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
Exceptional General Managers at Five Guys exhibit high energy, adaptability, and a genuine ability to motivate diverse teams. They thrive under pressure, communicate clearly in real-time, and prioritize team unity, all crucial for maintaining smooth operations in a lively, customer-focused setting.
Leesburg's growing hospitality sector has heightened competition for General Manager roles, especially in renowned chains like Five Guys. Candidates with proven leadership and food service experience find favorable opportunities, yet staying ahead requires demonstrating dynamic team management skills and operational excellence.
General Managers hold comprehensive accountability, overseeing financials, staffing, and shift operations from start to finish, whereas Assistant General Managers primarily support these tasks and focus on specific shift duties. The GM’s role demands strategic decision-making and full operational ownership.
While not mandatory, certifications like ServSafe boost credibility and demonstrate commitment to food safety standards highly valued in Leesburg. Additionally, leadership development courses can differentiate candidates by highlighting their readiness to manage fast-paced, customer-driven environments.
Five Guys emphasizes a people-first approach, blending high energy with humility and teamwork. Their open-kitchen concept fosters transparent communication, while managers are encouraged to engage fully across all roles, promoting collaboration and a vibrant, music-filled atmosphere that energizes staff and guests alike.
General Managers in Leesburg’s quick-service sector typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, complemented by performance-based bonuses. Five Guys aligns with this range, offering competitive base pay plus quarterly incentives tied to restaurant success, reflecting the role’s leadership demands.
General Managers at Five Guys juggle dynamic food service challenges, requiring rapid problem-solving and continuous team coordination during high-volume periods. Unlike retail or construction, the role demands constant physical activity, real-time communication, and a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Starting as a General Manager at Five Guys in Leesburg can open pathways to area or regional leadership roles, leveraging demonstrated operational success and team development skills. The brand’s rapid expansion supports advancement into multi-unit management or corporate positions focused on broader strategy.
Five Guys fosters morale by encouraging managers to lead with humility, support cross-training, and energize staff through an upbeat environment featuring music and open communication. This culture helps General Managers sustain motivation, even during peak hours, enhancing team cohesion and service quality.
Split shifts require managing energy and focus across different peak periods, coordinating varied crew members, and adapting quickly to fluctuating customer flow. General Managers must balance operational demands with effective team leadership to ensure seamless transition between opening and closing responsibilities.