NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : Columbia, SC, 29204
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 4 February 2026
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.
Recent Jobs
Employment opportunities at Five Guys
Jobseekers are also searching for
Searches you may like
Trending searches in Columbia, SC
Popular Searches for General Manager
Frequently Asked Questions
Five Guys emphasizes a high-energy, cross-trained team environment where general managers actively lead shifts and engage with staff in real-time communication. Unlike typical managerial roles, it blends leadership with hands-on involvement in fast-paced kitchen operations and a strong culture of music and collaboration.
Success hinges on inspiring teams through motivation, adaptability to rotating roles, and maintaining stamina in a lively kitchen. Effective communication and a genuine team-first mindset are essential to navigate the dynamic environment while fostering a positive work atmosphere.
While a ServeSafe certification is a notable plus, local hospitality certifications related to food safety and employee management can give applicants an edge. Columbia area employers often value credentials demonstrating compliance with regional health regulations.
Columbia’s restaurant sector is growing steadily, resulting in moderate competition for general manager roles. Businesses like Five Guys actively recruit local talent due to expanding operations, but candidates with leadership experience and food service background stand out.
Managers oversee everything from inventory control to coaching crew members, ensuring smooth shift transitions. Their hands-on approach in both opening and closing hours maintains high service standards and drives customer satisfaction in a fast-moving environment.
General managers in Columbia typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, factoring in base pay plus quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. This reflects regional market rates for leadership roles in fast casual dining establishments.
Five Guys offers structured leadership development and ongoing training opportunities, encouraging managers to grow into regional roles or other operational leadership positions. Their people-first culture fosters internal promotion, rewarding dedication and effective team leadership.
Balancing financial oversight with creating a fun, music-infused atmosphere is unique to Five Guys. Managers don’t just manage tasks—they cultivate a vibrant team spirit, encouraging collaboration and consistent communication to drive both morale and operational excellence.
Yes, general managers alternate between morning shifts (8:00 am - 4:00 pm) and afternoon/evening shifts (3:00 pm - 11:00 pm), ensuring comprehensive supervision throughout the day. This schedule supports dynamic leadership and hands-on involvement in all operational aspects.
General managers at Five Guys bear full responsibility for shift operations, financial performance, and team leadership, while assistant general managers typically provide support in these areas. The role demands higher accountability for decision-making and proactive problem-solving.