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
Managing a Five Guys location in Sterling demands high energy and real-time communication to keep up with the fast-moving kitchen and rotating crew. The role requires stamina and adaptability to maintain smooth operations during both opening and closing shifts.
Effective restaurant General Managers excel in motivating diverse teams, nurturing collaboration, and maintaining a positive, customer-focused atmosphere. Strong communication skills and humility often set apart top leaders who drive both employee satisfaction and business results.
General Manager salaries in Sterling, VA typically range from $50,000 to $65,000 annually, with Five Guys offering competitive base pay plus quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance, reflecting both local market standards and performance incentives.
Sterling's competitive foodservice market means candidates with prior leadership experience and certifications like ServSafe stand out. The area's growth in dining options increases demand for skilled managers, but also raises the bar for hiring standards.
Sterling’s diverse customer base and regional work culture emphasize fast-paced service with a strong team mindset. Compared to urban centers like NYC, managers here might face less turnover but must still maintain high energy and adaptability to local preferences.
At Five Guys, a General Manager leads by fostering team collaboration and morale, encouraging cross-training and open communication. This culture drives engagement, ensuring that managers prioritize team well-being alongside operational excellence.
Rotating crews and multi-position training require managers to be flexible and proactive in scheduling. Balancing skill sets and ensuring coverage during peak hours demands sharp organizational skills and the ability to motivate staff continuously.
Yes, Five Guys supports career advancement through ongoing leadership development and training. Successful General Managers in Sterling can leverage experience to pursue regional or area management roles within the expanding franchise network.
Managing inventory efficiently is crucial, with close attention to waste reduction and cost management. General Managers are expected to oversee financial performance, ensuring profitability while maintaining quality standards in a fast-paced environment.
Employers look for candidates with leadership experience in food service, ServSafe certification, and strong references. A high school diploma is required, but additional education or college credits can enhance candidacy in this competitive market.