Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)
Full-Time, Salaried Exempt Position
Salary: $55,000 - $85,000 annually
Old Carolina Barbecue Company is seeking an experienced and motivated Restaurant General Manager to lead one of our restaurants and drive operational excellence, financial performance, and team development.
This is more than a restaurant management position. As a General Manager, you will serve as the leader of your restaurant, responsible for building a high-performing team, delivering exceptional guest experiences, developing future leaders, and achieving business results.
If you have a passion for hospitality, leadership, and creating a positive culture where both guests and employees thrive, we’d love to meet you.
Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.
While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for leaders who are passionate about people, hospitality, and building a long-term career with a company that values development, teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Competitive salary of $55,000 - $85,000 annually
• Multiple bonus programs, including period, quarterly, and annual performance incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Free meals during shifts
• Company-provided uniforms
• Leadership development and ongoing professional growth opportunities
• Supportive and people-focused culture
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the success of your restaurant
• Career growth opportunities within a growing BBQ restaurant company
At Old Carolina Barbecue Company, General Managers are empowered to lead their business, develop future leaders, and create a culture that delivers outstanding results.
Successful General Managers focus on:
• Building and developing exceptional teams
• Creating memorable guest experiences
• Driving sales growth and profitability
• Developing Assistant Managers, Managers in Training, and Shift Supervisors
• Maintaining operational excellence
• Creating a positive, accountable, and engaging work environment
• Serving as a role model for company values and leadership standards
As Old Carolina Barbecue Company continues to grow, future leadership opportunities will continue to emerge for high-performing General Managers who demonstrate strong operational, financial, and leadership results.
• Lead all daily restaurant operations
• Establish a culture focused on hospitality, accountability, and excellence
• Set performance expectations and hold team members accountable
• Ensure execution of all company standards, systems, and procedures
• Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop restaurant team members and managers
• Coach and mentor Assistant Managers, Managers in Training, Shift Supervisors, and Team Members
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback
• Create development plans and succession opportunities for future leaders
• Foster a positive and engaging workplace culture
• Deliver exceptional hospitality and guest satisfaction
• Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally
• Build guest loyalty through consistent service and operational excellence
• Ensure company service standards are consistently executed
• Drive sales growth and profitability
• Manage labor, food, and operating costs
• Analyze restaurant performance and implement improvement plans
• Maintain budget accountability and financial discipline
• Utilize restaurant systems and reporting tools to support business decisions
• Ensure all BBQ and menu items meet company quality standards
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance
• Oversee product quality, consistency, and presentation
• Promote operational excellence throughout the restaurant
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and applicable regulations
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for guests and team members
• Oversee cash handling, security, and loss prevention procedures
• Ensure all required documentation and administrative requirements are completed accurately
• Previous General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Assistant Manager, or comparable restaurant leadership experience
• Demonstrated success leading teams and developing future leaders
• Strong business acumen and financial management skills
• Experience managing labor, food cost, inventory, and profitability
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced restaurant environment
• ServSafe Manager Certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification
• High school diploma or GED required; additional education is a plus
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced restaurant environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests and team members
This is a full-time salaried exempt management position.
General Managers are expected to work a minimum of 48 hours per week and the hours necessary to effectively lead their restaurant, support their team, and meet business needs. Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.
This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not-so-secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio.
Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.