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 Highland Park, the General Manager thrives in a high-energy setting where cross-training and open communication drive success. Managing rotating crews and fostering collaboration ensures smooth operations and a vibrant atmosphere, directly impacting both team morale and customer satisfaction.
Effective General Managers display stamina, adaptability, and motivational skills, especially in active kitchens. Inspiring teams, maintaining constant communication, and leading with humility are key to managing shifts efficiently and cultivating a strong, people-first culture.
In Highland Park’s bustling market, General Managers at brands like Five Guys can advance into regional leadership or corporate roles. The rapid expansion of popular burger chains creates pathways for upward mobility, enhanced responsibilities, and involvement in broader operational strategies.
Balancing opening and closing shifts in Highland Park demands flexibility and energy, especially with overlapping crew schedules. Managing peak hours and maintaining team cohesion across shifts requires strong communication skills and stamina to deliver consistent customer experiences.
Highland Park’s restaurant scene is vibrant, with steady demand for skilled General Managers. Candidates with leadership experience and food service backgrounds face moderate competition, but those demonstrating adaptability and strong team-building abilities have a distinct advantage.
Yes, Five Guys provides ongoing leadership development and cross-training initiatives designed to sharpen managerial skills and operational expertise. These programs empower General Managers to excel in team leadership and drive restaurant performance consistently.
General Managers in Highland Park typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, with Five Guys often including quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. Compensation reflects the role’s demands, local cost of living, and competitive food service market.
Five Guys emphasizes humility and team-first leadership, encouraging General Managers to foster collaboration and motivate staff authentically. Success hinges on creating a supportive environment where communication flows freely and every crew member feels valued.
Unlike typical retail management, Five Guys General Managers juggle fast-paced food prep alongside customer service, requiring hands-on involvement and stamina. The open kitchen and rotating roles demand versatility beyond traditional retail supervisory tasks.
They look for energetic leaders who can inspire a diverse crew, adapt quickly to changing roles, and maintain upbeat communication. A genuine passion for food and music also fits their unique culture, helping sustain the lively atmosphere customers expect.