What Does a Restaurant General Manager Do?
Find out what a restaurant general manager does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a restaurant general manager.
General managers are the highest-level managers in a restaurant. They oversee all aspects of operations, including staffing, purchasing, scheduling, and training. They’re responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently—from customer service to food quality to financial performance.
General managers may also be involved with marketing efforts or other initiatives designed to grow the business.
Restaurant General Manager Job Duties
A restaurant general manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Training new employees on company policies and procedures and providing ongoing feedback on performance
- Controlling inventory levels of food, supplies and other items in accordance with standard guidelines for optimal efficiency
- Working closely with the executive chef and kitchen staff to ensure that all food preparation is done according to company standards
- Conducting regular employee performance reviews to ensure that employees are meeting company standards
- Ensuring that customer satisfaction is maintained by resolving complaints or problems in a timely manner
- Overseeing the hiring, training, scheduling, and discipline of all staff members
- Managing all aspects of operations, including menu planning, food ordering, inventory control, hiring staff, and training employees
- Reviewing financial reports to track profit margins and adjust prices accordingly, if needed
- Monitoring customer satisfaction through surveys or other means, and taking steps to improve service if necessary
Restaurant General Manager Salary & Outlook
Restaurant general managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and location of the restaurant. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses and commissions.
- Median Annual Salary: $60,500 ($29.09/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $76,500 ($36.78/hour)
The employment of restaurant general managers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.
Employment growth will be driven by the continued growth in the number of restaurants across all types of establishments. As more restaurants open, demand for general managers will increase because these managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of their restaurants.
Related: In-Depth Restaurant General Manager Salary Guide
Restaurant General Manager Job Requirements
Restaurant general managers typically need to have the following qualifications:
Education: A high school diploma or GED is often a minimum requirement to become a restaurant general manager. However, some restaurants may prefer or require a college degree. A bachelor’s degree in hospitality or business administration is a common choice for aspiring restaurant GMs.
Training & Experience: Restaurant general managers typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include learning the restaurant’s menu, the restaurant’s computer system and the restaurant’s operational procedures. Training may also include shadowing the current restaurant general manager for a period of time.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications allow you to prove your skills and qualifications to current and potential employers. Some states require restaurant general managers to have certification or licensing.
Restaurant General Manager Skills
Restaurant general managers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Leadership: Leadership is the ability to motivate and inspire others to work together to achieve a common goal. As a restaurant general manager, you are responsible for the success of your restaurant and the livelihood of your employees. Effective leadership skills can help you motivate your team to work hard and achieve success.
Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to another person. As a restaurant general manager, you must be able to communicate effectively with your staff, your customers and your superiors. You must be able to convey your expectations to your staff and explain to them how to meet those expectations. You must also be able to communicate with customers to ensure they are satisfied with their dining experience.
Problem-solving: As a restaurant general manager, you may be responsible for resolving customer complaints, employee issues and other problems that arise during your shift. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you address these issues effectively and efficiently. You can also use problem-solving skills to find solutions to challenges your restaurant may be facing, such as a decline in sales or a lack of employee morale.
Organization: Organization is a crucial skill for a restaurant general manager. You need to be able to manage multiple tasks at once, including scheduling, inventory management and employee evaluations. You also need to be able to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities to your staff.
Teamwork: A restaurant general manager is a team leader who oversees the success of their restaurant’s staff. This means that they must be able to work with others to ensure that the restaurant is operating at its best. A restaurant general manager should be able to work with their staff to solve problems, delegate tasks and motivate their employees.
Restaurant General Manager Work Environment
The work environment for a restaurant general manager is usually fast-paced and hectic. They typically work long hours, including evenings and weekends. They may also be required to work on holidays. Restaurant general managers are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant, so they must be able to handle stress well. They need to be able to think quickly and make decisions in a timely manner. They also need to be able to work well under pressure and be able to handle customer complaints in a professional manner.
Restaurant General Manager Trends
Here are three trends influencing how restaurant general managers work. Restaurant general managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
More Focus on Customer Experience
As the restaurant industry becomes more competitive, restaurants are placing a greater emphasis on customer experience. This means that general managers will need to focus on creating a positive atmosphere for customers and ensuring that they have a great time while they are dining at the restaurant.
General managers can create a better customer experience by focusing on things like service, food quality, and ambiance. They can also work to create a culture of hospitality within their restaurant that makes customers feel welcome and appreciated.
The Rise of Fast Casual Restaurants
The rise of fast casual restaurants is a trend that has been happening for the past few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This trend is driven by consumers who are looking for a middle ground between fast food and traditional sit-down restaurants.
As a restaurant manager, you can capitalize on this trend by offering menu items that are quick and affordable but still high quality. You can also focus on improving the customer experience by providing good service and a comfortable environment.
More Attention Paid to Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is becoming an increasingly important topic in the business world. As businesses become more competitive, they are realizing that they need to invest in employee engagement in order to keep their employees happy and productive.
This trend is having a significant impact on the restaurant industry, where employee engagement can have a direct impact on the bottom line. Restaurant managers can capitalize on this trend by developing programs and initiatives that encourage employee engagement.
How to Become a Restaurant General Manager
A successful career as a restaurant general manager (RM) can be rewarding and lucrative. However, it’s important to first understand the many different aspects of this job and what is required of you in order to be successful.
As an RM, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maximizing profits. This means that you must have a strong understanding of all aspects of the restaurant industry, from food and beverage to marketing and operations. You must also be able to effectively manage your staff and delegate tasks so that you can focus on the big-picture issues.
In order to become a successful RM, you must be willing to work hard and be dedicated to learning new things. You must also be able to handle stress well and be able to make quick decisions when necessary.
Related: How to Write a Restaurant General Manager Resume
Advancement Prospects
The best way to advance your career as a restaurant general manager is to gain experience. Start by working your way up the ladder at a single restaurant, learning as much as you can about every aspect of the business. Once you have a good understanding of the day-to-day operations of a restaurant, you can start applying for management positions at other restaurants.
As you gain more experience, you will become more attractive to potential employers. You may also have the opportunity to open your own restaurant, which can be a very rewarding experience.
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