NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : Wood Dale, IL, 60399
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
Wood Dale's vibrant food service sector has increased demand for experienced general managers, especially at popular brands like Five Guys. The competition is moderate, with employers seeking leaders who combine operational expertise and team motivation to thrive in fast-paced restaurant environments.
Five Guys looks for general managers who excel in energetic team motivation, adaptability during busy shifts, and clear, dynamic communication. Leadership here isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about fostering a spirited culture that enhances both crew performance and customer satisfaction.
This role demands a blend of high stamina and real-time collaboration within an open kitchen setting, which is less common elsewhere. Managers actively rotate roles, balancing hands-on involvement with strategic oversight to maintain Five Guys’ signature fast and friendly service.
Progression paths typically lead from managing single-unit operations to regional leadership roles. Five Guys’ growth trajectory favors those who demonstrate strong leadership, operational excellence, and a passion for the brand, offering expanded responsibilities and competitive bonuses.
Managing fluctuating crew dynamics, ensuring seamless shift transitions, controlling costs, and maintaining high customer service standards in a bustling environment are daily hurdles. The role requires quick decision-making and a hands-on approach to keep everything running smoothly.
Five Guys emphasizes cross-training, meaning general managers must be versatile, ready to step into any role on the floor. This dynamic, combined with a loud, fast-paced atmosphere, demands exceptional energy and leadership adaptability beyond standard managerial duties.
They harness the brand’s people-first ethos by encouraging open communication, fostering a fun work vibe with music, and promoting teamwork. This cultural focus helps boost morale, reduces turnover, and drives consistent, high-quality guest experiences.
General Managers in this region typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience. This base is complemented by quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance, reflecting the emphasis on leadership impact and operational success.
Managers oversee full shifts from open to close, balancing early starts with late finishes on a rotating schedule. This ensures consistent leadership presence during peak hours, reinforcing team coordination and operational control throughout the day.
General Managers carry ultimate responsibility for financial results, crew leadership, and guest satisfaction. Unlike crew or assistant roles, they shape the restaurant’s culture and business outcomes, blending hands-on involvement with strategic oversight.