Pizza Ranch® started as a single location in Hull, Iowa, in 1981 and has grown to over 200 locations across nearly 20 states. Known for our legendary buffet featuring pizza, chicken, salad, and dessert, we are passionate about providing legendary service and being a positive force in the communities we serve.

At Pizza Ranch, we believe in our mission:

“To establish every Pizza Ranch as a business ministry opportunity where our guests receive a legendary experience through quality food and service; and where we take a positive leadership position in the communities we serve and equip our employees with tools to lead happy and productive lives.”

If you’re someone who thrives on brightening people’s days, loves to connect with others, and enjoys creating memorable guest experiences, we’d love to have you join our team!

Position Overview

As a Front of House Guest Experience Team Member, you’re the friendly face and positive energy that bring our “Legendary Experience” to life. You’ll make guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in, ensure they enjoy a clean and inviting dining experience, and go above and beyond to make their visit special.

This is not a serving position—you won’t take food orders—but you will provide the same level of care, attention, and engagement that a great server would. Think of yourself as a host, ambassador, and smile-maker all in one!

Key Responsibilities

• Warmly welcome every guest with genuine enthusiasm and friendliness.
• Check in with guests throughout their meal to ensure they’re enjoying their visit.
• Clear and reset tables quickly while maintaining a spotless dining room.
• Keep the buffet area clean, organized, and inviting at all times.
• Anticipate guest needs—offer drink refills, assist with plates, and engage in positive conversation.
• Help create a fun, uplifting environment for both guests and team members.
• Support your teammates to ensure smooth restaurant operations and uphold Pizza Ranch’s mission and values.

What We’re Looking For

• A naturally upbeat, positive, and outgoing personality—someone who enjoys interacting with people.
• A passion for creating great guest experiences.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• The ability to stay on your feet, move quickly, and multitask in a fast-paced setting.
• Willingness to maintain cleanliness and safety standards throughout the restaurant.
• Prior restaurant or customer service experience is a plus, but not required—we’ll provide all the training you need!

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for long periods.
• Frequent reaching, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to move quickly and efficiently in a busy environment.

Join the Pizza Ranch Family!

If you have a heart for hospitality, a contagious smile, and a desire to make a difference—one guest at a time—this role is for you. Apply today and help us serve up legendary experiences every day!

Pizza Ranch ®Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981.  Pizza Ranch is in the category of a fast-casual restaurant.  

Our unique concepts specialize in pizza, chicken, salad and dessert buffet, as well as delivery and take out.  Our franchise has grown steadily with over 200 locations in thirteen states. What makes Pizza Ranch® unique is that most stores offer a host of dining options. 

We strive to make a positive impact for those that are devoted to family, faith and guests, we call them devoted diners. Our company is fueled by a powerful mission to “Establish Every Pizza Ranch® as a business ministry opportunity where our guests receive a legendary experience through quality food and service; and where we take a positive leadership position in the communities we serve and equip our employees with tools to lead happy and productive lives.” 

Pizza Ranch is committed to making a positive impact no matter how big or small so that each person leaves a little better off, because of the genuine care and concern we give to our guests, team members and communities. 

If this sounds like an environment where you would like to work, we are always looking for enthusiastic, guest-oriented people who love to be of service to others. 

Responsibilities: 

All our Crew Members are vital to the successful operation of our restaurants. There are two ways to become a Pizza Ranch Crew Member.  You can apply for either a Front of the House (Dining Room), or Back of the House (Kitchen).  The responsibilities below will give you a general idea of the types of activities involved in both of these departments. 

Front of House Support Duties—Guest Hospitality, Safety, Buffet Coordination and Maintenance, Point of Sale, Dining Room Cleanliness, Guest Relations & Transactions, Phone Responsibilities. 

Back of House Support Duties—Food Preparation and Safety, Processing Orders, Pizza, Chicken, Dish Room order and cleanliness, Out the Door Order coordination Could include, some, all or none of the duties.   

The exact position will be determined post interview. 

Qualifications, Skills, and/or Competencies: 

• Ability to be mobile and/or on your feet for extended periods of time during entire shift. 

• Reaching, bending, stooping, lifting, wiping, sweeping, and mopping. 

• Ability to lift and carry weight up to 40 pounds. 

• Strong desire and ability to provide legendary guest service. 

• Ability to positively interact with Team Members and Guests. 

• Restaurant experience preferred but not required.

Gravy Train Restaurant Management is a premier restaurant management company that oversees a diverse portfolio of dining establishments. We are currently seeking a dynamic District Manager to join our team. This role will be responsible for overseeing operations at multiple Pizza Ranch® locations, driving growth, and ensuring excellence across our network.

As the District Manager, you will be a part of Gravy Train’s mission to build thriving restaurants and cultivate successful teams. While your focus will be on Pizza Ranch®, a fast-casual restaurant brand specializing in pizza, chicken, salad, and dessert buffets, you will represent Gravy Train’s core values and commitment to operational excellence. Pizza Ranch® has grown to over 200 locations in fifteen states and is dedicated to providing a legendary experience through quality food, service, and community engagement.

Please note: candidates must reside in Iowa or Illinois and be within driving distance of our restaurant locations—primarily in the Iowa City/Eastern Iowa corridor

If you are a results-driven leader with a passion for people and a track record of success in multi-unit restaurant management, we would love to have you join our Gravy Train team!

Job Description:
As a District Manager at Gravy Train Restaurant Management, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the operations and profitability of approximately six Pizza Ranch locations within your assigned district in Iowa/Illinois. You will be responsible for ensuring that each Pizza Ranch restaurant maintains the highest standards of quality, service, and cleanliness while driving revenue growth and profitability. This role requires a commitment of at least 50 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Provide guidance, support, and leadership to restaurant General Managers and their teams to ensure consistent execution of operational standards and procedures.

• Financial Management: Develop and execute strategic plans to drive sales growth, manage expenses, and maximize profitability across all restaurants in the district.

• People Development: Recruit, train, mentor, and develop high-performing teams to deliver exceptional customer service and achieve operational excellence.

• Quality Assurance: Uphold Pizza Ranch's commitment to quality by ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and brand guidelines.

• Customer Experience: Foster a culture of hospitality and guest satisfaction by monitoring customer feedback, addressing concerns, and implementing initiatives to enhance the dining experience.

• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory levels, food costs, and supply chain logistics to minimize waste and optimize inventory turnover.

• Labor Management: Oversee sales forecasting, schedule writing, overtime, and hiring.

• Marketing and Promotions: Collaborate with the marketing department to implement local marketing initiatives, promotional campaigns, and community engagement activities to drive traffic and increase brand awareness.

• Performance Analysis: Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to evaluate restaurant performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop action plans to address areas of concern.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or related field (preferred)

• Proven experience in multi-unit restaurant management, preferably in the quick-service or casual dining industry

• Strong leadership abilities with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities

• Knowledge of restaurant operations, financial management, and industry best practices

• Willingness to travel within the assigned district and work flexible hours as needed

• Must reside in Iowa or Illinois and be within driving distance of our restaurant locations

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package

• Retirement savings plan (401k) with company match

• Paid time off and holiday pay

• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a growing organization

Join Gravy Train Restaurant Management and be part of a team dedicated to driving operational excellence and supporting restaurant teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive on achieving results, and are ready to elevate your career, we want to hear from you. Apply now to become our next District Manager and help us continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

Pizza Ranch began as a single restaurant in Hull, Iowa in 1981 and has grown into a leading fast-casual franchise with more than 200 locations across multiple states. At Gravy Train Restaurant Management, we proudly operate several Pizza Ranch restaurants throughout Iowa and Illinois.

We operate with a people-first mindset — focused on operational excellence, strong leadership, and building restaurants where team members are developed, supported, and set up to succeed. Our goal is simple: deliver a legendary guest experience while building strong leaders across every market we serve.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a General Manager in Waiting — a high-impact, traveling leadership role designed for a future General Manager who is ready to grow into a long-term store leadership position.

This role supports multiple Gravy Train Pizza Ranch locations across Iowa and Illinois. You will step in where needed — supporting leadership transitions, training and developing teams, strengthening operations, and ensuring each restaurant upholds our legendary standards.

If you thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy variety in your work, and are passionate about developing people and driving results, this role was built for you.

This position requires approximately 50 hours per week and regular travel.

What You’ll Do

Lead Where You’re Needed Most

• Travel to various Gravy Train Pizza Ranch locations to provide temporary GM-level leadership and operational support.

• Step in during leadership transitions, growth phases, or performance improvement periods.

• Quickly assess team dynamics and operational opportunities.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily operations including food quality, labor management, cleanliness, and guest service standards.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food safety regulations.

• Support stores in meeting sales, profitability, and performance goals.

Develop Leaders & Teams

• Train and coach General Managers, Assistant Managers, and shift leaders.

• Support onboarding and leadership development initiatives.

• Model accountability, professionalism, and the Pizza Ranch way of leadership.

Elevate the Guest Experience

• Reinforce legendary hospitality standards across all locations.

• Support local teams in community engagement and positive brand presence.

• Ensure consistent execution of service standards and guest recovery processes.

Strengthen Financial Performance

• Analyze store performance and identify improvement opportunities.

• Assist with managing food cost, labor cost, and inventory control.

• Provide actionable recommendations to District Managers and leadership.

What You Bring to the Table

• Passion for Leadership & Development – You love coaching others and building strong teams.

• 3–5 Years of Restaurant Management Experience – Multi-unit or traveling leadership experience preferred.

• Adaptability & Problem-Solving Skills – You can walk into a new environment and quickly identify what needs attention.

• Strong Business Acumen – Experience managing P&L, labor, and cost controls.

• Excellent Communication Skills – Able to connect with team members at every level.

• Valid Driver’s License & Willingness to Travel – Regular travel across Iowa and Illinois is required.

• High school diploma required; college degree preferred.

Compensation & Travel Package

• Competitive salary

• Performance-based incentive opportunities

• Benefits package

• Company vehicle OR vehicle stipend package

• Travel support as applicable

Why Join Gravy Train?

• Clear Path to Permanent GM Placement – This role is designed to prepare you for a long-term General Manager position.

• High Visibility Leadership Role – Work directly with District Managers and executive leadership.

• Growth-Focused Organization – We invest in developing strong leaders across our restaurants.

• Supportive, People-First Culture – We believe in doing things the right way and developing leaders who make a lasting impact.

Ready to Lead Across Markets and Prepare for Your Next-Level GM Role?

Apply today to become a General Manager in Waiting and help strengthen and grow Gravy Train Restaurant Management locations across Iowa and Illinois.

Pizza Ranch® Inc. began as a single restaurant in Hull, Iowa, in 1981 and has since grown into a leading fast-casual franchise with over 200 locations across fifteen states. Known for our legendary pizza, crispy chicken, fresh salad bar, and delicious dessert buffet, we offer an exceptional dining experience through dine-in, takeout, and delivery services.

 At Pizza Ranch, we are driven by a powerful mission:

"To establish every Pizza Ranch® as a business ministry opportunity where our guests receive a legendary experience through quality food and service; where we take a positive leadership position in the communities we serve and equip our employees with tools to lead happy and productive lives."

 If you are a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values community impact, and excels in delivering exceptional guest experiences, we want you to join our team!

 Position Summary
The Assistant General Manager (AGM) plays a vital role in the restaurant’s success, supporting the General Manager in daily operations, team leadership, and guest satisfaction. This is a high-impact leadership role designed for a future Assistant General Manager who is ready to grow into a long-term store leadership position.  This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about hospitality, team development, and business operations.

As an AGM, you will:
Support & Lead: Assist in building and developing a high-performing team that consistently delivers legendary guest experiences.
Ensure Operational Excellence: Help oversee restaurant operations, ensuring high food quality, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment.
Enhance the Guest Experience: Utilize guest feedback and Qualtrics data to drive continuous improvement in service and satisfaction.
Drive Business Success: Work alongside the General Manager to control food and labor costs while maximizing sales and profitability.
Foster a Positive Team Culture: Support and motivate employees, promoting teamwork, accountability, and growth.
Be a Community Leader: Represent Pizza Ranch as a trusted community partner, fostering relationships and giving back locally.

 This is a full-time position that requires availability during evenings and weekends.

Key Responsibilities (but are not limited to)
While every day brings new challenges, the core responsibilities of the AGM include:

Guest Satisfaction

·         Ensure each guest receives a legendary dining experience.

·         Handle guest feedback with professionalism and a problem-solving approach.

·         Maintain high standards in food quality, cleanliness, and service.

·         Assist in community engagement efforts to strengthen Pizza Ranch’s presence locally.

Business & Financial Management

·         Support sales growth and profitability through effective operations management.

·         Help monitor and manage food, labor, and operational costs.

·         Assist in controlling costs related to food, labor, and operations.

Team Leadership & Development

·         Assist in recruiting, training, and developing team members.

·         Set clear expectations and provide regular coaching and feedback.

·         Lead by example, fostering a team-oriented, positive work environment.

Operational Excellence

·         Maintain compliance with health, safety, and brand standards.

·         Oversee daily operational procedures to maintain efficiency.

·         Ensure proper inventory management and cost control.

Qualifications, Skills, and/or Competencies:

• Passion for leading and developing people 

• Proven record of management, communication, and organizational skills 

• The ability to prioritize multiple situations 

• Effective communicator and listener with good oral and written communication skills 

• Restaurant management experience, preferred 

• Proficient in basic computer skills 

• High School graduate or equivalent education 

• Possess business acumen

• Must have a maintain a valid driver's license 

Why Join Pizza Ranch?

·         Competitive Pay & Bonus Potential

·         Leadership Growth

·         Positive & Family-Oriented Culture

·         Impact Your Community

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, make a difference, and take your career to the next level, apply today!