability help consultants build trust and tailor solutions for diverse clients. These qualifications ensure consultants can optimize restaurant performance, drive profitability, and navigate industry challenges.

What are the most common challenges faced by restaurant consultants when working with new clients?

Restaurant consultants often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from existing staff or management, aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, and quickly understanding the unique operational issues of each restaurant. Consultants must balance recommending industry best practices with respecting the client's vision and brand identity. Building trust and clear communication are essential to effectively implement new strategies and drive sustainable improvements.

What is the difference between Restaurant Consulting vs Restaurant Manager?

AspectRestaurant ConsultingRestaurant Manager
CredentialsIndustry experience, certifications in hospitality or businessHospitality management degree, experience in restaurant operations
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, client locations, project-basedRestaurant premises, daily operational oversight
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, independent consultants, hospitality industrySingle restaurant or chain, hospitality industry
Primary FocusAdvising on business strategies, operational improvements, menu developmentOverseeing daily restaurant operations, staff management, customer service

While both roles are integral to the restaurant industry, Restaurant Consulting focuses on providing expert advice and strategic solutions to improve restaurant performance. In contrast, a Restaurant Manager handles daily operations, staff, and customer experience on-site. Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the right professional for their needs.

Do restaurant consultants make good money?

Restaurant consultants typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scope of projects. Successful consultants with specialized skills or a strong client base can earn higher incomes, especially when working on large or complex restaurant projects.

How much do restaurant consultants make in the US?

Restaurant consultants in the US typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scope of projects. Senior consultants or those with specialized expertise can earn higher salaries or hourly rates, often exceeding $150 per hour. Many work as independent contractors, which can affect income variability and benefits.

How to get into restaurant consulting?

To enter restaurant consulting, professionals typically gain experience in restaurant operations, management, or hospitality, often holding a background in culinary arts, business, or hospitality management. Developing strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with industry knowledge and certifications such as ServSafe or hospitality management credentials, can enhance prospects. Building a network through industry events and demonstrating expertise through case studies or consulting projects also helps establish credibility in the field.

What does a restaurant consulting do?

A restaurant consultant provides expert advice to improve restaurant operations, menu design, marketing, and profitability. They analyze business processes, recommend strategies, and may assist with staff training or layout planning to enhance overall performance.

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Consulting jobs in California?

For Restaurant Consulting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Consulting jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Consulting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Restaurant Consulting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Restaurant Consulting job openings:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Consulting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,347 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Small Business Consultant - Restaurant Operations and Growth

CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation ("ASC")

Fullerton, CA โ€ข On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Orange County / Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network is a federal program partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration & the California Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development. The SBDC is hosted by CSU, Fullerton

The purpose of this grant is to provide no-cost technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Orange County. The CSUF SBDC is seeking a Consultant with extensive experience in the restaurant industry with focus on operations and growth. Owned and operated their own restaurant location, preferably multiple locations.

*Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding or new Grant/Contract. Essential Duties Provide consulting, training, and information services in the region to pre-venture, start-up, and small size businesses.

Maintain client database by preparing detailed written assessment and make recommendations for improvements. Keep abreast of business trends, techniques, and processes. Work collaboratively with peers and the business community to expand expertise.

Community outreach responsibilities will include public presentations to key stakeholders and service on appropriate boards and committees related to economic development. Travel as required to perform cross county-wide job functions. Complete all forms and maintain client files as required by the SBA.

Document information, assistance, and outcomes of sessions with clients related to consulting and training activities performed by the consultant. Provide Center with timely reports related to milestones and success stories of client's economic outcomes. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Must be previous or current small business owner. Key understanding of small business issues related to food businesses and restaurants. Owned a restaurant location, preferably multiple locations.

Key understanding of small business issues related to the food/restaurant industry. Extensive knowledge in the ins and outs of day-to-day restaurant operations, employee management, staff operations, budget analysis, pricing models, inventory control, health department requirements and lease negotiations. Proven experience managing multi-unit restaurant operations.

Expertise in creating and implementing growth strategies for restaurants including market analysis, site selection, and operational scaling. Skills in developing standard operating procedures to maintain quality and consistency across multiple locations. Ability to assess readiness and manage budgets.

Expertise in hiring, training and retaining staff for scalability. Knowledge of menu design to maximize profitability and operational efficiency across locations. Proficiency in managing supplier relationships and logistics.

Proficiency in analyzing sales, labor and operational data to guide strategic decisions. Experience in advising small businesses. Experience delivering business presentations on a variety of topics in a public setting to diverse audiences.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with staff, clients, government agency(s), business resources, and the general public. Computer skills with working knowledge of various software packages are necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Expertise in site selection, commercial lease analysis and negotiation, occupancy-cost analysis, and location strategy. Bilingual - Spanish or Vietnamese, preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and proficiency with computers and web-based research EDUCATION: Minimum Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience in business management or financial analysis (minimum four years), or bachelor's degree in any field with two years of business management or business ownership.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Lifting of up to 25lbs.; periodic bending; long-term periods of sitting; long term periods operating a computer. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: CSU Fullerton, Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at (657) 278-4117. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASC.

Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASC employees who apply for the position.