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Restaurant Operations Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Restaurant Operations Consultant information

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$33.5K

$74.3K

$123.5K

How much do restaurant operations consultant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant operations consultant in the United States is $74,277.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Restaurant Operations Consultant vs Restaurant Manager?

AspectRestaurant Operations ConsultantRestaurant Manager
CredentialsIndustry experience, certifications in hospitality or business managementHospitality or restaurant management degree, experience in restaurant operations
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, client locations, project-basedRestaurant premises, daily operational oversight
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting companies, independent consultants, restaurant chainsSingle restaurant or restaurant group, hospitality industry

While both roles focus on restaurant performance, a Restaurant Operations Consultant provides expert advice and strategic solutions across multiple clients or locations, often on a project basis. In contrast, a Restaurant Manager oversees daily operations within a specific restaurant, ensuring smooth service and staff management. The consultant's role is more advisory and strategic, whereas the manager handles hands-on operational tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Restaurant Operations Consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Operations Consultant, you need expertise in restaurant management, food safety regulations, and financial analysis, often backed by a degree in hospitality or business management. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities help consultants build trust with clients and drive operational improvements. These skills and qualifications are crucial for identifying inefficiencies, implementing best practices, and ensuring the long-term success of restaurant businesses.

What does a Restaurant Operations Consultant do?

A Restaurant Operations Consultant is a professional who helps restaurant owners and managers improve their business operations. They analyze various aspects of the restaurant, such as menu design, staff training, customer service, cost control, and workflow efficiency. By identifying areas for improvement, they provide actionable strategies to increase profitability, ensure compliance with regulations, and enhance the overall dining experience. Their goal is to help restaurants operate more smoothly and successfully in a competitive industry.

What are some typical challenges a Restaurant Operations Consultant faces when working with clients, and how can they address them?

Restaurant Operations Consultants often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from staff, inconsistent operational procedures, or limited resources for implementing recommendations. Successfully overcoming these obstacles requires strong communication skills, practical problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative approach to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders. Building trust with restaurant teams and providing tailored, actionable solutions helps facilitate smoother transitions and drives sustainable improvements in operational performance.
More about Restaurant Operations Consultant jobs
What states have the most Restaurant Operations Consultant jobs? States with the most job openings for Restaurant Operations Consultant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Operations Consultant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Operations Consultant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Restaurant Operations Consultant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,277 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Small Business Consultant - Restaurant Operations & Growth

CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation ("ASC")

Fullerton, CA โ€ข On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 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: 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.