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Restaurant Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The qualified applicant must be an experienced front of house restaurant operator with 2 to 4 years of management experience in full service, casual dining or fast-casual environments. We are looking ...

Sr. Accountant

Glendale, CA · On-site

$95K/yr

We are a successful, growing quick service restaurant operator and are looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to join our organization. Candidates must have an accounting degree and strong ...

The qualified applicant must be an experienced front of house restaurant operator with 2 to 4 years of management experience in full service, casual dining or fast-casual environments. We are looking ...

Restaurant General Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$82K - $84K/yr

Work for one of the largest airport restaurant operators in the world * Medical, Dental and Vision * Basic Life & AD&D Insurance * EAP * Voluntary Benefits: Life AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness ...

Restaurant General Manager

San Jose, CA

$63K - $87K/yr

Work for one of the largest airport restaurant operators in the world * Medical, Dental and Vision * Basic Life & AD&D Insurance * EAP * Voluntary Benefits: Life AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness ...

Restaurant General Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

Work for one of the largest airport restaurant operators in the world * Medical, Dental and Vision * Basic Life & AD&D Insurance * EAP * Voluntary Benefits: Life AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness ...

Restaurant General Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

Work for one of the largest airport restaurant operators in the world * Medical, Dental and Vision * Basic Life & AD&D Insurance * EAP * Voluntary Benefits: Life AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness ...

Restaurant General Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$82K - $84K/yr

Work for one of the largest airport restaurant operators in the world * Medical, Dental and Vision * Basic Life & AD&D Insurance * EAP * Voluntary Benefits: Life AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness ...

Restaurant General Manager

San Jose, CA

$63K - $87K/yr

Work for one of the largest airport restaurant operators in the world * Medical, Dental and Vision * Basic Life & AD&D Insurance * EAP * Voluntary Benefits: Life AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness ...

Assistant Restaurant Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

SSP America is one of the world's largest restaurant operators, offering ample opportunities for advancement. * Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K ...

SSP America is one of the world's largest restaurant operators, offering ample opportunities for advancement. * Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K ...

SSP America is one of the world's largest restaurant operators, offering ample opportunities for advancement. * Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K ...

SSP America is one of the world's largest restaurant operators, offering ample opportunities for advancement. * Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K ...

Assistant Restaurant Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

SSP America is one of the world's largest restaurant operators, offering ample opportunities for advancement. * Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K ...

You will have the opportunity to work directly with the restaurant Operator and an amazing leadership team. At Chick-fil-A, we consider our Team Members to be more than just employees, they are a ...

The restaurant operators you will sell to are busy, skeptical of technology vendors, and have been burned before. Your job is to earn their trust quickly, understand their actual operational ...

The restaurant operators you will sell to are busy, skeptical of technology vendors, and have been burned before. Your job is to earn their trust quickly, understand their actual operational ...

SSP America is one of the world's largest restaurant operators, offering ample opportunities for advancement. * Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K ...

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Restaurant Operator information

See California salary details

$7

$18

$27

How much do restaurant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant operator in California is $18.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by restaurant operators and how can they be managed effectively?

Restaurant operators often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating customer demand, maintaining consistent food quality, and controlling operational costs. Effective communication with staff, regular training, and using technology for inventory and scheduling can help address these issues. Building a strong team culture and staying adaptable to changing trends are also crucial for success in this fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Operator, you need a solid understanding of food service management, financial acumen, and experience in hospitality, often supported by a degree in hospitality management or related field. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and food safety certifications is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills help set top operators apart. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, satisfied customers, and sustained business profitability in a competitive industry.

What is a restaurant operator?

Restaurant Operators are individuals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a restaurant. They manage staff, ensure food quality and customer service, handle budgeting and inventory, and maintain compliance with health and safety regulations. Restaurant Operators may be owners, franchisees, or managers, and their role is crucial to a restaurant's success and profitability. They often handle hiring, marketing, and problem-solving to create a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between Restaurant Operator vs Restaurant Manager?

AspectRestaurant OperatorRestaurant Manager
Primary RoleOversees multiple restaurant locations or franchise operations, focusing on overall business performance.Manages daily operations of a single restaurant, including staff, customer service, and sales.
CredentialsOften requires business or hospitality management experience; certifications vary.Typically requires hospitality or restaurant management experience; certifications like ServSafe are common.
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, multiple restaurant sites, or franchise settings.On-site at a specific restaurant location.
FocusBusiness growth, profitability, and strategic planning across locations.Operational efficiency, staff management, and customer satisfaction at one location.

While both roles involve managing restaurant operations, a Restaurant Operator oversees multiple locations and focuses on strategic growth, whereas a Restaurant Manager handles daily operations of a single restaurant. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Infographic showing various Restaurant Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,243 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

WHO WE ARE
The Counter is the 21st Century's bold answer to the classic burger joint.
We are staffing our newest location in Cupertino.
Ushering in a fresh era of industrial dacor, today's music, cold beer, unique wines and an astonishing 312,120 "Build Your Own Burger" combinations, it serves up the entire customer experience.

Requirements/Responsibilities

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The postion requires an experienced restaurant operator with 2 to 3 years of experience in full service - casual dining. You must have experience in all of the following areas: culinary, safety, sanitation, HR, facility maintenance, customer service and be able to bring all of these pieces together every day in a very high paced, high customer demand environment.
* ENTHUSIASTIC: Excited about our brand and product
* EXPERIENCED: Knows the restaurant business, just a matter of transferring experience to our system
* ENERGY: A high energy person that expresses a sense of urgency
* ENGAGED: Likes being "on the floor," likes being around people
* ENLIGHTENED: Understands that being a great teacher is what defines a leader and measures personal success through employee's achievement!
For an experienced operator that meets our qualifications, there is tremendous opportunity for growth.

Special Instructions

Please do not send any emails, resumes, or call.
We are making it really easy to apply for this position.
Simply submit a ZippyApp application package which may include the Common Employment Application, Resume, and a Cover Letter. In your Cover Letter, please write a short paragraph describing yourself and why you would make a great addition to our team.

ZippyApp is the Common Employment Application for online and mobile that allows you to apply for jobs with one click, and is being accepted at a growing number of businesses each day.