Description:THE ROLE As Director of Real Estate Development, you will help bring Fresh Kitchen's goal to life-by finding and delivering incredible new FK locations across Florida and beyond.
You'll lead all aspects of
real estate strategy, site selection, market prioritization, and lease negotiation, ensuring each new restaurant opens
on time, on budget, and aligned with our long-term growth plan. While you'll stay close to design and construction timelines, this role focuses more on
strategy, coordination, and accountability on finding locations and closing real estate deals. You'll oversee our new restaurant construction projects through our
Construction Manager (who leads permitting and build-outs) and partner with our
Designer (who owns layout, finishes, and brand standards) to ensure every site meets expectations for quality, cost, and experience.
THE VIBE You're passionate about commercial real estate and love the restaurant industry-the energy, the people, and the purpose behind creating great spaces where guests and teams thrive. You know the Florida market inside and out, and you're energized by discovering new markets where Fresh Kitchen can grow and flourish.
You're detailed, organized, and skilled at project management, balancing multiple timelines without missing a beat. With strong financial acumen, you make data-based decisions that drive results and ensure each new restaurant sets us up for success.
You live our core values, lead with curiosity and accountability, and are excited to have a
direct impact on Fresh Kitchen's strategic growth. You love what you do, take pride in doing it well, and believe that every great restaurant starts with finding the right location-one that fits the community and fuels connection.
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES LMA - Lead, Manage, Hold Accountable - Lead and develop external brokers, consultants, and partners with clear direction and accountability.
- Communicate proactively with cross-functional teams to keep projects aligned and on track.
- Hold yourself and others accountable to timelines, budgets, and commitments.
Real Estate Strategy & Pipeline - Lead market and trade area planning, maintaining an updated 3-year and 12-month pipeline.
- Prioritize and validate new markets (Florida and beyond) through data analysis and site tours.
- Collaborate with Finance to model unit economics and ensure sites meet performance hurdles.
- Partner with brokers, landlords, and developers to identify and secure high-quality sites.
Market & Site Identification - Own the site identification and vetting process from start to finish.
- Conduct thorough due diligence (zoning, parking, ingress/egress, co-tenancy, site condition).
- Partner with Legal, Operations, and Finance for alignment on deal terms and fit.
- Present market and site recommendations to the executive team
LOIs & Lease Negotiatio- Lead all LOI and lease negotiations, including rent, TI, CAM, exclusivity, and use clauses.
- Manage brokers and legal counsel throughout the negotiation process.
- Track and report lease progress, key milestones, and critical dates.
Design & Construction Coordination - Partner with the Construction Manager and Designer to ensure projects move efficiently through design, permitting, and construction phases.
- Understand key permitting and timeline milestones to keep leadership informed and aligned.
- Maintain oversight of project budgets and schedules-driving accountability, not managing day-to-day buildouts.
- Ensure brand standards are upheld in collaboration with Design.
- Facilitate decision-making and remove roadblocks to keep openings on track.
Cross-Functional Coordination & Operational Handoffs - Ensure smooth handoffs to Operations, Facilities, and Marketing for each opening.
- Collaborate with Facilities for post-opening maintenance and asset planning.
- Support Finance with CapEx forecasting, tracking, and reconciliation.
- Partner with Marketing and PR for launch readiness and local opening visibility.
KEY OUTCOMES (12-24 MONTHS) Pipeline Development - Maintain a 36-month development pipeline aligned with FK's 10-year growth plan.
- Deliver 15 new locations by 2028.
Site Execution - 100% of sites meet or exceed AUV and IRR performance targets.
Construction Delivery (in partnership with Construction Manager) - 90%+ of projects delivered on time, on budget, and on spec.
- Maintain ≤ 5% cost variance and ≤ 10% schedule variance.
Cross-Functional Readiness - 100% of new openings launch with no critical punch-list items outstanding.
- Seamless coordination across Real Estate, Design, Construction, and Operations.
KEY MEASURABLES Real Estate: - 100% of opening targets hit
- 80%+ of sites achieve run-rate AUVs within six months
Construction (Oversight): - Days from lease to permit submittal
- 90% of projects delivered to Operations on time and on budget
Requirements:PRE-REQs AND SKILLS: - 5+ years of experience leading multi-site retail or restaurant development from site selection through opening
- Strong real estate and lease negotiation experience (TI, CAM, exclusivity, use clauses, etc.)
- Deep understanding of the Florida commercial real estate market and excitement to learn and identify new markets where Fresh Kitchen will thrive
- Working knowledge of permitting and construction timelines, with ability to hold vendors and partners accountable
- Strategic thinker who's also a skilled project manager and communicator
- Financially literate: understands ROI, CapEx, and P&L implications
- Collaborative, organized, and proactive with strong follow-up and cross-functional communication
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
- Learner mindset - curious, open, and values-driven
- Deep alignment with Fresh Kitchen's purpose and values
Additional Info:FRESHER THAN YOUR AVERAGE JOB (a.k.a. Benefits) - FOOD | Monthly Dining Comp Program which can be used at other brands.
- COOL SWAG | that you'll even want to wear on your day off.
- CULTURE | We walk it like we talk it. Our values aren't just things we profess; they are things we actively practice.
- HOLLA-DAYS | Closed for most holidays, so you can enjoy time with family and friends.
- BE YOURSELF | You are beautiful, and we celebrate your individuality.
- BENEFITS | Group Health, Vision and Dental Plans and 401K with match!
- PAYDAY | Top in Class Salary with Bonus Potential
- HIGH VIBE TEAM | Be a part of a high performing team that has fun and enjoys working together.
