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
Bellwood's proximity to Chicago means a bustling job market with several fast-food general manager openings. Candidates face moderate competition, with employers valuing leadership in high-energy environments, especially in renowned brands like Five Guys, where team management skills stand out.
While not always mandatory, certifications such as ServSafe are highly regarded in Illinois restaurant management roles. They demonstrate a commitment to food safety and compliance, boosting a general manager's credibility and enhancing career prospects in places like Five Guys.
Effective general managers exhibit high energy, adaptability, and exceptional communication skills. Leading rotating crews requires motivating diverse teams while maintaining smooth operations, especially in fast-food contexts where customer satisfaction and quick decision-making are vital.
Unlike retail, Five Guys' general managers juggle dynamic kitchen operations alongside customer service, requiring stamina and real-time team coordination. The role blends food service expertise with leadership, emphasizing hands-on involvement in a lively, music-filled environment.
General managers in Bellwood, especially within fast-food franchises, typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, with bonuses tied to restaurant performance. Five Guys offers competitive base pay plus quarterly incentives, reflecting market standards for leadership roles in this area.
Five Guys emphasizes a people-first culture and cross-training, fostering a collaborative atmosphere uncommon in many burger chains. Their dedication to team vibes, music, and leadership development creates a unique workplace that appeals to managers seeking growth and energetic environments.
Managing shift transitions, coordinating a rotating crew, and maintaining high energy levels throughout loud, fast-paced service periods are key challenges. Problem-solving customer issues on the fly while controlling costs demands resilience and multitasking abilities unique to this role.
Yes, Five Guys supports career growth through ongoing leadership training and expanding responsibilities. Successful general managers often move into regional management or specialized operational roles, benefiting from the brand’s rapid expansion and supportive team culture.
The culture encourages energy and teamwork, with managers expected to lead by example in a lively setting filled with music and collaboration. This approach enhances employee engagement and fosters a fun, inclusive workplace that aligns with Five Guys' brand identity.
Demand remains steady for experienced general managers in Bellwood’s food service industry due to ongoing growth in quick-service restaurants. Brands like Five Guys seek leaders who can handle operational complexity and high customer volume, reflecting consistent local hiring trends.