Travel Plaza Team Leader (Fuel Desk / Food Service)

JOIN OUR TEAM AT COFFEE CUP TRAVEL PLAZAS TA EXPRESS!

Starting Pay: $16.50 to $20.00 per hour, depending on experience

At Coffee Cup Travel Plazas, our team is our most important guest.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, enjoy leading by example, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to have you on our team. As a Team Leader, you'll help coach team members, support daily operations, and ensure every guest receives outstanding service.

Why Join Coffee Cup?

We offer competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and opportunities to build a rewarding career with a growing family-owned company.

Benefits for All Team Members

• Weekly Pay

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Wage Increases Through Annual Merit Reviews

• Employee Referral Bonuses

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Coffee Cup Wellness Program

• Team Recognition Rewards

• Free Birthday Meal

• 50% Shift Meal Discount

• Free Coffee & Fountain Drinks While Working

• Corporate Coaching for Personal & Professional Growth

• Years of Service Awards & Bonuses

• Scholarship Opportunities for Recent Graduates and Children of Team Members (select locations)

Additional Benefits for Full-Time Team Members

• Company Sponsored Health Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)

• Short-Term Disability Coverage

Join a company where leadership is earned, teamwork matters, and every day brings new opportunities to grow.

Position Overview

The Travel Plaza Team Leader supports the daily operation of both the Fuel Desk and Food Service departments by leading team members, maintaining operational excellence, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This hands-on leadership role works alongside the team to coach employees, solve problems, and ensure company standards are consistently met.

Team Leaders may support either Fuel Desk or Food Service operations. Food Service Team Leaders may begin in a specific concept such as Subway, Pizza Hut, Caribou Coffee, Cinnabon, or Deli, while remaining available to assist in other food concepts as business needs require. Fuel Desk Team Leaders support front-end operations while also helping oversee merchandising, stocking, cleanliness, and porter responsibilities throughout the travel plaza.

In the absence of management, Team Leaders help direct shift operations and ensure the team is prepared to deliver outstanding guest service.

This position requires a rotating schedule that includes days, afternoons, evenings, rotating weekends, and some holidays.

What You'll Do

Lead the Shift

• Lead daily operations during assigned shifts in the absence of management.

• Delegate responsibilities and ensure work is completed efficiently.

• Coach, mentor, and motivate team members while promoting a positive work environment.

• Assist with shift coverage, employee breaks, and smooth shift transitions.

• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and exceptional guest service.

Support Store Operations

• Assist with opening and closing procedures for Fuel Desk and Food Service operations.

• Ensure kiosks and work areas are clean, stocked, organized, and guest-ready.

• Verify food preparation, temperature logs, cleaning procedures, and food safety standards are completed accurately.

• Support merchandising, stocking, inventory control, and porter responsibilities throughout the store.

• Cross-train and assist multiple departments based on business needs.

• Complete cash handling and point-of-sale responsibilities accurately.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Deliver Outstanding Guest Service

• Ensure every guest receives friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable service.

• Resolve guest concerns professionally and efficiently.

• Promote a welcoming environment for guests and team members.

• Maintain Coffee Cup's high standards for hospitality.

Develop the Team

• Help train and onboard new team members.

• Provide coaching and constructive feedback.

• Encourage teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Support store leadership in maintaining a positive workplace culture.

Leadership Qualities

Successful Team Leaders demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• Initiative and sound decision-making.

• The ability to coach, motivate, and develop others.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Dependability and professionalism.

• A positive attitude and commitment to exceptional guest service.

• Flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

• The ability to build strong working relationships across departments.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Previous supervisory, leadership, retail, food service, or customer service experience is preferred.

• Ability to lead a team, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and solve problems independently.

• Ability to work in multiple departments and cross-train as needed.

• Ability to use company technology and point-of-sale systems.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work a rotating schedule that includes days, afternoons, evenings, rotating weekends, and some holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous shift leadership or supervisory experience.

• Experience in convenience retail, hospitality, restaurant, or travel plaza operations.

• Knowledge of food safety and merchandising standards.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.

• Lift up to 50 pounds.

• Bend, reach, twist, push, pull, and move throughout the shift.

• Operate point-of-sale systems and other company technology.

• Work safely in both retail and food service environments.

• Communicate effectively with guests and team members.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Coffee Cup Travel Plazas TA Express, our Team Leaders are more than supervisors. They are coaches, problem-solvers, and role models who help create an exceptional experience for every guest and every team member. If you're ready to grow your leadership skills and make a meaningful impact each day, we'd love to welcome you to our team.