NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089
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
Success as a General Manager in Buffalo Grove’s Five Guys hinges on energetic leadership and dynamic team motivation. Candidates must excel in real-time communication and adaptability, handling a fast-paced restaurant environment while fostering a collaborative culture that prioritizes employee growth and guest satisfaction.
Balancing operational oversight with crew leadership, the General Manager ensures smooth shift transitions, inventory control, and customer experience enhancement. This role demands multitasking across financial performance, coaching staff, and hands-on involvement in daily restaurant rhythms from opening to closing.
Starting as a General Manager at Five Guys opens pathways to regional management or corporate leadership roles. Progression often includes overseeing multiple outlets or specializing in areas like training development or operational strategy within the rapidly expanding brand.
Buffalo Grove’s mixed suburban demographics and competitive dining scene require General Managers to tailor customer engagement strategies and manage diverse teams effectively. Understanding local preferences and maintaining high service standards amid regional competition is key.
General Managers in Buffalo Grove at Five Guys typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, factoring in base pay and quarterly bonuses. These figures reflect local market standards for restaurant leadership positions with responsibilities spanning financial and staff management.
Five Guys' culture, emphasizing a people-first approach and high-energy teamwork, shapes the General Manager’s role to be highly interactive and hands-on. Managers engage directly with crew across roles, fostering a fun yet efficient environment that reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and collaboration.
Unlike typical managerial roles, Five Guys General Managers actively rotate through various kitchen and front-of-house tasks, promoting a holistic understanding of operations. This cross-training approach encourages flexibility and energizes the workplace, enhancing team cohesion.
While a high school diploma and leadership experience are essential, Buffalo Grove candidates with ServSafe certification or prior food service management experience stand out. Familiarity with health codes and strong professional references also bolster candidacy.
The position requires versatility with shifts split between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, demanding stamina and adaptability. This schedule supports operational coverage but also requires managers to be flexible and proactive in managing team dynamics throughout the day.
Five Guys promotes a humble, team-first leadership style where General Managers inspire through example and open communication. This approach nurtures strong crew relationships, fosters a positive work atmosphere, and drives consistent customer service excellence.