Find & Apply For Restaurant / Food Service Manager Jobs in Knoxville, Tennessee

SMALLS SLIDERS

Assistant General Manager (AGM)

BIG THINGS COME IN SMALLS PACKAGES.

At Smalls Sliders, we believe big things happen when great people come together. Built on a passion for cheeseburger sliders and a vision to bring them to the big stage, Smalls is more than a place to grab a great meal — it's a place to build a great team, deliver an unforgettable guest experience, and grow as a leader. We're looking for a motivated, people-focused Assistant General Manager to help lead restaurant operations, develop our Squad, and drive business results. Working closely with the General Manager (GM), you'll help create a positive, high-energy environment where team members feel supported, standards stay high, and guests keep coming back. This is an opportunity for a hands-on leader who takes ownership, leads by example, and knows how to balance great people, great food, and great operations.

THE DAY-TO-DAY

Lead the Squad Support the GM in leading, motivating, and developing the restaurant team. Set clear expectations, delegate responsibilities, and hold team members accountable for performance. Provide ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and recognition to help team members grow. Foster a positive team culture built on teamwork, respect, communication, and accountability. Help recruit, interview, onboard, and train new team members. Own Daily Operations Oversee daily restaurant operations and confidently lead the team in the GM's absence. Ensure the Squad executes shift responsibilities efficiently while maintaining brand standards. Monitor service speed, order accuracy, food quality, cleanliness, and overall guest satisfaction. Address operational challenges promptly, make sound decisions, and escalate issues when appropriate. Support facility maintenance and ensure equipment and work areas remain clean, safe, and operational. Protect Food Safety & Brand Standards Maintain consistent food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards. Ensure team members follow established procedures for food preparation, storage, handling, and sanitation. Monitor compliance with company policies and operating procedures. Lead by example and correct unsafe practices immediately. Drive Business Results Partner with the GM to manage labor, control costs, and improve restaurant profitability. Assist with inventory management, product ordering, waste reduction, and cash-handling procedures. Review sales, labor, food cost, and other performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement. Help maintain appropriate staffing levels and deploy the Squad effectively based on business needs. Support security procedures and protect company assets. Take ownership of challenges and look for ways to improve restaurant performance.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Leadership experience: Previous restaurant, retail, or comparable supervisory experience, with the ability to lead a team and manage competing priorities.

People-first mindset:

A genuine interest in helping others succeed through coaching, recognition, clear expectations, and accountability.

Strong communication:

The ability to communicate expectations clearly, provide constructive feedback, resolve conflicts professionally, and build positive working relationships.

Operational awareness:

An understanding of how staffing, service speed, food quality, cleanliness, and consistency contribute to a successful restaurant.

Business-minded thinking:

The ability to understand sales, labor, inventory, waste, and cost control, and use that knowledge to support better results.

Sound judgment:

The ability to make timely decisions, solve problems, and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to standards:

A willingness to uphold company policies, food safety requirements, workplace safety, and brand expectations without cutting corners.

Food Safety Certification:

Must obtain or possess the required ServSafe food safety certification in accordance with company requirements.

A growth mindset:

A willingness to learn, accept feedback, take on new challenges, and continuously improve as a leader.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT SMALLS SQUAD LEADER?

Sweat the small stuff: Pay attention to the details, maintain high standards, and take ownership when something needs to be corrected.

Serve up fun:

Lead with positive energy and help make every guest's day a smalls bit better.

Celebrate small wins:

Recognize team accomplishments and encourage continuous improvement.

Put others first:

Support the Squad, lead by example, and take responsibility for the team's success.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE A

successful Assistant General Manager helps create a restaurant where: The Squad feels supported, motivated, and accountable. Guests receive fast, friendly, accurate service and consistently great food. Food safety, cleanliness, and brand standards are never compromised. Labor, inventory, waste, and cash are managed responsibly. Problems are addressed proactively rather than left for someone else to solve. The restaurant operates smoothly and consistently, even when the GM is away.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As an Assistant General Manager at Smalls Sliders, you'll play a key role in the restaurant's success while developing the skills to take on greater leadership responsibilities. You'll work alongside the GM to strengthen the team, improve operations, and create an environment where people enjoy showing up and doing their best. We're looking for someone who brings energy, takes initiative, cares about people, and is ready to help lead the Squad toward something bigger.

NEW CAN OPENING

We're building our team for a brand-new Smalls Sliders location!

Training begins:

November 11, 2026 Grand opening: November 17, 2026 Candidates must be prepared to participate in training beginning November 11 to help ensure the team is ready for opening day. If you're ready to lead by example, take ownership, and make a difference every shift, we want to meet you.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Smalls Sliders is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Work Location:

In person