Assistant Manager - Restaurant at Duck Stop Travel Center – Hodgkins, Illinois

Come join the Duckies Team at Duck Stop Travel Center!

Are you ready to spread your wings and grow with a team that’s all about great food, great people, and even greater memories? At Duck Stop Travel Center, we believe work should be more than just a pit stop — it should be a place where you find purpose, connection, and a few good laughs along the way. With combined experience of almost 60 years, you'll be working with some of best industry leaders in the QSR space, Ron Coglianese and Lupe Garcia.

We’re proud to be a locally owned and operated business that values community, sustainability, and the joy of a job well done. Whether you’re serving guests, supporting your teammates, or keeping the engines of our operation running smoothly, you’ll help deliver our promise of “miles of smiles” to every traveler who walks through our doors.

Duck Stop provides benefits that we know are important to you. Benefit options may differ depending on full-time or part-time employment.

Competitive/Holiday Pay

Flexible Scheduling

Free Shift Meals

Insurance Benefits: Health, Life, Dental, Vision, Disability

Paid Time Off

401(k) Plan

Position Summary

The Assistant Manager (AM) supports the General Manager and Assistant General Manager in coordinating, directing, and overseeing daily operations of the Duckies restaurant located inside Duck Stop Travel Center. This role ensures that shifts run smoothly, team members perform at a high standard, and guests consistently receive an exceptional experience. The Assistant Manager acts as a leader, coach, and problem-solver while upholding Duck Stop’s brand standards, operational procedures, and safety policies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day restaurant operations to ensure efficiency and consistency across all shifts.
• Perform required Ops Walks and Q&A checks to evaluate cleanliness, food quality, and operational standards, correcting issues in real time.
• Support the Shift Leaders, Crew Chiefs, and Team Members to ensure all stations meet Duck Stop standards, including sanitation, recipe accuracy, FIFO, NCO (Neat, Clean, Organized), and food safety.

2. Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, motivate, and guide team members to maintain high productivity and morale.
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and feedback to improve performance.
• Train new and existing employees following Duck Stop’s Training Program.
• Communicate Shift Leader and Team Member performance issues to the Management Team and assist with corrective actions when needed.
• Foster an environment of trust, teamwork, and open communication.

3. Guest Experience Management

• Ensure guests receive fast, friendly, and accurate service at all times.
• Greet customers, take orders, and support the front-line team as needed.
• Respond to guest concerns professionally, calmly, and in accordance with restaurant policy.
• Lead by example with warm hospitality, “polite urgency,” and a guest-first mindset.

4. Administrative & Financial Duties

• Complete all administrative responsibilities, daily paperwork, required checklists, and compliance documents.
• Balance cash drawers and prepare deposits as assigned.
• Assist with inventory management, purchasing, and monitoring stock levels.
• Support the management team in cost control strategies, including labor, waste, and food cost controls.
• Ensure the restaurant opens and closes according to company policy.

5. Shift Planning & Scheduling

• Organize team schedules, monitor attendance, and approve time-off requests as directed by the Management Team.
• Assign tasks based on skill level to maximize team efficiency.
• Ensure adequate staffing and support during peak business hours.

6. Operational Excellence & Safety

• Enforce all food safety procedures, sanitation guidelines, and uniform standards.
• Ensure proper use of kitchen equipment including fryers, warmers, ice cream machines, and safety tools.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment across dining areas, restrooms, and back-of-house.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with Duck Stop policies and standards.

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2–4 years of restaurant leadership experience (QSR or casual dining strongly preferred).
• Certified in all stations and as a Shift Leader following Duck Stop’s Training Program.
• Strong communication, organization, time-management, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Experience with POS and restaurant management systems.
• Ability to stand for extended periods; lift up to 35 lbs; work in heat and in close quarters.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and opening/closing shifts.
• Reliable transportation and valid communication method (phone/email).

Duck Stop Travel Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable laws.