NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : River Forest, IL, 60305
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 3 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
River Forest's proximity to Chicago creates a moderately competitive landscape for General Manager positions. Candidates with restaurant leadership experience and strong team-building skills generally stand out, as local employers value adaptability and customer service excellence in fast-paced environments like Five Guys.
In River Forest, certifications like ServSafe are highly regarded for General Manager candidates, especially in food service. These credentials demonstrate commitment to safety standards and operational expertise, often giving applicants an edge in hiring processes within local restaurant chains.
A successful General Manager in fast-food must excel in motivating teams, managing inventory, and resolving customer issues swiftly. Strong communication combined with stamina to handle active shifts ensures smooth operations and a positive workplace vibe, essential for brands like Five Guys.
General Managers often progress to regional management or corporate leadership roles. Demonstrating consistent financial oversight, team development, and operational efficiency opens paths to broader responsibilities, including multi-unit supervision or strategic brand roles.
Five Guys General Managers engage deeply with crew by rotating through various station roles, fostering a hands-on leadership style. The culture emphasizes energetic communication and a fun atmosphere, blending food passion with team camaraderie more so than in many traditional fast-food settings.
Five Guys invests in ongoing training and leadership programs tailored to its fast-paced environment. Managers benefit from quarterly performance bonuses and clear advancement paths within a rapidly expanding brand, encouraging both skill enhancement and career progression.
General Managers in River Forest typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience and restaurant performance. At Five Guys, this base pay is complemented by quarterly bonuses tied to operational success, rewarding effective leadership and team management.
Five Guys fosters a vibrant environment where managers lead by example, often joining crew on the floor to maintain energy and morale. This collaborative culture, paired with music and high engagement, creates a workplace that attracts leaders who prioritize team spirit.
Managing fluctuating crew schedules, maintaining inventory accuracy, and delivering excellent customer service are daily hurdles. The fast tempo demands real-time problem-solving and constant communication to ensure each shift runs seamlessly from morning to evening.