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
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate teams under fast-paced conditions are highly valued. Successful general managers in Lombard demonstrate adaptability, clear communication, and a hands-on approach to operations, especially within dynamic restaurant environments like Five Guys.
General Managers often juggle shifts ranging from early mornings (8 am) to late evenings (11 pm), balancing staff coordination, inventory oversight, and customer experience. The role demands stamina and flexibility to manage opening and closing duties effectively in a bustling setting.
Illinois’ labor market and customer expectations shape operational strategies. Managers at Five Guys here often navigate higher local labor costs and stricter food safety regulations while maintaining the brand’s energetic culture and efficient service pace.
Five Guys emphasizes leadership development, cross-training, and a supportive team culture, which equips general managers with versatile skills. This foundation opens doors to advanced roles in multi-unit management and broader operations leadership in fast-food and retail sectors.
Lombard shows steady demand for experienced managers due to its growing foodservice industry. However, competition is strong among candidates who combine operational expertise with leadership skills tailored to high-energy, customer-centric environments like Five Guys.
While ServSafe certification is preferred, Five Guys values proven leadership and practical experience. Ongoing training programs focus on operational excellence, team management, and customer engagement to keep managers sharp and aligned with brand standards.
Five Guys promotes a people-first culture with cross-trained staff and an open kitchen concept fostering real-time communication. Managers lead with energy and humility, supporting a fun, rock music-infused atmosphere rarely found in comparable burger franchises.
Through a culture prioritizing teamwork and leadership growth, Five Guys offers structured coaching, quarterly bonuses, and career advancement opportunities. Managers are empowered to cultivate talent while ensuring smooth restaurant operations.
General Managers in Lombard typically earn a competitive base salary between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, complemented by quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. This compensation reflects the role’s responsibility and regional market standards.
Unlike traditional retail roles, Five Guys GMs engage directly in fast-paced foodservice operations with a strong emphasis on team dynamics and customer interaction. This environment demands high energy and adaptability, making it distinct from many retail management positions nearby.