“Do something just because it’s rad.” – Pete, founder of Illegal Pete’s
Illegal Pete's is hiring a dynamic General Manager to lead the party at our Tucson restaurant! Located on University Boulevard at the Main Gate of the University of Arizona, this is THE place to be in Tucson—full bar, amazing food, two levels with a bar on each, a newly renovated patio, DJs, events, and a ton of fun. If you're ready to lead a team that delivers excellent service and hospitality, takes pride in serving excellent food and drinks, knows how to work hard AND throw a great party, this is your spot.
You Are:
High-energy and fun – You thrive in a fast-paced, vibrant environment. DJs, events, packed patios, college crowds? That's your happy place.
Operational Excellence – You have high standards for guest service, excellent food, cleanliness, professionalism, and lead your team to do the same.
A party starter AND a strong operator – You know that great vibes come from flawless execution. You can hype up a crowd and nail your P&L in the same breath.
A servant leader – You lead by rolling up your sleeves, supporting your team, and putting people first—your crew, your guests, your community. You partner closely with your AGM / Party & Vibes Manager and Kitchen Manager, knowing that collaboration is how you build something great.
Bold and creative – You bring fresh ideas for events, promotions, and community engagement. You're not afraid to try something new just because it's rad.
Culture-obsessed – You build teams that want to stay. You appreciate, connect, respect, and grow your people every single day.
This is an opportunity to lead a destination—a place where the food is incredible, the drinks are flowing, the music is on point, and the team actually loves being there.
The Role:
The General Manager is the strategic leader of the restaurant. You'll drive dynamic leadership, creative events, an elevated bar program and be focused on excellent customer service, serving delicious food & drinks, inspiring and developing your team, and maintaining best-in-class operations. You partner with, train and develop your AGM / Party & Vibes Manager, Kitchen Manager, and service and support team members daily, and together you create an atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
The More the Merrier – and we mean it…
MORE MONEY
Starting Annual Salary $79,150 + Bonus Potential (paid quarterly), PTO, employer paid health benefits, 401k after 1 year, and more! We believe in paying a Living Wage and that’s why your salary will allow you to make more than any other fast casual around.
MORE BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance? We got you!
- 401(k) to start saving for retirement? We got you!
- Paid Time Off based on position and time with us
MORE FUN – BURRITOS, BUDDIES & BEER!
- No lame uniforms. Wear what makes you feel good.
- Work environment that celebrates individuality and human connection
- Support for local music, arts, and comedy
- Free concert tickets
- Free sporting event tickets
- Free & discounted meals
- Discounted Merch
MORE OPPORTUNITY
- 40% of Home Office Team at Pete’s started out rolling burritos
- 15 restaurants company-wide!
- Opportunity to help shape strategy and drive overall business performance
We like to party, and we want to party with you! Come join our team. Everyone, and we mean EVERYONE, IS WELCOME.
About Illegal Pete's
Ever been to a Chipotle and thought, "Wow, this place would be rad if it were more fun and the food tasted better"? So did we!
Since 1995, we've been pushing the boundaries of what fast casual food can be. It's a place where people actually want to hang out. It's a place for Burritos, Buddies & Beer! We use only the highest quality ingredients to make the best damn food and drinks you can find—food you'll be proud to serve to your friends, your family, and every guest.
But we go beyond serving delicious food and drinks. We're part of the community. It's our mission to give back to our crew, customers, and community by doing things the right way.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations / Facility
- Cleaner / Safer / Better – Maintain the highest levels in restaurant operations
- Food / Bar / Hospitality – Full responsibility, in partnership with AGM/KM
- Service / Support – Culture of excellence is guest service and food quality
- Events / Atmosphere – Drive and execute creative events and atmosphere
- Catering / Off-Premise – Coach and train for excellence in execution; drive revenue
- Safety / Compliance- Operate safely, in compliance with statutes & regulations, including all local/state liquor laws
- Facility – Cleanliness, preventative maintenance, repairs & maintenance
- Sales Forecasting / Labor Scheduling / Inventory Management / Administration
- Full P&L Management – Building sales, managing expenses, operating efficiencies
- Local Relationship Building / Community Marketing
- Initiatives – embraces brand initiatives and leads change in their restaurant
- Kitchen Ability to work in the kitchen (rotation / cross-training)
People
- Recruiting Team/ Build Relationships / Create Energy & Great Vibes
- Recruiting / Interviewing / Hiring & Onboarding
- Train / Cross-Train / Ongoing Training & Coaching
- Lead / Develop Team / Set the Example
- Employee Safety / Workers Compensation
- Discipline and Terminations
Developing Leaders
- Accountable for Team Development (Appreciate, Connect, Respect & Grow!)
- Succession Planning & Recruitment
- Retention (Culture / Compensation / Recognition)
- Accountable for Hiring Decisions
- Career Path for all Team Members & Management
- Performance Management / Team Evaluation
Financial Results (Sales & Profit)
- Sales Forecasting / Projections / Budgets
- Promotions & Community Building (build sales & profitability)
- Labor Schedules and Labor Management
- Cost of Goods Management – Bar responsibility, collaboration throughout the business
- Other Operating Expenses & Controllables
Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalency
- 3+ years of restaurant management experience; General Manager or equivalent required
- Knowledge of bar operations, including spirits, cocktails, and beer
- Proven ability to manage inventory, labor, and costs effectively
- Creative thinker who can drive sales and create a vibe while maintaining profitability
- Ability to set goals and convert plans into action
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable with computers and manager-level technology
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse workforce
- Ability to work in a fast-paced restaurant environment, position may require walking, bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, or moving objects up to 50 pounds
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and move up and down stairs throughout shifts
- Flexible schedule required, including nights, late-nights and weekends
- Reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, clean driving record, and current auto insurance
COMPETENCIES
Builds a Strong Culture -Achieves through Teamwork
Owns It-Executes for Results
Develops & Supports a Great Team-Finds, Trains, Builds, & Leverages Talent
Inspires / Influences Others-Leads through Influence
Surprises Our Guest with the Experience-Puts All Guests First
Is Real / Keeps It Real-Communicates Effectively & Candidly
Is Bold-Leads Change & Innovation
Creates Long Term Growth-Great Shifts Grow Sales
Application Window
Recruiting timelines vary by position, however, all Illegal Pete's positions accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days from the posting date listed. This position is open and still accepting applications.