VP of Operations & Franchise Development

Description

Founded in 1965, Gold Star has grown to become one of Greater Cincinnati’s most recognizable and iconic brands. As part of GSR Brands, Gold Star is proud of its Cincinnati roots, its commitment to craveable food and genuine hospitality, and its Service Promise: “To Make You Feel Like Family.”

We are focused on strengthening our restaurants, supporting our franchise partners, and growing the brand while staying true to the relationships and experiences that have made Gold Star special for generations.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Operations & Franchise Development is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for the performance, leadership, and growth of company-owned and franchised restaurant operations.

This position provides strategic leadership across restaurant operations, franchisee support, field leadership, operational standards, guest experience, new restaurant openings, and system growth. The Vice President of Operations & Franchise Development is a visible advocate and driver of the company’s Service Promise strategy, building a culture of hospitality and ensuring an exceptional guest experience is consistently delivered throughout the system.

The role also serves as a trusted business partner to franchisees and company operators and works closely with the CEO to identify and develop franchisees capable of supporting the long-term growth of the brands.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for company-owned and franchised restaurant operations.
• Develop and execute strategies that improve sales, profitability, staffing, hospitality, guest experience, and operational execution.
• Champion the company’s Service Promise strategy, ensuring hospitality expectations are understood and consistently demonstrated by field leaders, operators, franchisees, and restaurant teams.
• Translate company priorities into clear goals, expectations, and accountability throughout the Operations organization.
• Establish and monitor key operating and financial metrics, including sales, transactions, labor, food cost, profitability, staffing, guest feedback, and restaurant execution.
• Identify underperforming restaurants, operational risks, and performance gaps and ensure effective improvement plans are developed and executed.
• Maintain a strong field presence and understanding of restaurant-level opportunities, challenges, and business conditions.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, restaurant performance analysis, capital planning, and growth opportunities.
• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team on annual planning, organizational priorities, and long-term business strategy.

• Build strong, productive relationships with franchisees based on trust, transparency, accountability, and shared business goals.
• Serve as a senior business advisor to franchisees on restaurant performance, profitability, staffing, leadership, execution, and growth.
• Ensure franchisees consistently execute required brand standards, operating systems, programs, and Service Promise expectations.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing franchise restaurant performance and strengthen franchisee capability.
• Partner with the CEO to identify, evaluate, and develop prospective franchisees with the financial resources, leadership ability, and operational discipline necessary to grow the system.
• Develop relationships and networks that support franchise recruitment, new restaurant development, ownership transitions, and expansion into appropriate markets.
• Serve as a senior company representative to the Franchise Advisory Council and maintain open, productive communication with the franchise community.