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
At Five Guys Norfolk, the General Manager thrives in a fast-paced, music-filled environment emphasizing team communication and cross-training. Unlike some chains, this role demands adaptability with rotating crews and hands-on leadership, creating a unique blend of energetic management and a people-first culture.
Strong motivational skills paired with stamina are crucial in Norfolk’s vibrant food sector. The ability to inspire diverse teams while managing fast-shifting operations stands out, especially in a community-driven city where customer experience and team collaboration directly impact restaurant success.
General Managers in Norfolk often progress to regional or area management roles, especially within expanding brands like Five Guys. The city's growing hospitality landscape offers pathways into corporate leadership, training roles, or multi-unit supervision, fostering long-term career growth.
While ServSafe certification is widely recommended, Norfolk’s health regulations emphasize food safety and employee training. Familiarity with Virginia’s food handling laws and local labor standards can enhance compliance and operational excellence for restaurant General Managers.
Norfolk’s restaurant sector sees moderate competition for General Manager roles due to a steady demand for experienced leaders. Fast-casual brands like Five Guys attract candidates who combine leadership skills with a passion for dynamic service, making the hiring landscape selective but accessible.
Five Guys offers a high-energy culture focused on collaboration and real-time communication, unlike many static management roles. The blend of leadership, operational control, and a fun, music-infused atmosphere creates a one-of-a-kind managerial experience in Norfolk’s food industry.
Five Guys invests in ongoing training and leadership programs, enabling Norfolk General Managers to sharpen skills and pursue advancement. The brand’s rapid growth and bonus incentives also motivate managers to excel, fostering professional development within a supportive team culture.
General Managers in Norfolk typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, with Five Guys offering competitive base pay plus quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. This compensation reflects regional cost of living and industry standards for fast-casual leadership.
Managers juggle crew assignments, inventory control, and customer satisfaction while maintaining high energy and team morale. The hands-on role demands vocal collaboration and adaptability, mirroring Five Guys’ core values of humility, teamwork, and a lively work environment.
Norfolk’s coastal location and diverse population introduce varied customer expectations and seasonal shifts in business volume. Managing a rotating crew in this dynamic environment requires flexibility and cultural awareness, setting the role apart from other regions.