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, Illinois, or Missouri and be within driving distance of our restaurant locations—primarily in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, or Central Missouri. This role involves regular travel across this region.

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® 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 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!

We are seeking a Guest Services Manager in Waiting for our Quincy Pizza Ranch location — a leadership development role designed for someone preparing to become a long-term Guest Services Manager within our restaurant.

This role is focused on helping strengthen our front-of-house leadership team while developing future restaurant leaders. You’ll work closely with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and existing leadership team while learning all aspects of guest experience, shift leadership, team coaching, labor management, and restaurant operations.

This position is based primarily in Quincy and will serve as an additional leadership presence for the restaurant. Occasionally, there may be opportunities to visit or train at other Gravy Train Pizza Ranch locations to continue leadership development and gain exposure to additional operations and best practices.

If you’re passionate about hospitality, team culture, and creating legendary guest experiences, this role is a great opportunity to continue growing your restaurant leadership career.

What You’ll Do

Support Front-of-House Operations

• Help lead restaurant operations during high-volume periods
• Reinforce Pizza Ranch food quality and guest service standards
• Assist with shift leadership and guest recovery situations
• Help maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety standards throughout the restaurant

Develop Into a Future GSM

• Train alongside restaurant leadership to prepare for future Guest Services Manager responsibilities
• Learn scheduling, coaching, labor management, and operational leadership skills
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members
• Support development of a positive and accountable team culture

Deliver Legendary Guest Experiences

• Lead by example in hospitality and guest interaction
• Help improve guest satisfaction and service execution
• Utilize guest feedback and operational tools to identify opportunities for improvement
• Support community engagement and positive brand representation

Strengthen Team Leadership

• Help coach and motivate team members during shifts
• Support communication between departments and leadership teams
• Step into leadership responsibilities as needed to support restaurant operations

What You Bring to the Table

• Passion for hospitality and people development
• Prior restaurant leadership experience preferred
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Positive attitude and willingness to grow into restaurant leadership
• Availability to work evenings and weekends
• Valid driver’s license required
• High school diploma or equivalent required

Why Join Gravy Train?

• Clear growth path into a future Guest Services Manager role
• Leadership mentorship and hands-on development
• Opportunity to help grow and strengthen the Quincy Pizza Ranch leadership team
• Fast-paced, team-focused environment with growth opportunities
• Supportive culture that invests in people and leadership development

Ready to Grow Into Leadership?

Apply today to become a Guest Services Manager in Waiting and help create legendary experiences in Quincy.