Restaurant management recruiters who work for you, not the next client.
A restaurant recruiting agency for General Managers, Assistant GMs and Restaurant Managers that charges a flat fee, quoted up front, not a percentage of salary. You get a dedicated search for your store, not a resume blast, backed by a 6-month guarantee.
Unit-level leaders for every kind of restaurant
Why a flat-fee, retained search beats contingency for GM hiring
Most unit-level recruiters work on contingency and charge a percentage of the hire's salary. They're paid only if you hire, so your opening becomes a reason to blast the role to their database and keep shopping the same candidates, including the managers they placed with you. DUA's unit-level searches run on a flat fee with a launch fee instead.
One fee, known up front
A launch fee starts the search and the flat fee is quoted before we begin, so budgeting for several manager hires is simple.
Paid for fit, not salary
A percentage fee grows when the salary grows. A flat fee doesn't, so our only job is finding the right manager for your store.
Your search, not their advertisement
We approach candidates discreetly, one by one, for your role only. Your search isn't broadcast to a database, and recruiting the leaders we place for you away afterward isn't part of our practice.
A focused desk
We don't overload ourselves with open roles. Your search gets real attention from the recruiter leading it until the offer is signed.
| Comparison | DUA flat-fee search | Typical contingency agency |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Launch fee plus a flat fee, quoted up front | A percentage of the hire's salary |
| What the fee rewards | Finding the right leader | A higher salary, which means a bigger fee |
| Focus on your search | A dedicated search; we don't overload our desk | One of dozens of open roles, worked when it looks closest to paying |
| After the hire | We don't recruit our placements back out | Your new GM becomes their next candidate |
| Guarantee | 6 months, with one replacement search at no added fee | Often a short refund window, if any |
How a unit-level search works
Launch
Your launch fee starts the search. We learn the store, the team and what the manager needs to deliver, then build the candidate profile.
Search
We approach working managers, not just active job seekers, and screen for operations results, leadership and fit with your culture.
Shortlist
You meet a short list of vetted finalists, with our notes on each, and we coordinate interviews and references.
Placement and Guarantee
We help close the offer and stay in touch through the first six months, which is the length of your guarantee.
Every unit-level placement is guaranteed.
Full terms are outlined in your engagement agreement.
The same retained method, at the store level
We recruit for franchise groups and restaurant brands across QSR, fast casual and casual dining, and we bring the same retained method to every unit-level search that we use for restaurant executive search.
“I am so impressed with this team's dedication, expertise and commitment to growing brands.”
Questions about restaurant management recruiting
How much does a unit-level search cost?
Every search is a flat fee, quoted up front for your engagement, with a launch fee to start. You'll know the full cost before we begin.
Why not use a contingency recruiter for GM hiring?
A contingency recruiter charges a percentage of salary and is paid only if you hire their candidate, so many blast your role to their database, compete with other agencies and keep marketing the same candidates afterward, including the managers they placed with you. DUA runs your search exclusively for a flat fee, and recruiting the leaders we place for you away afterward isn't part of our practice.
What does the launch fee cover?
The launch fee commits both of us to the search from day one. It's what lets us give your role real focus and build a shortlist for your store instead of forwarding whoever applied this week.
Can you handle several openings or a new store opening?
Yes. Tell us how many managers you need and when, and we'll scope the search with you.
How long does a General Manager search take?
It depends on the role and the market. We set a timeline with you at launch and keep you updated as the search moves.
Do you guarantee unit-level placements?
Yes. If a placed GM, AGM or Restaurant Manager leaves within 6 months, we run one replacement search at no added fee, unless the client initiates a reduction in force. Full terms are in your engagement agreement.
Do you also recruit District Managers and executives?
Yes. For District Managers, directors and the C-suite, see our restaurant executive recruiters page, or book a discovery call and we'll talk through the role.
Hiring a General Manager? Let's talk.
Tell us about the store and your timeline. You'll speak with the recruiter who would lead your search, in as little as one business day.