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Restaurant Development Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Chicken Salad Chick

Director of Real Estate

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Create, manage and execute the strategic development of trade areas/markets to maximize new restaurant potential. Manage the development process from the initial phases of broker and site selection ...

The Restaurant Zone

Be Seen First

Restaurant Manager - Upscale Dining

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Strong leadership and team development skills. * Experience managing high-volume restaurant operations. * Working knowledge of P&L, labor management, and cost controls. * Passion for hospitality and ...

Kona Grill

Restaurant Manager

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Career Development & Limitless Growth Opportunities * If you reside in Arizona, California ... Oversee daily restaurant operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house management

Chick-fil-A

Leadership Development Program

Atlanta, GA

$18 - $20/hr

During the program you will develop mastery of restaurant operations, which will prepare you for ... Leadership Development Program Participant Responsibilities: * Complete all computer based and ...

Chick-fil-A

Leadership Development Program

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

During the program you will develop mastery of restaurant operations, which will prepare you for ... Future Career Opportunities - We strive to promote intentional growth and development to help you ...

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Restaurant Development information

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How much do restaurant development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant development in Atlanta, GA is $20.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $23.12 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.

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Development jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Development jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
Restaurant Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Development job openings in Atlanta, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,668 per year, or $21 per hour.

Director of Real Estate

Chicken Salad Chick - 03

Atlanta, GA

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

The Director of Real Estate is responsible for growing the Chicken Salad Chick (CSC) brand through new restaurant development resulting in the highest quality and profitable locations. Create, manage and execute the strategic development of trade areas/markets to maximize new restaurant potential. Manage the development process from the initial phases of broker and site selection through to a successful grand opening. Brand units are both corporate and franchise owned, and this position supports successful expansion and aggressive growth of both segments.

Essential Responsibilities

  • The creation and execution of market development plans to facilitate the brand’s growth objectives.
  • Provide full support to franchise owners, including interpretation of market analytics, broker selection, site selection, deal analysis, preparation and submittal of sites to the CSC real estate committee, and lease negotiations (to an advisory extent only).
  • Corporate store development responsibilities are similar to those of franchise growth, adding collaboration with CSC legal support to negotiate and finalize leases and contracts, along with supporting the CSC design and construction team to facilitate openings on time and on budget.
  • Evaluate viability of potential sites for new CSC openings, to include on-site visits, summarization of strengths and weaknesses including analysis of demographic data, traffic patterns and ingress/egress, signage, co-tenancy and zoning regulations.
  • Will assist in maintaining the existing corporate location portfolio with its corresponding rent and NNN payments, renewals, relocations, and ongoing documentation.
  • Work closely with the franchise sales team to confirm viability of new markets to sell, and onboard newly signed franchise groups to position them for success.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to maintain excellent professional relationships with brokers, legal counsel, landlords and developers, plus collaborate with internal franchise sales, construction, operations, marketing and training teams to deliver the planned number of quality deals and store openings.
  • Possess the overall ability to distinguish a great site from an average one, utilizing both in-market visits and analytics/modeling tools.
  • To successfully negotiate terms of Letter of Intents, leases, and build-to suit arrangements to protect the best interests of the CSC brand.
  • Possess and cultivate a strong broker and developer network, and regularly attend industry related conferences and deal-making sessions.
  • Fostering and maintaining productive relationships with franchise owners is critical.
  • Excellent oral and written skills, to include formal presentation experience to approval committees.
  • Ability to work independently, or manage others, as circumstances dictate.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Power Point and Excel.
  • Available to travel at an appropriate level to successfully execute development plans with franchise owners or for corporate markets.

Education and Experience

  • 7+ years experience in site selection and retail real estate leasing.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate or related field preferred.
  • Restaurant development experience, along with collaborating with franchise owners, is a plus.

Physical Demands

  • Exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including papers, boxes and/or computer equipment.

About Chicken Salad Chick

  • Chicken Salad Chick is the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept. Spreading Joy, Enriching Lives, and Serving Others is our purpose.
  • Our brand provides the highest quality ingredients and offers our guests a happy and welcoming feel and decor, specializing in a wide variety of fresh, house-made chicken salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts.
  • As of YE 2025, will have 325 restaurants open across 22 states.
  • Growing rapidly in metropolitan, mid-size and rural markets.