NexlintoGeneral Manager
Company : Five Guys
Location : Downers Grove, IL, 60516
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
Thriving as a General Manager at a bustling eatery like Five Guys in Downers Grove demands energetic leadership with strong communication skills, adaptability to dynamic shifts, and the ability to inspire a rotating crew. Local managers also benefit from embracing team-first humility to maintain a high-energy, collaborative workplace.
Coordinating opening and closing shifts effectively ensures smooth operations from morning to night. At Five Guys, a General Manager balances crew assignments and real-time problem-solving during overlapping shifts, which is crucial for maintaining fast service and excellent customer experience in a high-volume Illinois location.
General Managers at Five Guys often progress toward regional leadership roles or corporate management, leveraging hands-on restaurant experience combined with leadership development programs. Downers Grove's growing foodservice market offers ample opportunities for upward mobility within this rapidly expanding brand.
While a high school diploma is standard, certifications like ServSafe enhance credibility for foodservice management positions locally. Illinois employers, including Five Guys, value leadership experience and formal food safety training to meet health regulations and ensure smooth kitchen operations in competitive markets.
Downers Grove's restaurant sector experiences steady demand for skilled General Managers due to its vibrant dining scene. Hiring trends favor candidates with proven leadership and operational acumen, as establishments seek managers who can sustain high-energy environments and deliver consistent guest satisfaction.
Five Guys emphasizes a people-first culture where General Managers lead by example, fostering team collaboration and high energy. Unlike some chains, managers are cross-trained to handle multiple roles, promoting a unique blend of leadership with hands-on involvement that directly enhances customer experience.
The fast-paced, open-kitchen format at Five Guys requires General Managers to maintain constant vocal communication and stamina. Managing a rotating team and overlapping shifts demands adaptability and quick decision-making, setting this role apart from more traditional or less dynamic general management positions.
Yes, General Managers at Five Guys benefit from a competitive base salary complemented by quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance. This structure encourages managers to actively engage in cost control and operational excellence within the Illinois market.
Typical earnings for a General Manager at Five Guys in Downers Grove range from $50,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on experience and restaurant performance bonuses. The role offers competitive pay in line with local restaurant management standards, balancing base salary with incentive programs.
Five Guys expects its General Managers to embody the brand's vibrant, music-filled atmosphere by fostering a positive team vibe and encouraging open communication. Leadership here goes beyond tasks—it's about creating an energetic environment that aligns with the company’s passion for quality and teamwork.