Chief Operating Officer Interview Questions: 10 Must-Asks for Restaurant & Hospitality Leaders

Hiring the right Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a critical decision—especially in the fast-paced, margin-sensitive world of restaurants and hospitality. The right COO ensures operational consistency, financial discipline, and brand alignment across multiple locations and service models.

At Wray Executive Search, we’ve helped the nation’s top brands build leadership teams that drive long-term success. Whether you’re scaling your concept or stabilizing operations across regions, here are ten essential Chief Operating Officer interview questions designed to uncover the expertise that sets high-impact leaders apart.

Why Interviewing for a COO Role Is So Strategic

In today’s environment, COOs must balance efficiency with experience, technology with team culture, and growth with guest satisfaction. The COO is often the glue between the executive vision and day-to-day execution. Asking the right questions can help you identify not just a capable operator—but a transformational leader.

10 Chief Operating Officer Interview Questions (Restaurant & Hospitality Focus)

1. How have you improved operational consistency across multiple units or locations?

Look for answers grounded in real-world metrics—labor optimization, inventory management, scheduling systems, or food safety protocols. Bonus if they’ve worked with franchisees or multi-brand portfolios.

2. What key metrics do you track daily, weekly, and monthly to assess operational health?

Top COOs should immediately mention prime costs, same-store sales, customer satisfaction scores, labor ratios, and turnover rates—metrics that matter in foodservice.

3. Tell us about a time you had to cut costs without sacrificing quality or customer experience.

This gets to the heart of hospitality leadership. You're seeking a candidate who balances fiscal discipline with guest-first thinking.

4. How do you align operations with brand standards—especially when scaling?

A great COO protects the brand as it grows. Their answer should show how they maintain quality, culture, and service consistency while expanding.

5. How have you successfully integrated new technology to improve operations or the guest experience?

Look for experience with POS systems, kitchen automation, reservation tools, or loyalty platforms—plus how they onboarded teams to adopt them.

6. Describe your approach to team development and retention in high-turnover environments.

Restaurants and hotels face constant staffing pressure. The right COO has strategies for recruiting, training, recognition, and internal promotion.

7. What role have you played in real estate or new unit development?

Even if not leading site selection, COOs must partner cross-functionally to ensure new locations meet operational and financial standards.

8. Share an example of navigating a crisis (e.g., supply chain disruption, staffing shortage, or public relations issue).

This reveals agility and composure. Look for clear frameworks they use under pressure.

9. How do you collaborate with other C-suite leaders—especially the CEO and CFO?

High-functioning executive teams work in sync. Strong candidates will talk about cross-functional alignment, joint planning, and shared KPIs.

10. What’s your leadership philosophy, and how does it show up in day-to-day operations?

You're not just hiring a tactician—you’re hiring a culture-setter. Their answer should reflect emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and commitment to people.

Interview Tips for CEOs and Boards

• Tailor your questions to your business model. A fast-casual brand needs different operational leadership than a fine dining group or hotel chain.

• Ask for KPIs and measurable outcomes. A strong COO will speak the language of data, not just vision.

• Evaluate emotional intelligence. The best COOs inspire and hold teams accountable in equal measure.

Need Help Finding the Right COO?

Finding the right Chief Operating Officer—someone who can lead with operational excellence and elevate your brand—is no small task. At Wray Executive Search, we specialize in identifying top-tier talent for restaurant and hospitality organizations across the country.

We understand the nuances of this industry, and we know what separates good COOs from transformational ones. Let’s talk about how we can help.

Closing Thoughts

Asking smart, industry-specific Chief Operating Officer interview questions is one of the most effective ways to ensure you’re hiring for impact—not just experience. From aligning operational strategy to inspiring frontline teams, today’s COO must be agile, insightful, and relentlessly guest-focused.

With the right questions—and the right partner—you’ll find the leader your organization deserves.