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
Zion's fast-food sector, including popular chains like Five Guys, shows rising demand for restaurant general managers due to local consumer growth. Compared to broader managerial roles, this position offers more opportunities, reflecting the area's expanding dining culture and focus on customer experience.
While not mandatory, Illinois restaurants often favor candidates with ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety credentials. These certifications demonstrate commitment to health standards, which aligns with Five Guys' emphasis on quality and compliance in fast-paced kitchen environments.
Successful general managers excel in motivating diverse teams, maintaining high energy throughout shifts, and adapting quickly to changing roles. Strong communication and a team-first mindset are essential to foster collaboration and uphold fast-paced service standards typical in busy burger chains.
Starting as a General Manager at Five Guys opens pathways to regional management or corporate leadership roles. The brand's growth offers avenues to advance through operations oversight, training leadership, or multi-unit management, making it ideal for career-driven professionals.
Five Guys General Managers juggle fast-paced kitchen operations, shift rotations, and real-time team communication, unlike retail or healthcare managers who may focus more on scheduling or compliance. The role demands physical stamina and hands-on involvement in food service and customer engagement.
Managing Five Guys involves maintaining high-energy performance amidst loud, fast-paced settings with cross-trained crews. Balancing inventory control while preserving a fun, music-driven culture adds complexity not always present in other chains, requiring dynamic leadership and adaptability.
General Managers at Five Guys in Zion usually earn between $50,000 to $65,000 annually, with quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. This competitive pay reflects the demanding environment and leadership responsibilities within fast-casual dining.
Five Guys prioritizes a people-first culture where General Managers lead with humility, energize their teams, and encourage open communication. This culture fosters a collaborative atmosphere that blends passion for food with team motivation, shaping a lively and supportive workplace.
Applicants should expect comprehensive responsibilities covering financial oversight, inventory management, shift leadership, and customer service excellence. Flexibility is key, as managing rotating crews and both opening and closing shifts is integral to maintaining smooth daily operations.
Five Guys emphasizes cross-training and a vibrant team vibe with music and energy, setting it apart from other franchises. Managers must balance operational rigor with fostering a fun environment, often requiring more adaptability and direct involvement than typical regional burger chains.