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
A General Manager in Cicero, IL at Five Guys plays a vital role in fostering a collaborative and energetic team environment. Their leadership style directly impacts crew motivation, communication flow, and overall service quality, which are crucial for maintaining the brand’s high-energy and people-first culture.
At Five Guys in Cicero, the General Manager must seamlessly juggle multiple operational tasks, including rotating crew management and real-time problem-solving, all while maintaining a vibrant and music-filled atmosphere. This role demands adaptability beyond typical restaurant management due to its open kitchen and team-driven culture.
Exceptional General Managers exhibit high energy, excellent communication, and a team-first mentality. These traits enable them to inspire a diverse crew, handle dynamic situations effectively, and create an inclusive work culture that drives operational success and staff retention.
Experience as a General Manager often opens doors to regional management, multi-unit leadership, or specialized operational roles. It sharpens skills in financial oversight, team development, and customer experience, which are transferable to broader general management positions across sectors.
General Managers at fast-casual chains in Cicero generally earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, with performance bonuses. This range reflects local cost of living, operational responsibilities, and the competitive nature of the restaurant management market.
Hiring trends in Cicero show a preference for candidates with prior leadership in customer-facing roles and food safety certifications. Employers like Five Guys value versatility, with many openings favoring managers who can adapt swiftly to high-energy environments and diverse crew schedules.
Five Guys’ culture emphasizes an immersive, lively atmosphere with music and open kitchen interaction, requiring General Managers to actively engage in team collaboration and maintain upbeat energy. This contrasts with more traditional brands where management might be less hands-on in daily floor operations.
Managing fluctuating crew roles throughout morning and evening shifts in a loud, fast-paced setting demands stamina and quick adaptability. General Managers must maintain smooth operations while ensuring team morale stays high amidst the constant buzz and guest engagement.
General Managers are responsible for balancing inventory control and cost management alongside motivating and coaching their crew. This dual focus ensures the restaurant meets financial goals while fostering a supportive environment that drives productivity and quality service.
While a high school diploma and leadership experience are foundational, certifications like ServSafe are highly regarded in Cicero’s food service market. Such credentials demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to safety and quality, enhancing their suitability for managerial roles at Five Guys.