Guide to a Restaurant Manager Career
If you’re thinking about taking the next step in your career and becoming a Restaurant Manager, you’ve come to the right place!
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a Restaurant Manager.
It covers everything from the daily responsibilities and top skills for Restaurant Managers. We’ll also go over how much you can earn and the possible career paths you can take.
What Is a Restaurant Manager?
A Restaurant Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the overall operation of the restaurant. They monitor service standards, address customer concerns and implement strategies to enhance customer satisfaction.
Besides making sure their guests are satisfied, Restaurant Managers also train staff, control inventory, ensure adherence to food safety regulations and manage costs to keep the restaurant profitable.
What Does a Restaurant Manager Do?
The day-to-day responsibilities of a Restaurant Manager include:
- Overseeing restaurant operations
- Training and mentoring staff to maintain service standards
- Managing staff to optimize workflow
- Handling customer inquiries, complaints and feedback
- Conducting regular inspections to ensure cleanliness, hygiene and compliance with safety regulations
- Developing and implementing strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Managing inventory and ordering supplies to meet demand while minimizing waste at the same time
- Collaborating with Chefs and kitchen staff to maintain menu quality and consistency
- Implementing marketing initiatives to attract new customers and retain existing ones
- Monitoring financial performance and implementing cost-control measures to maximize profitability
- Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and industry regulations
Learn more about the Restaurant Manager’s duties and responsibilities by visiting our Restaurant Manager job description page.
Top Skills and Qualities of Successful Restaurant Managers
To thrive as a Restaurant Manager, you should possess the following skills and qualities:
- Ability to successfully lead a team of restaurant professionals
- Strong communication skills to effectively interact with staff, customers and vendors
- Dedication to delivering excellent customer experiences
- Capacity for quick decision-making under pressure
- Ability to effectively juggle multiple tasks at the same time
- Understanding budget management and cost control
- Flexibility to adjust strategies and operations according to changing circumstances
- Familiarity with food safety standards and regulations
Education and Experience Requirements for Restaurant Managers
In most cases, you don’t need formal education beyond a high school diploma to work as a Restaurant Manager.
Many Restaurant Managers learn how restaurants operate on the job or through previous working experience in hospitality, often in entry-level roles. This is sometimes seen as more valuable than having formal education during the hiring process.
However, some employers still consider a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business or a related field as advantageous. If you want to get a college degree in restaurant management, here are some reputable schools to consider:
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| Culinary Institute of America (CIA) | CIA offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Food Business Management, preparing students for leadership roles in the food service sector. |
| Johnson & Wales University | At Johnson & Wales, you can study Food Service Management and gain essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in restaurant management. |
| Cornell University School of Hotel Administration | At Cornell, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration specializing in Food and Beverage Management. |
| The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) | The Restaurant & Culinary Management program at ICE teaches you the skills you need to run a restaurant, from cooking basics to managing staff. |
| The International Culinary Center (ICC) | The Restaurant Management program at ICC teaches you everything you need to know to run a restaurant, from food and service to business basics. |
Restaurant Manager Salary and Earnings Potential
The average annual Restaurant Manager salary in the United States is $69,580, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This translates into a monthly salary of $5,798.
Washington tops the list as the highest-paying state for Restaurant Managers, offering an average salary of $87,340, while West Virginia ranks at the bottom with an average salary of $51,880.
Restaurant Manager Career Progression
Experienced Restaurant Managers can advance into roles such as Restaurant General Manager, Director of Restaurant Operations or Restaurant Consultant.
Restaurant Manager
Multi-Unit Manager
Avg Salary $80,000
Food and Beverage Director
Avg Salary $90,000
Restaurant Owner/Franchisee
Avg Salary $100,000
Restaurant Consultant
Avg Salary $120,000
Restaurant General Manager
Avg Salary $75,000
Regional Manager
Avg Salary $85,000
Director of Restaurant Operations
Avg Salary $110,000
Chief Operating Officer
Avg Salary $150,000
Pros and Cons of Being a Restaurant Manager
A Restaurant Manager career has pros and cons, as does any other career. The pros include:
- Leadership opportunities: Restaurant Managers have the chance to lead and inspire teams of different people, directly impacting their professional growth
- Creative control: They often play a key role in menu development, interior design decisions and creating promotional campaigns. This allows them to express their creativity and contribute to the restaurant’s unique identity.
- Financial rewards: Successful restaurant management can lead to substantial bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
- Professional development: The role of a Restaurant Manager offers continuous opportunities for learning and growth through industry conferences and workshops.
- Networking opportunities: Managing a restaurant involves having frequent interactions with suppliers, vendors and industry professionals, creating valuable networking opportunities for career advancement.
Here are some cons of working as a Restaurant Manager:
- High-pressure environment: Handling challenging situations such as staff shortages or customer complaints during peak hours can be very stressful.
- Long hours: Restaurant Managers often have to work long hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. You have to be comfortable with an inconsistent working schedule.
- Staff management challenges: Managing a diverse team of staff members is challenging and it requires possessing strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
- Work-life balance: Balancing the demands of restaurant management with personal commitments can be difficult, often resulting in limited time for leisure activities.
Quiz: Is Restaurant Manager the Right Role for You?
See if you have what it takes to be a Restaurant Manager by taking our quiz below:
Results
#1. How do you feel about working in a fast-paced environment where multitasking and quick decision-making are essential?
#2. Are you able to maintain a friendly and professional demeanor, even during busy or stressful situations?
#3. When faced with a challenging situation, such as a sudden rush of customers or an unexpected staff shortage, you:
#4. Are you comfortable interacting with guests and providing exceptional customer service?
#5. How do you approach managing restaurant operations during peak hours?
#6. Are you willing to continuously learn and adapt to changes in restaurant procedures?
#7. How important is attention to detail in ensuring food quality and customer satisfaction?
#8. Are you comfortable working evening, weekend, and holiday shifts as part of your role as a Restaurant Manager?
#9. How do you feel about collaborating with kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service for guests?
#10. When it comes to decision-making in a team, you:
Restaurant Manager Career FAQs
The workplace of a Restaurant Manager is dynamic and demanding, especially during peak dining hours when restaurants experience high customer traffic.They constantly move between different areas of the restaurant, such as the office, kitchen and dining area, to oversee various aspects of operations.This means they spend significant time on their feet each day, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
No; Restaurant Manager positions require previous restaurant experience, particularly experience working in roles that have direct interaction with customers (e.g. Server, Bartender or Cook).Previous experience in such roles is highly valued because it provides a foundational understanding of restaurant operations and customer service.Some employers may even require direct management experience or a degree in hospitality management or a related field.
A Restaurant Manager is a mid-level manager. They oversee a single location and report to higher-level managers like District or General Managers.
If you’re just starting your Restaurant Manager career, here is some valuable advice:
- Be prepared to learn every day
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions
- Work on building strong relationships within the industry
- Work hard because your hard work will pay off!