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
Managing a Five Guys location in Northbrook demands energetic leadership that thrives in a high-tempo environment. The General Manager inspires diverse crews through real-time communication and hands-on involvement, ensuring operations run smoothly amid bustling customer demand and a collaborative team culture.
Northbrook's diverse customer base and competitive restaurant market require a General Manager to adapt quickly to varying shift demands. Balancing staffing fluctuations, maintaining service speed, and fostering a positive work atmosphere amid local dining trends are key challenges to master.
Candidates with leadership experience paired with food service knowledge excel in Illinois, especially when holding certifications like ServSafe. Demonstrated ability to oversee financials and motivate teams aligns with local expectations for restaurant management roles.
Absolutely. Five Guys promotes from within, offering ambitious General Managers pathways to regional roles or operational leadership. Success here can open doors to advanced positions in the expanding fast-casual sector, leveraging hands-on management skills.
Five Guys emphasizes cross-training and a people-first culture, setting its General Managers apart by fostering versatile teams and a vibrant work environment. This approach creates a unique leadership experience in Northbrook's competitive burger market.
Five Guys offers competitive pay complemented by quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance, plus ongoing leadership development. This blend supports General Managers financially and professionally within the thriving Northbrook location.
General Managers at Five Guys in Northbrook typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, factoring in base pay and bonuses. This reflects local market rates for experienced restaurant leaders managing fast-paced operations.
Leadership at Five Guys in Northbrook hinges on high energy, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Successful managers inspire teams, handle dynamic shifts, and maintain a customer-focused atmosphere amid a lively restaurant setting.
While Assistant General Managers support daily operations, the General Manager at Five Guys holds full accountability for financial outcomes, staffing decisions, and overall shift management. This role requires broader strategic oversight and leadership autonomy.
Five Guys fosters a lively, music-driven environment where General Managers lead by example, encouraging team camaraderie and a fun atmosphere. Embracing this culture enhances employee morale and customer experience unique to Five Guys.