Store Manager

This posting is for our Fulton Market location.

About Us

Tilly Bagel Shop is a fast-growing, sourdough bagel shop known for its handmade, small-batch bagels, thoughtful sandwiches, and warm neighborhood vibe. Our Fulton Market location is a high-energy, high-visibility flagship in one of Chicago's busiest dining and retail districts. We're looking for a hands-on leader to run daily operations, build a great team, and deliver a consistently excellent guest experience.

Position Summary

The Store Manager is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the Fulton Market location, including staffing, training, guest experience, food safety and quality, inventory, and financial performance. This is a hands-on leadership role — you'll be on the floor during peak hours, coaching staff in real time, and setting the tone for a high-quality, high-volume bagel shop.

Key Responsibilities Team Leadership & Staffing

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and train front-of-house and back-of-house team members
• Create and manage weekly staff schedules, ensuring proper coverage for peak hours (especially weekday mornings and weekends)
• Coach, mentor, and evaluate staff performance; conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews
• Address performance issues and conduct disciplinary action when necessary, in line with company policy
• Foster a positive, respectful, and high-performing team culture

Daily Operations

• Oversee opening and closing procedures, ensuring the shop is ready for service on time
• Manage workflow during high-volume rush periods to keep wait times low and quality high
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
• Maintain equipment (ovens, mixers, POS systems, etc.) and coordinate repairs or maintenance as needed
• Monitor and uphold recipe standards, portioning, and presentation consistency

Guest Experience

• Set the standard for friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable customer service
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints promptly and professionally
• Monitor and respond to online reviews and third-party delivery platform feedback
• Ensure the dining area, counter, and storefront are clean, organized, and welcoming at all times

Inventory & Vendor Management

• Place and manage orders for ingredients, packaging, and supplies
• Track inventory levels and minimize waste through accurate forecasting and par levels
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers
• Conduct regular inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies

Financial Performance

• Manage labor costs against sales targets and budgeted labor percentages
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly sales performance and identify trends
• Assist ownership with budgeting and financial reporting
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and grow revenue

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure the shop maintains all required food handling and safety certifications
• Keep required licenses and permits current (health permits, food handler certifications, etc.)
• Enforce workplace safety standards and respond appropriately to incidents

Qualifications

Required:

• 4+ years of management experience in a restaurant, café, bakery, or retail food environment
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation standards; ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays
• Basic proficiency with POS systems, scheduling software, and inventory management tools

Preferred:

• Experience managing a high-volume, quick-service or fast-casual food business
• Prior experience in a bakery or bagel shop setting
• Familiarity with the Fulton Market/West Loop neighborhood and its customer base

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 8+ hours)
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs (flour bags, supply deliveries, equipment)
• Comfortable working in a kitchen environment with ovens, mixers, and other equipment
• Early morning availability

Schedule

Full-time, typically 5 days/week including a mix of weekday openings and weekend shifts.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Paid time off
• Health benefits
• Opportunity for growth within a expanding local brand