Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is a tech-forward, rapidly growing restaurant and nightlife group known for delivering exceptional food, innovative cocktails, and unforgettable guest experiences. With a bold brand, dynamic concepts, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence, we are poised for significant expansion. We are seeking a visionary Chief Operating Financial Officer (COFO) to help us scale our business, ensuring operational and financial excellence while driving strategic growth.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO) serves as the second most senior executive in the company, reporting directly to the CEO. This high-impact role combines leadership in both operations and finance to drive sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and financial success.
The COFO will provide visionary leadership across all aspects of operations and finance, aligning strategic objectives with tactical execution, and ensuring the scalability of our organization while maintaining our brand's unique identity.
This role is ideal for a seasoned executive with 15+ years of experience scaling food & beverage concepts, particularly experiential brands. The successful candidate will be a proven operator with deep expertise in managing capital, cash flow, and traditional CFO-level responsibilities. They will also bring a track record of leading teams through rapid growth and organizational complexity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Growth
- Partner with the CEO to develop and execute the company's vision, long-term strategic plan, and growth initiatives.
- Provide forward-thinking leadership to ensure operational and financial strategies align with the company's overall objectives.
- Drive the development and execution of initiatives that optimize operational efficiency, enhance guest experiences, and maximize profitability.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the executive team, offering data-driven insights to guide decision-making.
- Cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence across all departments.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and adherence to brand standards with a emphasis in the continuous improvement of processes and standard operating procedures.
- Lead operational teams to deliver world-class guest experiences while optimizing kitchen processes, vendor management, staff scheduling, and inventory control.
- Develop and enforce standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and compliance within the workforce and financial wellness of the organization.
- Collaborate with the culinary team to ensure exceptional food quality, innovative menu development, and alignment with brand identity.
- Oversee technology systems, including Craftable and Restaurant365, to streamline operational and financial processes.
Growth and Capital Strategy
- Lead financial and operational due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and market expansions.
- Cultivate relationships with investors, lenders, and financial partners to secure capital for strategic growth initiatives.
- Oversee the development and execution of market entry strategies, ensuring readiness for expansion into new locations and regions.
- Guide the company's approach to funding, resource allocation, and investment to maximize returns and minimize risk.
Risk Management and Compliance
- Develop and implement robust risk management frameworks to mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory standards across operations.
- Partner with legal and compliance teams to address emerging risks and maintain operational and financial integrity.
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Lead the development of annual budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Analyze variances and recommend corrective actions to maintain financial health.
- Utilize forecasting tools to guide resource allocation and capital investments.
Team Development and Leadership
- Lead and mentor operational and financial teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Set performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and implement development plans to enhance team effectiveness.
- Build and retain a high-performing leadership team capable of executing the company's growth strategy.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace culture.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Expertise
- 15+ years of leadership experience in operations and finance, with a proven track record of scaling food & beverage or hospitality concepts.
- Significant experience in experiential or lifestyle-driven brands with strong emphasis on guest experience and branding.
- Expertise in managing capital, cash flow, lending, and traditional CFO-level responsibilities.
- Demonstrated success in scaling businesses, leading market expansions, and navigating organizational complexity.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and develop actionable strategies.
Leadership and Communication
- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and align diverse teams.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with executive teams and board members.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Education and Technical Skills
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- Proficiency in financial systems, operational tools, and reporting platforms such as Craftable, Restaurant365 and point of sale systems such as Toast.
- Strong understanding of GAAP, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive executive compensation package, including performance-based incentives and equity opportunities.
- Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.
- Opportunity to shape the future of a high-growth, innovative brand at the forefront of food & beverage experiences.
- Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that values creativity, integrity, and a passion for excellence.
Working Conditions
Our headquarters is in Miami Beach, Florida, and we operate locations across the United States. This role requires collaborative presence at our Miami Beach office, with travel up to 25% of the year to support operations, oversee expansions, and drive initiatives across various markets. As an onsite company, collaboration and direct engagement are integral to our dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
E-Verify Participation
Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the official E-Verify Website.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.