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
Petaluma's vibrant dining sector means General Manager roles, especially at popular brands like Five Guys, attract many applicants. The combination of fast-paced work and leadership expectations makes competition stiff, so demonstrating strong team-building and operational skills can set candidates apart locally.
In Petaluma, certifications like ServSafe are highly regarded for General Managers in food service. Additionally, evidence of leadership training or hospitality management courses can enhance credibility, reflecting the region's focus on quality and safety in its thriving culinary market.
Managing overlapping crew schedules, maintaining high energy in a bustling kitchen, and swiftly resolving customer issues are common hurdles. A Five Guys General Manager must dynamically balance operational flow with team morale, ensuring seamless transitions between opening and closing shifts.
Exceptional leaders in fast-food thrive by inspiring teams, communicating clearly under pressure, and adapting quickly to changing demands. Empathy, humility, and a hands-on approach foster loyalty and elevate overall restaurant performance.
While operational oversight is core, Five Guys General Managers equally prioritize customer experience and team motivation, indirectly influencing sales through quality service. The role blends operational readiness with a passion for brand culture and community engagement.
Five Guys offers leadership growth through ongoing training and leadership development programs. Managing a high-energy location like Petaluma provides hands-on experience that can open doors to regional management or corporate roles within a rapidly expanding franchise.
Five Guys fosters a people-first leadership approach emphasizing team collaboration, energy, and open communication. Managers are encouraged to be approachable, lead by example, and cultivate a fun yet efficient work atmosphere aligned with the brand’s culture.
The General Manager acts as a culture ambassador, promoting enthusiasm for food, music, and teamwork. This role involves modeling positive energy, encouraging crew cross-training, and maintaining a lively environment that reflects Five Guys’ unique brand identity.
General Managers in Petaluma typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, factoring in base pay plus quarterly bonuses. This reflects local market rates for restaurant management roles combined with Five Guys’ competitive compensation and growth incentives.
General Managers hold full accountability for restaurant operations, financial outcomes, and crew leadership, while assistant general managers primarily support these functions. The General Manager steers strategic decisions, making it a more encompassing and autonomous role.