ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Restaurant Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Swoon Staffing

Legal Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Restaurant Development Legal team. This short-term opportunity is ideal for someone looking to gain experience in a corporate environment while supporting a team responsible for real estate ...

Rosewood Hotel Group

Restaurant Manager

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$80K/yr

The Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, development,and performance management of employees, ensure that guests are satisfied with their dining ...

Rosewood Hotel Group

Restaurant Manager

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, development,and performance management of employees, ensure that guests are satisfied with their dining ...

Corky's Barbecue

Chief Operating Officer

Memphis, TN · On-site

Evaluate opportunities for new restaurant development, market expansion, and strategic growth initiatives. * Build the operational infrastructure required to support future restaurant openings.

loco

Restaurant Opening Leader

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Lead on-site operational execution for all phases of restaurant development from pre-opening, training, opening, and through stabilization. * Partner with Operations, Training, HR, and Facilities to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRestaurant Development Jobs

Restaurant Development information

See salary details

$9

$21

$32

How much do restaurant development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant development in the United States is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a Restaurant Development role, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

Professionals in Restaurant Development often navigate challenges such as site selection in competitive markets, adhering to zoning or regulatory requirements, and aligning new locations with brand standards. Candidates can prepare by developing strong analytical skills for market research, gaining familiarity with real estate negotiation, and building relationships with local authorities and contractors. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as operations, marketing, and design—is also key to ensuring successful openings and long-term profitability.

What is restaurant development?

Restaurant development refers to the process of planning, designing, and opening new restaurant locations or expanding existing ones. This role involves site selection, negotiations with landlords, managing construction or renovations, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Restaurant development professionals work closely with architects, contractors, and business leaders to bring new dining experiences to market and support a brand's growth strategy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Restaurant Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Restaurant Development, you need expertise in site selection, market analysis, project management, and a background in business, real estate, or hospitality. Familiarity with real estate management systems, geographic information systems (GIS), and relevant certifications such as Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) is often valuable. Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and drive successful project outcomes. These skills ensure effective expansion, minimize risks, and support long-term growth for restaurant brands.

What is the difference between Restaurant Development vs Restaurant Manager?

AspectRestaurant DevelopmentRestaurant Manager
Primary FocusExpanding and opening new restaurant locations, strategic growthOverseeing daily restaurant operations, staff management
Required CredentialsBusiness or hospitality degree, experience in expansionHospitality management, customer service skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, site visits, project planningRestaurant floor, staff supervision
Industry UsageUsed by restaurant chains, franchisorsUsed by individual restaurant outlets and chains

Restaurant Development focuses on strategic growth, site selection, and opening new locations, often working in corporate settings. In contrast, a Restaurant Manager handles daily operations, staff, and customer service at an existing restaurant. Both roles are vital but serve different stages of a restaurant's lifecycle.

More about Restaurant Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Restaurant Development jobs? Cities with the most Restaurant Development job openings:
What states have the most Restaurant Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Restaurant Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Development jobs are:
Restaurant Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,409 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
RISE Restaurant Development Program

RISE Restaurant Development Program

Chick-fil-A

Lincoln Park, MI

$23 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Chick-fil-A rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7,579 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 104 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

RISE Restaurant Development Program Leader

Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park | 2-Year Leadership Development Program

Program Overview

The RISE Restaurant Development Program is a 2-year intensive leadership experience designed to develop high-capacity leaders for future restaurant ownership, senior leadership roles, or advanced Chick-fil-A leadership pathways.

Participants will receive hands-on operational leadership experience while engaging in structured development focused on people leadership, business acumen, culture building, and community impact.

This role is for individuals ready to grow, lead, and step outside of their comfort zone in preparation for long-term leadership within the Chick-fil-A organization.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead shifts and oversee daily restaurant operations
  • Manage and develop Team Members and Team Leaders
  • Support hiring, onboarding, and people development initiatives
  • Execute operational excellence in food safety, service, and systems
  • Partner with Directors on business strategy and execution
  • Take ownership of specific business areas and projects
  • Assist with HR processes and team member relations
  • Model Chick-fil-A hospitality and leadership culture daily
Development Commitments

Participants will engage in structured growth including:

  • Weekly leadership development meetings
  • Book studies (4 books per year)
  • HR Certification completion
  • ServSafe Certification completion
  • Exposure to financials, staffing, and business planning
  • Community and marketing initiative involvement
  • Ownership preparation conversations and coaching
Admission Criteria

To be considered for the RISE Program, candidates must:

  • Have minimum 2 years of work experience
  • Demonstrate prior leadership experience
  • Hold a 4-year college degree
  • Exhibit strong character, coachability, and work ethic
  • Desire long-term leadership growth or restaurant ownership
  • Align with Chick-fil-A values and service standards
Role Expectations
  • Willing to work open or close shifts
  • Ability to work 45–60 hours per week based on business needs
  • Comfortable working long hours on their feet
  • Willing to step outside of comfort zone regularly
  • Lead people with accountability and care
  • Maintain a growth mindset and learning posture
  • Model professionalism, ownership thinking, and humility
What You’ll Gain
  • Hands-on restaurant leadership experience
  • Executive-level coaching from the Operator and Directors
  • Business, financial, and people leadership exposure
  • Ownership or corporate pathway preparation
  • Certification and professional development credentials
  • Opportunity to impact team members and community

Working at a Chick-fil-A® restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.

What Chick-fil-A employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Chick-fil-A logo

About Chick-fil-A

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chick-fil-A, based in Atlanta, GA, US, is a well-known company in the quick-service restaurant industry. The company's official website is chick-fil-a.com. Chick-fil-A specializes in freshly prepared chicken sandwiches and other delicious chicken meals. It was founded by Truett Cathy in 1946, initially as a diner named 'The Dwarf Grill'. In 1967, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant was established. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 2,400 restaurants across the U.S. The core values of the company include integrity, excellence, continuous improvement, and caring. The mission of Chick-fil-A is to "Be America's best quick-service restaurant." The company prides itself on providing high-quality food and service, fostering a positive dining experience, and giving back to the communities they serve. Notable achievements include pioneering in-mall fast food and introducing the original boneless chicken sandwich.

Industry

Restaurants, food services and drinking places and traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Chick-fil-A Jobs