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Restaurant Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

South Block

Development Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

You'll own execution across design, permitting, and every other piece of development project management, making sure our restaurants open on time and on budget. If you thrive on keeping complex ...

South Block HQ

Development Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

You'll own execution across design, permitting, and every other piece of development project management, making sure our restaurants open on time and on budget. If you thrive on keeping complex ...

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 ...

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How much do restaurant development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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 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.
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Restaurant development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,409 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Development Manager

Alexandria, VA • On-site

South Block
See more jobs at South Blockexternal

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About the Role
South Block is growing, and we need a Development Manager to help lead the charge. Think of this role as the quarterback of our new store development process: you'll coordinate cross-functional teams and outside partners to take new locations from site selection all the way to grand opening. You'll own execution across design, permitting, and every other piece of development project management, making sure our restaurants open on time and on budget.
If you thrive on keeping complex projects moving, love bringing order to moving parts, and want to play a key role in scaling a growing restaurant brand, we want to hear from you.
What You'll Do
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between Real Estate, Construction, Operations, Finance, Marketing, landlords, architects, consultants, and municipalities, keeping every project moving forward
  • Own the development critical path, partnering with Construction on build schedules, contractor coordination, and project execution
  • Lead cross-functional teams through site due diligence, design coordination, permitting, and vendor management
  • Build financial feasibility studies and pro forma models to evaluate new restaurant opportunities
  • Cultivate strong relationships with brokers, architects, contractors, and government officials
  • Ensure compliance with zoning laws and regulatory requirements throughout development
  • Run regular cross-functional development meetings and proactively resolve issues before they impact timelines
  • Keep stakeholders aligned on schedules, budgets, and deliverables
  • Report progress to senior leadership, flagging any changes in scope, schedule, or budget
  • Translate South Block's growth strategy into actionable development goals
What You Bring
  • 3+ years of experience in restaurant development, real estate, or commercial property management, managing multiple projects at once
  • Strong understanding of construction processes, real estate finance, lease negotiations, and legal agreements
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills - comfortable talking with city officials, executives, and frontline team members alike
  • High emotional intelligence and a collaborative, partnership-first mindset
  • Exceptional organization and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • Comfort working independently and owning outcomes end-to-end
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel
Education & Experience
  • B.A./B.S. in a relevant field, or 3+ years of experience in real estate and/or inside sales/account management
  • PMP or CAPM certification strongly desired
  • Experience with AI platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) strongly desired
  • Proficiency with Google Suite
Additional Details
This is an in-person role based at our office and is not eligible for remote work. It requires regular travel and the ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

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