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
Managing a Five Guys in Elma requires juggling fast-paced kitchen activity with motivating a rotating crew. High stamina and real-time communication help maintain smooth shifts, while fostering a vibrant team culture keeps energy levels high through busy hours.
Successful General Managers exhibit humility, prioritize team success, and inspire crew members daily. Their ability to adapt quickly to changing roles and maintain open communication channels strengthens operational flow and enhances guest experiences.
Unlike some restaurant roles, this position demands cross-functional skill mastery with frequent role rotation, emphasizing energetic leadership and a people-first culture. The open kitchen and classic rock atmosphere create a unique environment that blends food passion with lively teamwork.
Five Guys offers robust leadership development and advancement opportunities, especially in growth markets like New York. Engaging with a supportive team culture and ongoing training helps General Managers build skills that can lead to regional or corporate roles.
Elma's hospitality scene shows steady demand for experienced managers, with Five Guys attracting candidates due to its brand reputation and growth. Candidates with leadership and food service backgrounds face moderate competition, making strong references and certifications advantageous.
General Managers in Elma can expect a competitive base pay aligned with regional standards, typically ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 annually, plus quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance, reflecting the fast-paced and leadership-intensive nature of the job.
The company’s vibrant and collaborative culture means General Managers engage closely with their teams, promoting a fun work vibe through music and shared goals. This environment pushes managers to lead with enthusiasm and foster strong communication during all shifts.
Candidates should be at least 18, with a high school diploma and ideally some college. Leadership experience in food service is preferred, alongside ServSafe certification and reliable professional references, showcasing readiness to manage dynamic restaurant operations.
Absolutely, the position demands high energy and stamina, as managers spend most of their shifts on their feet overseeing fast-paced kitchen operations and team collaboration, making it ideal for individuals who thrive in active settings.
Elma’s community-oriented atmosphere and local workforce influence how managers balance customer service and team leadership. The regional preference for quality and speed means General Managers tailor operations to meet local expectations while maintaining brand standards.