NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : Des Plaines, IL, 60016
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 5 February 2026
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
Leading a Five Guys in Des Plaines involves dynamic team collaboration and fast-paced kitchen management. Unlike traditional retail general manager roles, this position demands stamina, adaptability, and a vibrant culture centered around customer experience and music, making it uniquely engaging compared to other local hospitality management jobs.
Exceptional motivation skills top the list, as inspiring a rotating crew is vital. Strong communication, humility, and a team-first mindset drive success. Managers must also thrive in energetic, fast-moving environments, blending operational oversight with genuine enthusiasm for food service culture.
Many advance into area or regional general manager roles, leveraging their operational expertise. With Five Guys' rapid growth, leadership development programs often lead to broader management opportunities across restaurant chains or corporate operational roles within the foodservice industry.
Candidates holding ServSafe certification or similar food safety credentials stand out locally, reflecting industry standards. Also, prior leadership in fast-casual dining or customer-facing roles within Illinois restaurants enhances competitiveness due to the region’s focus on food quality and compliance.
General Managers in Des Plaines can anticipate an hourly wage ranging from $20 to $25, complemented by quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. This compensation aligns with local hospitality market rates, reflecting both the role’s leadership demands and the area’s cost of living.
The culture's emphasis on music and energetic teamwork fosters a lively atmosphere, requiring managers to maintain high energy levels and encourage vocal collaboration. This environment shapes daily operations by promoting a fast tempo, seamless communication, and an enjoyable guest experience.
Five Guys offers structured leadership development and cross-training opportunities, enabling managers to gain hands-on experience across multiple roles. This approach contrasts with more siloed chains, promoting holistic growth and preparing managers for broader operational leadership.
Balancing opening and closing responsibilities requires adaptability to varying customer flows and staff dynamics. Managing overlapping shifts during peak hours demands strong multitasking and communication skills to maintain smooth operations throughout long and physically active days.
Competition is moderate with steady demand, given Five Guys' brand strength and community presence. Candidates with proven leadership, food service experience, and local references often have a significant advantage in this market.
Five Guys emphasizes a people-first culture with a unique blend of music and open kitchen engagement. Managers actively rotate roles and foster a team-focused vibe, differing from the more rigid structures and less interactive environments typical of many fast-food franchises.