NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : Island Lake, IL, 60042
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
Sustaining high energy throughout fast-paced shifts is crucial for a General Manager at Five Guys Island Lake. It fuels team motivation, ensures smooth operations during busy hours, and helps maintain the spirited, music-filled atmosphere that defines the brand’s culture.
Handling rotating teams demands adaptability and quick-thinking from a General Manager. Balancing diverse skills, adjusting to changing shift dynamics, and maintaining clear communication are essential to keep service seamless and staff motivated.
General Managers excel in cross-functional leadership, blending operational oversight with people-first coaching. Unlike narrower roles, they oversee financials, staff morale, and customer satisfaction simultaneously, requiring versatile expertise and stamina.
Beyond a high school diploma, leadership experience in fast food or customer service is highly valued locally. Certifications like ServSafe can boost credibility, while strong professional references often tip the scales in competitive Illinois markets.
While Chicago suburbs may offer larger teams or higher pay, Island Lake’s Five Guys positions emphasize tight-knit team culture and hands-on leadership. The local community vibe fosters strong employee engagement and operational agility.
General Managers in Island Lake generally earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, complemented by quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. This incentive aligns leadership efforts directly with business success.
Five Guys prioritizes leadership development, providing General Managers with ongoing training and clear pathways to regional roles. Success here can fast-track advancement in a rapidly expanding, people-focused company.
The loud, collaborative kitchen atmosphere and music-driven environment shape a General Manager’s day, demanding active communication and a positive vibe. Embracing this culture enhances team cohesion and guest experiences.
Flexibility is key at Five Guys Island Lake; managers receive training to efficiently lead both early and late shifts. This structure ensures consistent leadership presence, helping to maintain operational flow across all hours.
By overseeing inventory, coaching staff, and elevating service quality, General Managers directly uphold Five Guys’ celebrated standards. Their leadership ensures every burger served matches the brand’s legendary status.