NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : New Haven, CT, 06540
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 4 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
Maintaining high energy in a fast-paced Five Guys kitchen requires a mix of active leadership and enthusiasm. The General Manager keeps motivation high by rotating roles, encouraging real-time communication, and fostering a fun atmosphere with music and team engagement, ensuring smooth operations even during peak hours.
Successful General Managers excel in inspiring their crew, demonstrating humility, and adapting quickly to shifting team dynamics. Strong communication skills combined with a people-first mindset help build collaborative, high-performing teams crucial for thriving in lively restaurant settings.
New Haven's competitive job market means General Managers must navigate high staff turnover and varied skill levels. At Five Guys, this involves proactive recruiting, cross-training team members, and creating a supportive culture to retain motivated employees despite staffing fluctuations.
General Managers in New Haven's quick-service restaurants generally earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience and restaurant performance. Bonuses and advancement opportunities at brands like Five Guys can boost total compensation significantly.
Unlike healthcare or construction, Five Guys' General Manager role demands rapid shift adaptability and real-time team interaction in a high-energy food-service environment. Leadership here focuses on customer experience and operational flow, differing from sector-specific technical or regulatory priorities.
At Five Guys, a General Manager can leverage leadership experience into regional managerial roles or corporate positions. The brand's expansion and focus on internal development in New Haven provide pathways for upward mobility through performance and dedication.
While not mandatory, holding a ServSafe certification or similar food safety credentials improves credibility in New Haven's food industry. Local health regulations favor managers knowledgeable in compliance, helping Five Guys leaders maintain high standards and operational excellence.
Five Guys splits shifts into morning and afternoon/evening blocks, requiring General Managers to oversee both opening and closing activities. Balancing these shifts ensures consistent leadership presence, optimizing team performance and customer satisfaction throughout the day.
At Five Guys, the blend of a loud, fast-moving kitchen and open layout demands exceptional multitasking and vocal teamwork. The role stands out by combining operational oversight with a culture that values music, energy, and a hands-on leadership style uncommon in many New Haven management positions.
Five Guys' vibrant, team-centered culture means General Managers must foster open communication and a positive vibe daily. This environment encourages flexibility, cross-training, and a focus on creating memorable guest experiences, shaping how managers lead and troubleshoot challenges locally.