Ever wondered who ensures a seamless dining experience at your favorite restaurant? It’s the restaurant manager, the linchpin of every successful dining establishment. Restaurant managers are crucial in overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring customers have an exceptional dining experience. Without them, restaurants would be short staffed, team morale would be low, and the customer experience would dampen. A restaurant manager really is the heart and soul of a restaurant, and hiring the wrong one can be detrimental. According to Gallup, managers are responsible for 70% of the variance in employee engagement. This means that a bad manager negatively impacts employee engagement and performance, leading to less productivity and lower revenue.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about restaurant managers and how to hire the best ones.
A restaurant manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a restaurant, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, handling finances, and maintaining inventory. They play a vital role in ensuring that the restaurant runs smoothly and efficiently. Their duties span across various aspects of the business, from front-of-house operations to back-of-house management.
Beyond operational tasks, restaurant managers are expected to set the tone for the establishment, creating a positive work environment and ensuring that all staff adhere to company policies and standards. Depending on the size and type of restaurant, some managers may have more specialized roles, while others may cover a broader range of responsibilities.
During a typical day, restaurant managers wear many hats. They oversee staff, handle customer issues, manage inventory, and ensure the restaurant meets health and safety regulations. Restaurant managers work closely with the kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure a seamless dining experience for customers.
Although managing a restaurant sounds straightforward, a restaurant manager has a multifaceted role with a range of tasks and duties. Here are some of the key responsibilities of a restaurant manager:
While a restaurant manager oversees the entire operation, specific roles within the restaurant focus on particular areas of management. Understanding the differences between a kitchen manager, shift lead, and front of house manager can help clarify the unique responsibilities of each position.
A kitchen manager is responsible for overseeing the back-of-house operations, ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. They focus on food preparation, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen safety and hygiene standards.
A shift lead, also known as a shift supervisor, is responsible for overseeing the restaurant during a specific shift. They ensure that operations run smoothly, staff are performing their duties, and customers are satisfied.
A front of house (FOH) manager focuses on the customer-facing aspects of the restaurant. They ensure that guests have a positive dining experience by managing the dining area, supervising front-of-house staff, and handling customer interactions.
Whether you’re an aspiring restaurant manager or a restaurant owner looking to hire one, you may be wondering what experience, skills, and education a restaurant manager should possess. Here’s what’s generally required to become a restaurant manager:
Most employers prefer candidates with experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in roles such as server, bartender, or assistant manager. Entry-level restaurant manager positions might require at least 1-2 years of experience in a supervisory role.
While a high school diploma or GED is typically sufficient to start, many employers prefer candidates with a degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field. Certifications in food safety, first aid, and hospitality management can also enhance a candidate’s qualifications.
All in all, formal education and certifications are highly beneficial, but relevant experience and strong management skills are crucial to becoming a successful restaurant manager.
We covered the basic skills required to be a restaurant manager, but what makes an exceptional restaurant manager? These are the qualities that can help a restaurant manager stand out:
According to Salary.com, the average salary of a restaurant manager in the United States ranges between $51,000 to $66,000 annually. The exact salary can vary based on factors such as experience, certifications, location, and the type of establishment. In fine dining restaurants or high-end hotels, restaurant managers can earn significantly higher salaries due to the premium placed on their expertise.
The exact salary a restaurant manager can expect to receive will depend heavily on previous experience and skills. Similar to jobs in other industries, the more experienced a restaurant manager is, the more a restaurant may be willing to pay them. Based on data collected by Glassdoor, these are the salary ranges you can expect as a restaurant manager in the United States based on years of experience:
Another factor that can impact a restaurant manager’s salary is the type of restaurant they work at. For example, a restaurant manager may earn more at a Michelin-starred restaurant since higher standards and extensive management skills are usually expected in fine dining.
The exact number of restaurant managers that a restaurant needs can vary depending on factors like customer volume and restaurant size. However, a general rule of thumb is to have one general manager for the entire establishment, with additional specialized managers such as a kitchen manager, front of house manager, and shift leads as needed. While this may be a good starting point to make a staffing plan, keep in mind that this number can fluctuate. Larger or more specialized restaurants might require more managers to cover different areas effectively.
Maintaining a balance between efficiency and cost is key since too few managers can lead to inadequate supervision, while too many can inflate labor costs. Each restaurant is unique, and analyzing customer traffic can help determine the most optimal number of managers to deliver exceptional service. Using a smart scheduling system that can help you analyze labor vs. sales data can be a simple way to stay on top of your labor costs.
Equipping your new restaurant manager with a well-rounded training program sets them – and your restaurant – up for success.
Starting with onboarding, training should begin with a thorough walkthrough of the restaurant layout, operational procedures, and safety protocols. As a restaurant manager, mastering leadership and management techniques is essential, so dedicate time to proper staff management, conflict resolution, and customer service strategies. Next, you can dive into specific operational aspects to ensure they understand the nuances of both front-of-house and back-of-house management. Familiarizing them with your menu, including popular dishes and beverage pairings, is also crucial.
Last but not least, emphasize the importance of continuous learning and professional development. Encourage restaurant managers to stay updated with industry trends, attend relevant workshops or courses, and seek feedback to improve their skills continuously.
The career journey of a restaurant manager typically starts in entry-level positions within the hospitality industry but can progress into various high-level management roles. Many aspiring restaurant managers begin their careers in roles that allow them to develop foundational skills and hospitality knowledge. Here’s an overview of the average career path for a restaurant manager:
Starting as a restaurant manager offers a great opportunity to develop leadership and operational skills, paving the way for a successful and rewarding career in the hospitality industry. By excelling in each role, individuals can progressively advance to more senior positions, ultimately achieving their career goals.
Restaurant managers are the heart of your establishment. They ensure that operations run smoothly, staff are motivated, and customers have an exceptional dining experience. When you invest in your restaurant managers, you invest in the quality and reputation of your restaurant. A happy and effective restaurant manager translates to satisfied customers and a well-managed team.
If you’re looking to streamline your hiring and onboarding process, partner with Push, the all-in-one people management solution specifically built for restaurants. With Push, you can find and onboard top talent with ease, ensuring your restaurant is always staffed with skilled and motivated individuals. From smart schedules to automated payroll and comprehensive reporting, Push is the secret ingredient to success. Learn more about our hiring and onboarding solutions and see how Push can transform your restaurant operations. Book a demo today to experience the power of Push for yourself.
“In the labor numbers, we were reporting about a $300 to $400 difference than what we were getting through Push!”
-Tara Hardie, ZZA Hospitality Group, 16 locations
