5 Tips for Hiring a Top Restaurant Manager

A great restaurant team starts with hiring the right person to lead it. Business owners are looking for a leader who:

• Knows food quality 

• Connects with people

• Improves team performance

A great restaurant manager does all of this. They:

• Uphold service standards 

• Boost staff mood  

• Create customer loyalty

This talent should be supported with:

• Good pay 

• Advancement paths

• Benefits

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that job growth for managers will  grow by 2% between 2023 and 2033. This guide shows you how to hire the right person. 

What Does a Restaurant Manager Do? 

They lead your restaurant's operations. Jobs include:

• Staff management 

• Scheduling 

• Inventory  

• Cost monitoring 

• Great customer service skills

A restaurant manager also supports your brand. They are the connection between front-of-house and back-of-house. 

Restaurant Manager Tasks

Here are the four most important areas:  

1. Controlling Operations

The restaurant manager is in charge of daily operations. They also address guest feedback and keep standards high.  

2. Managing Money

Money tasks include:  

• Daily budgeting

• Restaurant payroll  

• Inventory 

3. Leading Staff

A manager leads staff with:

• Hiring 

• Training

• Supervising

• Motivating 

They:

• Lead by example 

• Create a good culture 

• Communicate clearly 

4. Improving Marketing 

The restaurant manager leads marketing, including: 

• Seasonal menus 

• Promos 

• Loyalty programs 

They support your marketing team.

4 Things to Look for in a Restaurant Manager Resume 

Finding the right person to lead your team starts with understanding what that looks like. A great restaurant manager resume should include restaurant experience and show the ability to:

• Lead 

• Communicate

• Change

• Get results

1. Qualifications and Certifications 

Look for training such as:

• ServSafe Manager

• Food Handling  

• Alcohol Service certifications 

They should also have experience in:

• Hospitality management 

• Business operations

• Culinary arts 

2. Experience 

A good candidate should have experience in front-of-house and back-of-house. This includes roles in:

• Service 

• Kitchen  

• Managing work schedules 

• Serving customers 

• Handling restaurant inventory management

• Guest relations  

3. Relevant Skills to Look For: 

• Leadership and Conflict Resolution
• Experience with restaurant POS and Scheduling Systems
• Knowledge of Inventory Management and Labor Compliance

4. Red Flags: 

• No team leadership experience. 
• No mention of food certifications. 

Average Restaurant Manager Salary and Compensation Trends 

The average salary for food service managers was $55,334 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure varies depending on factors such as experience, restaurant type, location, and whether bonuses or tips are part of the package. 

1. Type of Restaurant: Usually, high-volume or fine dining restaurant managers earn more than those at fast food chains or casual and quick-service establishments. 
2. Location or Region: Salaries are typically higher in metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living, such as New York, San Francisco, or Chicago. 
3. Experience Level: Entry-level restaurant managers may start closer to $42,000, while seasoned professionals with 10+ years of experience can earn over $80,000 annually. 
4. Education: A college degree in hospitality management or business administration can justify higher pay, especially for roles in corporate-owned food and beverage restaurants. 

Benefits That Attract Top Talent 

To compete for the best restaurant managers' positions, offering more than a base salary is essential. Some of the most valued benefits include: 

• Health and dental insurance. 
• Performance-based bonuses. 
• Paid time off and vacation days. 
• Profit sharing or equity options. 
• Career development and advancement programs. 

Restaurant Manager Salary Trends in 2025 

As of April 2025, the average restaurant manager's salary in the U.S. is $60,317 per year. Salaries typically range between $42,725 and $86,421, depending on the factors above. Prospective employers who want to stand out should evaluate how their compensation package stacks up against others in their local market.  

How to Hire a World-Class Restaurant Manager 

Hiring the right employee begins with clearly understanding the role and communicating it through a well-crafted restaurant manager job description. A strong listing goes beyond daily duties. It sets performance expectations, showcases your restaurant’s values, and highlights the importance of cultural fit within your team.  

• Be Specific: Clearly define responsibilities, including operations oversight, financial job duties, staff development, and marketing automation efforts.  
• Include Must-Have Qualifications: Certifications (e.g., ServSafe), required experience (front and restaurant back office software), and technical skills like POS system proficiency. 
• Highlight Culture and Values: Let candidates know what kind of work environment they’re joining—collaborative, fast-paced, guest-focused, etc. 
• Set Clear Expectations: Job description should mention working hours, reporting structure, and opportunities for growth.  

Where to Post Job Listings 

To attract experienced restaurant managers, human resources teams should post listings across multiple targeted platforms. Here are four effective options:  

1. Job Boards: Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and Culinary Agents.  
2. Your Restaurant’s Social Media Channels: Facebook and LinkedIn. 
3. Your Website: Create a Careers page to host current openings. 
4. Industry Partnerships: Partner with culinary schools, hospitality associations, or recruiting firms with restaurant experience.  

Interview Questions That Reveal Key Skills 

Behavioral and situational interview questions help assess how candidates perform under pressure and lead teams in a restaurant setting. Here are four examples focused on the skills needed to succeed as a food service manager:  

1. Leadership: “Can you describe a time when you successfully motivated a team during a challenging period? What actions did you take to improve morale and performance?” 
2. Problem Solving Skills: “Tell me about a time when a food service issue escalated quickly. How did you manage the situation to resolve it effectively while preserving customer satisfaction and loyalty?” 
3. Customer Service Skills: “How do you handle difficult customer complaints for food preparation while ensuring your staff remain motivated and confident in their roles?” 
4. Staff Development: “Can you share an example of how you trained or developed an employee who was struggling? What was the outcome?” 

How to Train and Retain Your Restaurant Manager 

Training is essential, especially in the hospitality industry where every dining establishment operates differently and faces unique challenges. From the moment they’re hired to day-to-day restaurant management, these four elements make a big difference: 

1. Structured Onboarding and Restaurant Staff Handbook

A solid onboarding process gives the restaurant manager clear expectations, key procedures, food safety, and operational guidelines. It builds confidence early and helps them integrate quickly with the team.  

2. Ongoing Training and Professional Development

Continued training on systems, food and beverages, and leadership keeps the restaurant manager adaptable and prepared. It also reinforces your commitment to their growth within the business. 

3. Competitive Benefits

Providing health insurance, bonuses, and paid time off shows you value your manager’s contribution. Clear paths to advancement also boost retention and long-term motivation. 

4. Building a Positive Work Culture

A healthy work environment increases food service manager satisfaction and performance. It also sets the tone for how the rest of the staff engages with their work. 

FAQs About Restaurant Managers 

Here are answers to some common questions.  

What does a restaurant manager do? 

They run the business, including:

• Restaurant staff scheduling 

• Inventory control 

• Money management

• Giving high-quality customer service

They also:

• Lead the front-of-house and back-of-house teams

• Keep health regulations 

• Help with marketing 

What is the highest paid type of restaurant manager? 

Fine dining managers. Those working in big cities also make more. 

What degree do you need to be a restaurant manager? 

A degree isn't needed. But look for certifications in:

• Hospitality management

• Business administration  

• Culinary arts 

ServSafe Manager or Food Safety Certification is a must. 

How many hours should a restaurant manager work? 

Many restaurant managers often work full-time (60-70 hours a week), which may include:

• Evenings 

• Weekends  

• Holidays 

The schedule depends on the restaurant’s:

• Size

• Type 

• Hours

What should you always do as a restaurant manager? 

These things:

• Lead by example 

• Communicate clearly 

• Help your team

• Keep standards for customer future value 

Make sure to set time for training your team.

What should you not do as a restaurant manager? 

They should not ignore the front or back of the house. Don’t ignore staff conflicts or customer complaints. Also, don't ignore food safety.  

Hiring a Manager 

A good manager makes your restaurant money. They:

• Run daily operations 

• Inspire the team

• Ensure good dining experiences  

• Handle challenges 

To get your manager the best tools, book a demo with Paytronix. We can help with: 

• Online ordering 

• Loyalty programs

• Gift management 

• Employee dining solutions 

• Marketing automation

Check out our Online Ordering Guide to learn more.