General Manager
Company: Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Company Overview:
Five Guys Burgers and Fries is one of America's most successful and beloved hamburger concepts — ranked the #1 burger in the U.S. by Zagat. While our food gets the headlines, it's our people-first culture that makes the real difference. At Five Guys, both crew members and managers are cross-trained to work every position in the restaurant, creating a high-energy, collaborative, and fun work environment.
With an open kitchen layout, we bring the guest experience right into the action — it's loud, fast, and filled with team communication.
What It Takes to Be a Five Guys General Manager:
- People & Leadership Skills: Can you inspire and motivate others? This is the #1 trait we seek. Great leadership creates great teams.
- High Energy & Stamina: Our kitchens are fast-paced and physically active environments. Being on your feet and staying energized is a must.
- Adaptability: You'll manage a rotating crew and shift roles constantly throughout the day.
- Communication: Real-time, vocal collaboration is essential — we rely on strong team communication to keep things moving.
- Love of Food & Music: We make amazing burgers to the sounds of classic rock. A good vibe is part of our culture — and yes, singing along is encouraged!
- Team Mindset: Our best managers always put the team first and lead with humility.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee financial performance, including inventory control and cost management.
- Lead crew assignments, coaching, and performance during all shifts.
- Foster outstanding customer experiences through proactive service and problem-solving.
- Own the full shift operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly from open to close.
- Work a combination of both opening and closing shifts:
- Morning: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Afternoon/Evening: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Qualifications:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- High school diploma required; some college or continuing education is a plus
- 1–2 years of leadership experience, ideally in a restaurant or customer-facing business
- Previous experience in food service strongly preferred
- ServeSafe Certification is a plus
- Strong, reliable professional references — from both supervisors and former direct reports
Perks & Benefits:
- Competitive base pay
- Quarterly bonus program based on restaurant performance
- Career advancement opportunities with a rapidly growing brand
- Dynamic and supportive team culture
- Ongoing training and leadership development
Ready to Lead the Team?
At Five Guys, you'll find a role where passion, leadership, and hustle come together in a fast-paced, rewarding environment. Bring your energy, grow with us, and help us deliver legendary burgers — every single day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Five Guys emphasizes a people-first culture with cross-training across all restaurant positions, fostering a high-energy and collaborative environment. Unlike some chains, the GM at Blue Island leads dynamic teams with real-time communication, blending passion for food and music to create a unique workplace vibe.
Strong motivation skills combined with adaptability and stamina are key. A Five Guys GM thrives by inspiring their crew, handling rotating roles during shifts, and maintaining high energy levels to manage the busy, loud kitchen while ensuring smooth operations.
Many GMs progress to regional management roles or corporate leadership within the expanding Five Guys brand. The company’s focus on leadership development and performance bonuses supports career growth, making it a solid stepping stone in the restaurant management field.
While a high school diploma is essential, certifications like ServSafe are highly regarded locally due to Illinois food safety regulations. Additionally, proven leadership experience in customer-facing roles strengthens candidacy for managerial positions around Blue Island.
Blue Island’s proximity to Chicago creates a moderately competitive market for restaurant GMs. Employers value candidates with hands-on leadership and multitasking skills, especially in fast-paced environments like Five Guys, where team coordination and energy are crucial.
General Managers in the Blue Island area typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, influenced by restaurant performance bonuses. Five Guys offers competitive base pay plus quarterly incentives, positioning their compensation slightly above average for local burger chains.
The role demands juggling inventory management, crew coaching, and ensuring smooth shift transitions. Real-time communication and hands-on involvement in food prep keep the GM tightly connected to both customer satisfaction and team performance each day.
Managing overlapping shifts from morning to evening requires flexibility and stamina. Balancing fast-paced kitchen dynamics with team morale, especially under loud, energetic conditions, demands quick decision-making and constant collaboration for seamless service.
Five Guys promotes humility and a team-first mindset, encouraging GMs to lead by example rather than authority. Music and a lively atmosphere create an upbeat environment, so managers often use positive energy and open communication to motivate their crews.
The role aligns with local demand for hands-on leadership in quick-service restaurants. Five Guys seeks GMs who can adapt to a high-volume setting with diverse crews, reflecting Blue Island’s growing hospitality sector and the need for efficient, engaging management.