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
In a dynamic setting like Five Guys, strong motivation skills and the ability to energize a diverse team are crucial. A successful General Manager thrives on clear communication, adaptability, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere to keep operations seamless and staff engaged.
Managing shift operations from open to close, overseeing inventory and cost controls, leading crew performance, and ensuring top-notch customer service are daily priorities. Balancing morning and evening shifts helps maintain consistent standards across busy meal periods in the Lexington area.
Unlike retail or factory environments, this role emphasizes high-energy physical presence and hands-on team leadership in a lively kitchen atmosphere. There's a strong focus on real-time communication, food quality, and creating an upbeat culture that blends music and teamwork.
With leadership skills honed here, advancement opportunities include regional management roles or corporate positions within the food service industry. The brand’s growth trajectory supports upward mobility, especially for those who excel in team development and operational efficiency.
ServingSafe certification is favored locally, reflecting Lexington’s emphasis on food safety standards. The demand for restaurant General Managers remains steady due to the area’s growing hospitality scene, making this an opportune time for qualified leaders.
General Managers in Lexington typically earn between $45,000 and $55,000 annually, slightly below some metropolitan areas but competitive for the local cost of living. Five Guys supplements base pay with quarterly bonuses, enhancing total compensation.
Five Guys’ open kitchen and fast-paced environment demand constant vocal coordination and flexibility, with managers often rotating roles. Cultivating a fun culture that embraces music and team spirit adds a distinctive layer to leadership here.
Through ongoing training programs and leadership development initiatives, Five Guys invests in its managers. The company’s people-first culture encourages cross-training and mentorship, equipping General Managers with versatile skills for career advancement.
Applicants can anticipate a thorough interview focusing on leadership experience and adaptability in fast environments. Demonstrating customer service skills and team-building aptitude is key, alongside providing strong professional references.
Yes, shifts alternate between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. These hours require stamina and energy, reflecting the brand’s fast-paced nature. Flexibility and endurance are vital to managing crew and operations effectively throughout the day.