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
Exceptional General Managers thrive on inspiring teams through clear communication, adaptability, and a hands-on approach. Being able to motivate diverse staff, manage dynamic operations, and maintain high energy levels are key traits that set successful leaders apart in fast-paced environments like Five Guys.
In Lake Zurich, IL, General Managers often juggle close-knit team dynamics with community-focused service. Unlike big cities, the role may emphasize personalized customer engagement and local vendor relationships, reflecting the suburban atmosphere and slightly different operational challenges than urban centers.
While ServSafe certification is widely respected in Illinois, including Lake Zurich, additional leadership programs or hospitality courses can boost a candidate’s profile. Employers here value practical food safety expertise combined with proven management skills to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
Five Guys offers a clear career ladder where General Managers can progress to regional or multi-unit leadership roles. Growth is supported by ongoing training, performance bonuses, and opportunities to expand operational responsibilities within a rapidly growing burger franchise.
Daily duties blend operational oversight with fostering a collaborative atmosphere. General Managers lead by example—engaging directly with crew, encouraging cross-training, and maintaining open communication to uphold Five Guys' energetic and inclusive culture.
Lake Zurich’s hospitality sector is moderately competitive, with demand for skilled General Managers growing alongside franchise expansion. Candidates demonstrating leadership, local insight, and flexibility tend to stand out in this market.
General Managers in Lake Zurich typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience and performance. Five Guys also offers quarterly bonuses linked to restaurant success, enhancing the overall compensation package.
Five Guys is distinguished by its people-first culture, encouraging managers to engage deeply with their teams and customers. The emphasis on high-energy collaboration and continuous leadership development makes it an appealing environment for those seeking growth beyond routine managerial tasks.
Unlike retail or healthcare management, this role demands fast-paced operational agility combined with a passion for food service. It requires hands-on involvement across shifts and a unique blend of stamina, communication, and team-building in a vibrant restaurant setting.
Beyond competitive pay, Five Guys rewards leadership with quarterly bonuses and invests heavily in training. The lively environment, open kitchen setup, and music-infused workplace foster a distinctive vibe that supports both professional and personal enjoyment.