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Restaurant Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Playa Bowls

Construction Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... restaurant development project management experience preferred * Thorough understanding of engineering, architectural, and other construction drawings, AIA standards, permitting processes, and ...

Fusion Global Solutions

Enterprise Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$71.25 - $91.75/hr

Your domain spans HR, Finance, Payroll, Legal, Supply Chain, Enterprise Risk Management, Restaurant Development, Restaurant experience, ESG, and Enterprise Service Management (ESM). This role will ...

McDonald's

Specialist, Real Estate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35.73 - $44.67/hr

Works closely with Legal, Reinvestment Field Development Teams, Due Diligence Suppliers/Vendors, Global Business Services (GBS), and other internal/external Restaurant Development Partners.

McDonald's

Platform Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

You will support the Digital, Data, Engineering, and Restaurant development teams by delivering a scalable, resilient, and secure platform pipelines and capabilities. This is a great opportunity for ...

Carnivale Restaurant

Restaurant Host

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

Professional development and promotion opportunities! About this job... Restaurant hosts are often the first smiling face the guest sees when arriving to the restaurant. Responsible for ensuring ...

New

Village Inn Walker Group

Restaurant Supervisor

Quincy, IL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Training & development * Wellness resources * Employee discounts * Flexible schedule For nearly 60 ... We're looking for a Restaurant Supervisor / Manager who is passionate about hospitality, enjoys ...

Village Inn

Restaurant Supervisor

Quincy, IL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Training & development * Wellness resources * Employee discounts * Flexible schedule For nearly 60 ... We're looking for a Restaurant Supervisor / Manager who is passionate about hospitality, enjoys ...

Everyday Coffee Co.

Restaurant Manager

Mattoon, IL

$45K - $58K/yr

Leadership development and advancement opportunities * Employee referral bonuses * Recognition programs About the Company * We are a growing restaurant franchise focused on creating positive ...

Everyday Coffee Co.

Restaurant Manager

Decatur, IL

$45K - $58K/yr

Leadership development and advancement opportunities * Employee referral bonuses * Recognition programs About the Company * We are a growing restaurant franchise focused on creating positive ...

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All JobsRestaurant Development JobsRestaurant Development Jobs in Illinois

Restaurant Development information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$21

$31

How much do restaurant development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant development in Illinois is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 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.

How do you become a restaurant development?

To become a restaurant development professional, you typically need experience in restaurant management, real estate, or hospitality, along with strong project management and negotiation skills. A bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or a related field is often preferred, and familiarity with industry regulations and market analysis is beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Development jobs in Illinois?

For Restaurant Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Development jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Development jobs in Illinois are:

Restaurant Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,002 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Associate Counsel - Restaurant Development @ McDonald's

Counselwell Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Draft, negotiate, and analyze ground leases, real estate purchase contracts, title, survey, and other ancillary legal documents.

  • Advise business partners on leasing and acquisition matters related to real estate.

  • Work independently and collaboratively within a legal team to support real estate development activities.

Job description

Come grow with McDonald's Restaurant Development Legal Team! We are a group of real estate legal professionals on the lookout for a driven

Duties

Draft, negotiate, and analyze ground leases, real estate purchase contracts, title, and survey along with other ancillary legal documents

Are motivated to grow their legal expertise through hands-on training and coaching from our experienced team members

Have excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills to advise business partners on a variety of leasing and acquisition matters

Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a supportive, high-performing legal team

Think strategically to anticipate future business needs and identify existing opportunities, including by developing new practices, leading change efforts, and adopting new technologies to unlock efficiency

Bring a values-driven approach to their work, grounded in inclusiveness, integrity, professionalism, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity

Qualifications

Licensed to practice law and in good standing with a state bar association.

1+ year(s) of experience in commercial retail leasing and acquisitions, preferably from a law firm or in-house legal position

Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $138,207.00 - $172,758.00 per year.

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.

Additional Information:

Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance.

Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.

Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.

McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com . Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑based.

McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.

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