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
Effective general managers excel through inspiring teams, maintaining high energy during busy shifts, adapting quickly to changing roles, and fostering clear, real-time communication. These traits are crucial in dynamic settings like Five Guys, where collaboration and stamina drive operational success.
General managers often progress into regional or corporate roles by honing skills in financial oversight, team leadership, and multi-unit operations. Experience at brands like Five Guys, known for growth opportunities, can open doors to executive management or specialized operational positions.
Balancing staff scheduling, coaching, and performance while overseeing inventory demands multitasking and prioritization. Managers must react swiftly to shift fluctuations and supply needs to maintain smooth operations, especially in high-turnover, customer-centric restaurants.
While not mandatory, certifications like ServSafe are highly valued in Illinois, enhancing food safety knowledge and credibility. Such credentials can boost a general manager’s profile, demonstrating commitment to industry standards and regulatory compliance.
Westchester’s proximity to Chicago makes it a competitive market for experienced managers. Candidates with proven leadership and food service backgrounds, especially those familiar with fast-casual brands, tend to stand out amid a steady pool of applicants.
Five Guys fosters a vibrant team atmosphere with music and open communication, requiring general managers to lead by example in energy and teamwork. Managers must embrace this culture to motivate crew members and ensure a memorable guest experience.
Five Guys emphasizes cross-training and front-line involvement, meaning general managers actively participate in various roles throughout shifts. This hands-on leadership style fosters deeper team connections and operational agility distinct from more segmented restaurant hierarchies.
General managers in Westchester typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, with Five Guys enhancing base pay through quarterly performance bonuses. This combination reflects industry standards while rewarding leadership impact in a bustling fast-casual setting.
Five Guys invests in ongoing leadership development and offers clear pathways for advancement within a rapidly expanding brand. Managers benefit from structured training programs designed to sharpen operational skills and prepare them for higher management roles.