As a restaurant manager, your work will be much more than the typical 9-5 days. You have to make sure that everything behind the scenes is moving like a well-oiled machine, plus you also have to be certain customers are pleased enough with the food and service that they will be coming back. What YOU actually do will be dependent on different variables.

Restaurant Manager Job Description

In general, restaurant managers job description includes:

  • Oversee food preparation, portion size, and quality
  • Interview, hire, train, supervise and fire staff
  • Keep track of stock, ordering more supplies when necessary
  • Create staff work schedules
  • Complete payroll and tip division
  • Make certain of patron and staff satisfaction
  • Work with the chef to create a menu
  • Balance the budget
  • Head up the marketing and advertising

Becoming a Restaurant Manager: Education Requirements

Because there are so many tasks and responsibilities allocated to you, there is a certain amount of restaurant management school you’ll may need to have in order to have a successful career. To become a restaurant manager, you’ll:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Receive on the job training, starting as a bus-person and moving your way up, or
  • Go through a business program at a community college or trade school
  • Or you can choose to get a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or business
  • Possibly have to complete some on-the-job training, as well, depending on where you’re hired

You’ll find work as a restaurant manager in restaurants, hotels, casinos, resorts, or other types of places where food is served.

Certifications, although voluntary, are recommended:

  • Food Protection Manager Certification
  • Foodservice Management Professional

Whichever program you choose to take it should be accredited by an organization such as The American National Standards Institute.

Restaurant Manager Salary

  • Salary – You’ll be working full time, minimally. There will be many times 40 hours will come and go and you’re still at work. But with power comes great responsibility, or so it is said. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary of restaurant managers in 2023 was $69,580. The top 10 percent of restaurant managers earned $101,240 or more. Not too bad!

Salary info updated in April of 2024

Are you interested in learning more? Try this quick restaurant management practice test.

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