Real Estate Counsel

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Real Estate Counsel will serve as a key legal advisor supporting all real estate matters across our national portfolio, with a focus on commercial leasing and hospitality-related transactions. This role provides legal expertise throughout the lifecycle of each property which includes supporting site acquisition, lease negotiation, portfolio oversight, tenant improvement/allowance collection efforts, and real estate-related compliance. This position is ideal for a collaborative, solutions-oriented attorney who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. The Real Estate Counsel will report to the General Counsel and work cross-functionally to drive strategic business outcomes.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Enable our Purpose to create lifelong memories by igniting the senses with unrivaled food and experiences:

Family: We work together to make everyone feel at home, and we step up when someone needs help

• Serve as the internal legal advisor for site selection, lease structuring, and site expansion

• Support cross-functional initiatives, including new site development, remodels, and lease compliance

• Provide practical legal solutions that balance risk mitigation with business flexibility

Greatness: We’re obsessed with being the best and work hard to continuously improve. Our greatness is rooted in Quality, Service, Attitude, and Cleanliness

• Draft, negotiate, revise, and manage lease agreements and related real estate documents (e.g. LOIs, lease abstracts, amendments, estoppels, SNDAs, easements, etc.)

• Manage ongoing lease administration, monitoring compliance, renewals, and exercising of lease options

• Support property due diligence process, including zoning entitlements and permitting timelines

• Oversee legal review of CAM reconciliations, maintenance obligations, and landlord-tenant disputes

• Lead diligence efforts by confirming clear title, proper zoning, accurate legal descriptions, necessary easements for utilities and access, and that no environmental issues exist prior to closing

• Confirm all required legal documents, consents, and plan approvals are obtained promptly to meet closing timelines

• Stay current on legal trends and regulations in real estate and hospitality law

Energy: We move with urgency and passion while maintaining attention to detail

• Act as a business-minded problem solver with the ability to operate in an environment with evolving priorities

• Serve as primary liaison to outside counsel for real estate transactions and real estate regulatory matters

• Support and assist with collection of tenant improvement/allowance funds

• Maintain a proactive approach to identifying legal risks and opportunities within the development pipeline

Fun: We entertain our guests, we connect authentically, and we make each other smile

• Build strong internal relationships across the organization and with external partners to foster a collaborative, solutions-focused environment

• Foster a collaborative team dynamic within the Law department and with external stakeholders

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the General Counsel and will regularly work with the Law, Development, Finance, and Facilities teams.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Educational Level/Certifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

• Licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois and in good standing with a state bar association

Minimum Work Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Minimum of 5 years of in-house legal experience, with a focus on commercial real estate in the hospitality environment

• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating lease and related transactional documents

• Deep experience with commercial leasing, real estate law, and corporate legal matters

• Familiarity with lease administration systems and critical date tracking processes

• Proven ability to independently manage high volumes of transactions with varying complexity

• Strong organization and communication skills, with the ability to prioritize and pivot quickly

• Effective communicator with sound judgment and the ability to translate legal concepts into business terms

• Experience managing outside counsel to ensure cost-effective, high-quality legal support

Travel Requirement

• Occasional travel may be required

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required.  The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned. This job may be reviewed as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.