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 Lisle means adapting to a high-energy setting where swift decision-making and constant crew coordination are vital. The fast-paced kitchen demands stamina and sharp communication skills to ensure smooth operations during overlapping shifts in this busy Illinois suburb.
Lisle's growing suburban population and proximity to Chicago increase demand for experienced restaurant leaders. Competition for General Manager positions often centers on candidates with proven team-building skills and adaptability to dynamic service environments common in this region.
A successful General Manager must inspire teamwork, maintain high energy throughout shifts, and communicate effectively across roles. Strong adaptability and a customer-first mindset are crucial when overseeing fast-paced food service operations with rotating crews.
Unlike retail or healthcare management, this role demands hands-on involvement in daily food service and front-line problem-solving. It requires balancing operational oversight with direct team engagement in a vibrant, music-filled environment, emphasizing fast service and consistent quality.
Advancement often leads to regional management or corporate leadership roles within the expanding brand. Demonstrating strong operational results and leadership in this role can open doors to broader responsibilities across multiple locations or specialized departments.
Managing split shifts requires excellent time management and the ability to quickly transition between morning prep and evening peak service. This schedule demands stamina and flexibility to maintain team motivation and operational excellence across varied hours.
Five Guys fosters a people-first culture where humility and team spirit are paramount. General Managers are expected to lead by example, promoting open communication, enthusiasm for the brand, and a collaborative atmosphere that aligns with the company’s energetic vibe.
While a high school diploma is required, certifications like ServSafe can strengthen applications by demonstrating food safety knowledge. In Illinois, ongoing education in leadership or hospitality management can also provide a competitive edge.
General Managers in Lisle typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, with additional quarterly bonuses tied to store performance. Compensation reflects both leadership experience and the fast-paced demands of managing a popular burger franchise.
Five Guys General Managers hold full operational ownership, including financial oversight and crew leadership, whereas Assistant General Managers often support these tasks. This role requires more autonomous decision-making and direct accountability for overall restaurant success.