Director of Food Service

Director of Food Service

Location: Hudson Valley, NY, with responsibility across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
Reports to: Director of C-Store Operations
Travel: Regular travel to Chestnut Market stores, the commissary, and headquarters in Poughkeepsie, NY

Search Keywords: Director of Food Service, Multi-Unit Food Service, Convenience Retail, QSR, Food Service Operations, Culinary Operations, P&L, Menu Management, Commissary, Vendor Management, Food Safety

Company Overview

Chestnut Group is a family-owned convenience retail and fuels business serving the tri-state area. Through Chestnut Market, we are growing a people-first retail experience built on care, consistency, and convenience.

Position Summary

The Director of Food Service will lead the continued development and day-to-day performance of Chestnut Market’s food service program across our multi-unit convenience retail network. This hands-on leader will strengthen current offerings, improve store-level execution, and identify practical opportunities to expand the program by location and store format.

Working closely with Operations and store leadership, the Director of Food Service will oversee sales, profitability, quality, food safety, labor efficiency, and a consistent customer experience. The role combines program oversight and planning with regular field presence, coaching, and follow-through.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Food Service Program

• Provide direction for the food service program and implement a practical plan to strengthen and expand it across existing and new locations.
• Review the menu, equipment, labor model, commissary support, and customer feedback to identify achievable improvements.
• Direct the testing and rollout of new products and program enhancements based on store needs, customer demand, and financial performance.

Oversee Performance and Store Execution

• Manage food service sales, margin, labor, waste, pricing, and key performance measures.
• Build consistent store routines and operating standards for production, inventory, service, quality, and food safety.
• Visit stores regularly to coach leaders, troubleshoot issues, and improve program execution.
• Use store results and customer feedback to adjust programs and share best practices.

Support Program Development and Expansion

• Recommend kitchen equipment, layouts, and workflows that support efficient store operations.
• Support remodels, conversions, and new store openings from planning through implementation.
• Manage vendor relationships, product quality, sourcing, and pricing in partnership with internal teams.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, audit, and corrective-action standards.
• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Merchandising, Finance, and Construction on food service initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive food service leadership experience in convenience retail, QSR, grocery, restaurant, or another multi-unit environment.
• Experience improving and expanding an existing food service program across multiple locations.
• Working knowledge of food service financials, including sales, margin, labor, waste, pricing, and inventory.
• Practical experience with menu execution, kitchen operations, food safety, vendor management, and store training.
• Ability to manage projects, support program rollouts, and work effectively with store and cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication, coaching, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; ServSafe certification required or obtained upon hire.

Leadership Profile

A hands-on food service leader who is collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented; comfortable setting direction, working in stores, coaching teams, using data to make decisions, and turning plans into consistent daily execution.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $110,000–$150,000, depending on experience and qualifications. The role is also eligible for a performance-based incentive and a competitive benefits package.

• Company vehicle and fuel
• Comprehensive health coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Professional development and growth opportunities