NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : Chicago, IL, 60656
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 5 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
Chicago's fast-paced dining market demands general managers who can swiftly juggle team coordination and customer satisfaction amidst high foot traffic. The diverse clientele and local food culture influence leadership styles, making adaptability and cultural awareness key for success in this vibrant urban environment.
Managing a Five Guys restaurant in Chicago involves navigating a bustling city with varied customer expectations and a competitive labor market. General managers must balance motivating a rotating crew while maintaining operational excellence, often adapting strategies to meet the local workforce dynamics and customer preferences.
Prospective general managers benefit from strong interpersonal skills, resilience under pressure, and operational savvy. The ability to inspire teams, manage finances, and maintain quality service are foundational for climbing the leadership ladder in restaurant management roles.
In addition to managing shifts and inventory, general managers actively coach crew members, resolve customer issues proactively, and foster an energetic, team-oriented atmosphere. Their role blends hands-on leadership with strategic decision-making to uphold brand standards.
Five Guys emphasizes a people-first culture where managers are cross-trained alongside crew, promoting a collaborative environment. The open kitchen concept and vibrant atmosphere require managers to lead with enthusiasm and maintain high energy levels, setting it apart from traditional fast-food management.
The brand offers structured quarterly bonuses tied to performance and ongoing leadership training, encouraging general managers to develop professionally. Career advancement is supported by a strong team culture and a rapidly expanding footprint, especially in competitive markets like Chicago.
General managers at Five Guys in Chicago typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, factoring in base pay and quarterly bonuses. This reflects the city's cost of living and the fast-food industry's competitive compensation for managerial talent.
While not always mandatory, ServSafe certification is highly valued in Chicago’s food service sector. It demonstrates commitment to safety standards and can distinguish candidates in a crowded market, enhancing trust among employers and customers alike.
Frequent staff changes require a general manager to be flexible and quick at role adaptation. Maintaining consistent communication and morale during shift overlaps and high-volume periods is critical to ensuring smooth operations and a positive customer experience.
Five Guys promotes a high-energy, team-first environment where managers lead with humility and encourage collaboration. In Chicago’s dynamic market, adopting this culture helps managers build resilient teams that thrive amid the city's fast service demands.