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
Leading a Five Guys outlet in Arlington Heights involves orchestrating fast-paced kitchen operations while fostering a music-infused, energetic team culture. Unlike typical general manager roles, this position demands real-time communication and adaptability to rotating crew assignments in a high-energy environment.
Five Guys values leaders who inspire with humility, maintain high energy throughout shifts, and embrace a team-first mindset. Successful managers excel at motivating diverse crews, managing dynamic workflows, and cultivating a collaborative atmosphere where everyone thrives.
General Managers at Five Guys often advance by taking on larger store operations or regional roles. The brand’s rapid growth opens pathways into corporate leadership, training, or multi-unit management, rewarding those who demonstrate strong operational and people skills.
While not mandatory, ServSafe certification is highly regarded locally due to Illinois food safety regulations. Candidates with food service experience and recognized certifications often have a competitive edge in the Arlington Heights job market.
Arlington Heights sees moderate competition for restaurant General Manager positions with steady demand driven by a vibrant dining scene. Candidates demonstrating leadership versatility and familiarity with fast-paced foodservice environments tend to stand out.
General Managers at Five Guys in Arlington Heights typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, supplemented by quarterly performance bonuses. This aligns with regional averages for restaurant leaders balancing operational oversight and team management.
Unlike conventional operations roles, this position demands constant adaptability to shifting crew roles and active floor presence. Managing open kitchen dynamics and ensuring seamless guest experiences in a noisy, fast environment adds unique complexity.
Five Guys blends leadership with a cultural emphasis on fun, music, and team energy. The role requires not only operational expertise but also creating a lively atmosphere that reflects the brand’s iconic burger experience.
Five Guys invests in ongoing training and leadership development programs tailored to its fast-paced restaurant environment. Managers receive coaching to enhance team motivation, operational efficiency, and customer engagement skills.
Beyond competitive pay and bonuses, Five Guys fosters a people-first culture where managers cross-train with crew, encouraging collaboration and career growth. The brand's strong reputation and dynamic work environment attract motivated leaders.