Job Description

Job Description

Position: General Counsel
Salary Range: $250,000 – $300,000 base salary (plus bonus eligibility)
Employment Type: Full-Time / Exempt
Department: Legal
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Company Overview
Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a fast-casual restaurant chain with over 100 locations across California and Arizona. We specialize in authentic Hawaiian plate lunches and other island-style favorites, made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients. Our mission is to bring the spirit and flavors of the islands to our customers through exceptional service and a welcoming dining experience.

Position Summary
The General Counsel will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for all legal affairs of Ono Hawaiian BBQ. This highly strategic and hands-on role requires deep expertise in corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, labor and employment, and regulatory compliance within the quick-service restaurant or retail industry.

The General Counsel will also establish and lead the company’s first in-house legal department, building the structure, processes, systems, and team necessary to support the company’s aggressive growth initiatives. This position will oversee and mentor a Real Estate Associate and may expand the legal team as business needs grow.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Advice

• Develop and implement legal strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide expert counsel to the CEO, executive leadership, and shareholders on legal and business issues.

Corporate Governance

• Maintain corporate records, manage board resolutions, and advise on shareholder matters.
• Ensure full compliance with governance requirements.

Leadership & Department Development

• Build the company’s first in-house legal department, including structure, staffing, workflows, and technology systems.
• Identify staffing needs and lead recruitment of additional legal team members.
• Foster a culture of proactive legal partnership across the organization.

Litigation & Dispute Management

• Oversee all litigation and claims, including employment (employer defense), general liability, personal injury, intellectual property, and contract disputes.
• Manage outside counsel to ensure efficiency and favorable outcomes.

Contracts & Transactions

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements including vendor, supplier, real estate leases, and partnership agreements.
• Ensure contracts comply with legal, regulatory, and company policy, assessing commercial risk.

Real Estate

• Provide legal oversight for site acquisitions, leases, renewals, and dispositions in CA, AZ, and TX; and other real estate investments.
• Mentor and supervise a Real Estate Associate.

Labor & Employment

• Advise HR and management on compliance with multi-state employment laws.
• Manage administrative claims and agency complaints (EEOC, CA DCR, DLSE, DOL).

Intellectual Property

• Protect and manage the company’s IP portfolio including trademarks and trade secrets.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with laws affecting the QSR industry, including health and safety, labeling, and licensing.

Risk Management

• Identify legal risks, develop mitigation strategies, and protect company assets.
• Oversee the company’s insurance programs, including evaluating coverage, supporting claims management to ensure optimal protection and cost-effectiveness.

Training & Education

• Provide legal training to employees and management to promote compliance and best practices.

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Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active California Bar membership; ability to register as in-house counsel in Arizona and Texas.
• 10–15+ years of progressive legal experience, with significant in-house experience in the QSR, retail, or hospitality industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in litigation, contract law, labor and employment, corporate governance, and real estate.
• Proven ability to build or lead a legal department.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory and operational considerations specific to multi-state QSR or retail businesses.
• Exceptional judgment, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and deliver results.

Benefits :

• Eligible for Bonus and award programs.
• 401(k) matching program to help you save for retirement.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and Vision insurance for you and your dependents.
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Program (E.A.P.).
• Generous PTO and Sick Time.
• Paid Holidays

Company Perks:

At Ono Hawaiian BBQ, we value our employees and strive to provide a positive work environment. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer online employee discounts to amusement parks, restaurants, movie theaters, spas, sporting events, and so much more! We believe in creating opportunities for our employees to enjoy their time outside work and make lasting memories with their families and friends.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift and carry items (minimum of 25 pounds)

Environmental Conditions

• Office environment and occasional travel as necessary or beneficial for the Company.

Additional Information

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Ono Hawaiian BBQ makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Company Description

Founded in 2002, Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a fast-casual restaurant known for our authentic Hawaiian plate lunches and other island specialties. Ono Hawaiian uses the freshest ingredients, prepared from scratch daily in each restaurant and grilled fresh to order. With 100 locations in California and Arizona, we aim to combine the culture and “aloha” spirit of Hawaii into our restaurants to bring a taste of the islands with exceptional service in an inviting atmosphere.

Company Description

Founded in 2002, Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a fast-casual restaurant known for our authentic Hawaiian plate lunches and other island specialties. Ono Hawaiian uses the freshest ingredients, prepared from scratch daily in each restaurant and grilled fresh to order. With 100 locations in California and Arizona, we aim to combine the culture and “aloha” spirit of Hawaii into our restaurants to bring a taste of the islands with exceptional service in an inviting atmosphere.