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 thrives by inspiring teams, maintaining high energy, and adapting quickly during fast-paced shifts. Unlike other roles, they blend operational oversight with hands-on coaching, ensuring smooth service and financial control, all while keeping team morale high in a dynamic environment.
Johnston's community-oriented vibe means a Five Guys GM must foster strong local team bonds and adapt to regional customer expectations. The area’s moderate competition requires balancing exceptional service with efficient operations to stand out among nearby dining options.
General managers often advance to regional leadership or corporate roles by sharpening skills in financial management, team development, and multi-unit operations. Networking within the brand and taking advantage of leadership training can accelerate growth in the competitive fast-food sector.
While not absolutely mandatory, candidates with 1-2 years in restaurant leadership or customer-facing roles are strongly preferred. Experience helps in managing fast-paced kitchens, leading diverse crews, and delivering consistent guest satisfaction—key to success at Five Guys.
Peak periods demand quick decision-making to handle rotating crews and maintain smooth operations. Managing high customer volume while ensuring food quality and team communication in a lively, open-kitchen setting tests both stamina and leadership finesse.
Five Guys blends classic rock tunes with a spirited team environment, encouraging managers to foster positive vibes and camaraderie. This cultural approach boosts morale, making the workplace lively and helping managers lead with enthusiasm and humility.
General managers at Five Guys in Johnston typically earn between $45,000 and $55,000 annually, supplemented by quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. This compensation aligns with regional standards for skilled leadership in fast-paced food service.
While ServeSafe certification is a plus, strong leadership references and practical experience in food service carry more weight. Continuous education or college courses in hospitality or business also boost a candidate’s potential in advancing within Five Guys.
Given Johnston's labor market, general managers often juggle diverse crews with varying experience levels. Emphasizing cross-training and flexible scheduling helps maintain efficiency and supports team development, reflecting local employment dynamics.
Five Guys general managers hold full operational responsibility, including financial oversight and shift leadership, whereas assistant general managers primarily support these tasks. The GM role demands proactive problem-solving and ultimate accountability for restaurant success.