A group of diverse employees inside a Pizza Ranch restaurant, all wearing black uniforms and caps, smiling and engaging with each other in a lively atmosphere.

District Manager

Management
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Who We Are

Gravy Train Restaurant Management is a premier restaurant management company that oversees a diverse portfolio of dining establishments. We are currently seeking a dynamic District Manager to join our team. This role will be responsible for overseeing operations at multiple Pizza Ranch® locations, driving growth, and ensuring excellence across our network.

As the District Manager, you will be a part of Gravy Train's mission to build thriving restaurants and cultivate successful teams. While your focus will be on Pizza Ranch®, a fast-casual restaurant brand specializing in pizza, chicken, salad, and dessert buffets, you will represent Gravy Train's core values and commitment to operational excellence. Pizza Ranch® has grown to over 200 locations in fifteen states and is dedicated to providing a legendary experience through quality food, service, and community engagement.

Please note: candidates must reside in Iowa, Illinois, or Missouri and be within driving distance of our restaurant locations—primarily in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, or Central Missouri. This role involves regular travel across this region.

Who We Are

Gravy Train Restaurant Management is a premier restaurant management company that oversees a diverse portfolio of dining establishments. We are currently seeking a dynamic District Manager to join our team. This role will be responsible for overseeing operations at multiple Pizza Ranch® locations, driving growth, and ensuring excellence across our network.

As the District Manager, you will be a part of Gravy Train's mission to build thriving restaurants and cultivate successful teams. While your focus will be on Pizza Ranch®, a fast-casual restaurant brand specializing in pizza, chicken, salad, and dessert buffets, you will represent Gravy Train's core values and commitment to operational excellence. Pizza Ranch® has grown to over 200 locations in fifteen states and is dedicated to providing a legendary experience through quality food, service, and community engagement.

Please note: candidates must reside in Iowa, Illinois, or Missouri and be within driving distance of our restaurant locations—primarily in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, or Central Missouri. This role involves regular travel across this region.

If you are a results-driven leader with a passion for people and a track record of success in multi-unit restaurant management, we would love to have you join our Gravy Train team!

Job Description:
As a District Manager at Gravy Train Restaurant Management, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the operations and profitability of approximately six Pizza Ranch locations within your assigned district in Iowa/Illinois. You will be responsible for ensuring that each Pizza Ranch restaurant maintains the highest standards of quality, service, and cleanliness while driving revenue growth and profitability. This role requires a commitment of at least 50 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operational Leadership: Provide guidance, support, and leadership to restaurant General Managers and their teams to ensure consistent execution of operational standards and procedures.

  • Financial Management: Develop and execute strategic plans to drive sales growth, manage expenses, and maximize profitability across all restaurants in the district.

  • People Development: Recruit, train, mentor, and develop high-performing teams to deliver exceptional customer service and achieve operational excellence.

  • Quality Assurance: Uphold Pizza Ranch's commitment to quality by ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and brand guidelines.

  • Customer Experience: Foster a culture of hospitality and guest satisfaction by monitoring customer feedback, addressing concerns, and implementing initiatives to enhance the dining experience.

  • Inventory Management: Oversee inventory levels, food costs, and supply chain logistics to minimize waste and optimize inventory turnover.

  • Labor Management: Oversee sales forecasting, schedule writing, overtime, and hiring.

  • Marketing and Promotions: Collaborate with the marketing department to implement local marketing initiatives, promotional campaigns, and community engagement activities to drive traffic and increase brand awareness.

  • Performance Analysis: Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to evaluate restaurant performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop action plans to address areas of concern.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or related field (preferred)

  • Proven experience in multi-unit restaurant management, preferably in the quick-service or casual dining industry

  • Strong leadership abilities with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities

  • Knowledge of restaurant operations, financial management, and industry best practices

  • Willingness to travel within the assigned district and work flexible hours as needed

  • Must reside in Iowa or Illinois and be within driving distance of our restaurant locations

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package

  • Retirement savings plan (401k) with company match

  • Paid time off and holiday pay

  • Opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a growing organization

Join Gravy Train Restaurant Management and be part of a team dedicated to driving operational excellence and supporting restaurant teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive on achieving results, and are ready to elevate your career, we want to hear from you. Apply now to become our next District Manager and help us continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

A man in a Pizza Ranch uniform, including a cap and polo shirt, smiling and gesturing with his hands while talking to a colleague in a restaurant setting.

District Manager

2450 Westdale Dr SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52404 Get Directions »
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I started as a part time employee and have seen lots of changes over the years. My ownership group cares about us, is a phone call away and is always willing to listen and come in and help in the restaurant when they can. What I like best about working here is getting to build relationships with the guests that come in, even if they only come in once a year.  They come in and still remember you and are excited to still see you here. 

Lori - Fairmont Assistant General Manager

I came to Minnesota from Mexico three years ago with only basic English, and Pizza Ranch gave me my very first job here. I began as a back of house team member, grew into an assistant manager role, and later transitioned to a part-time manager position while pursuing a career on Education. During this time, I’ve improved my English, built connections, and developed valuable leadership skills. Pizza Ranch has been an incredible place for growth and support on my life, and I’m grateful to still be part of this team.

Margoth - Owatonna Assistant Manager
A man and a woman wearing Pizza Ranch uniforms and hats are smiling at each other while reviewing a menu or flyer inside a restaurant with an orange wall and a digital screen behind them.

Lead Our Culture

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Management plays a vital role in shaping and nurturing our workplace culture. Leaders set the tone for how teams work together, how guests are treated, and how our values come to life every day. By modeling respect, gratitude, and service-minded leadership, managers create an environment where team members feel valued and inspired to give their best. From celebrating wins to guiding through challenges, great management fosters connection and purpose—helping every employee see how their work contributes to something bigger than themselves.

A strong workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through consistent actions that align with who we are and what we believe. When managers live out The Pizza Ranch Way, reinforce our Key Business Drivers, and uphold our Mission and Vision, they help ensure that every guest and team member experiences the heart behind our brand.

Our Culture

The Management Experience

Managers play a critical role in driving the performance and profitability of their restaurants. They are responsible for turning strategy into results—analyzing sales trends, managing food and labor costs, and making data-driven decisions that support long-term growth. By closely monitoring daily operations and key performance metrics, managers ensure the restaurant runs efficiently while maintaining the high standards guests expect. From forecasting inventory to optimizing menu mix and pricing strategies, they balance cost control with delivering exceptional value and quality.

Strong financial performance is a cornerstone of successful leadership at Pizza Ranch. Managers take ownership of their restaurant’s bottom line, using tools and insights to identify opportunities for improvement and to celebrate achievements along the way. It’s a role that challenges leaders to think like entrepreneurs—aligning operational excellence with business results, all within the framework of the Pizza Ranch mission and values.

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