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
Virginia Beach's hospitality scene is growing, making general manager positions at popular chains like Five Guys highly sought-after. Candidates face moderate competition due to the city's active restaurant industry, but leadership skills and local experience can set applicants apart in this vibrant coastal market.
Five Guys in Virginia Beach values energetic leaders who motivate diverse teams, adapt swiftly to fast-paced environments, and foster open communication. Emphasizing a people-first mindset, managers are expected to inspire collaboration while navigating dynamic shift operations effectively.
Managing a Five Guys in Virginia Beach entails balancing high customer flow with team coordination amid a lively atmosphere. Seasonal tourism spikes require flexible staffing and inventory adjustments, while maintaining the brand's energetic vibe and quality standards under local market pressures.
While ServSafe certification is recommended, Virginia Beach employers like Five Guys often appreciate managers with local food safety training or hospitality credentials aligned with Virginia state regulations to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
In the Five Guys context, the 'General' role involves overseeing shift operations, managing personnel, controlling costs, and enhancing customer experiences. It demands hands-on leadership, rapid problem-solving, and a balance of administrative and floor-level duties to keep the restaurant thriving.
Starting as a General Manager at Five Guys opens pathways to regional leadership or multi-unit management, leveraging operational expertise and team-building aptitude. Ambitious managers can advance by demonstrating strong financial oversight and consistent team performance in the food service industry.
General Managers in Virginia Beach typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience and company performance. At Five Guys, this includes a competitive base salary plus quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant success, reflecting the role's operational impact.
Five Guys emphasizes cross-training managers in all restaurant positions, fostering a dynamic, collaborative culture. The open kitchen design and music-driven atmosphere create a lively environment where leadership is as much about energy and team spirit as operational efficiency.
General Managers at Five Guys embody a people-first culture by promoting team humility, energetic communication, and a passion for quality food. This approach ensures managers lead with enthusiasm, encouraging staff to deliver excellent service while maintaining a fun, fast-paced workplace.
Hiring for General Managers at Five Guys in Virginia Beach often favors candidates with restaurant leadership experience and strong references. Given local demand, employers look for adaptable leaders who thrive in fast-paced settings and can maintain operational excellence during peak periods.