Some people fancy working at a restaurant because they like the environment or the people. Others wish to work in a restaurant because they are passionate about food. But if your goal is to be a restaurant manager, there are some specific steps you’ll need to take.
The restaurant industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Restaurant management is a demanding and challenging career that requires a unique set of skills and knowledge.
If you are interested in a career in restaurant management, this blog post will guide you through the process of becoming one.
What is a Restaurant Manager’s job?
A restaurant manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. They oversee the staff, manage the budget, and ensure guests have a positive dining experience.
A restaurant manager must be able to multitask and have strong problem-solving skills. They must also be able to work well under pressure and have excellent customer service skills.
Overall, a restaurant manager should have the following:
Personality Traits:
- Have a pleasant, courteous demeanor
- Keep a positive/welcoming attitude even under stress
- Ability to work well with and manage people from different backgrounds
- Be observant of their surroundings
- Ability to respond to issues and make decisions quickly
- Be well-organized and disciplined
- Have a diplomatic approach in challenging scenarios
Skills:
- Be good with arithmetic/basic mathematics
- Have a decent knowledge of budgeting
- Be familiar with kitchen and restaurant practices
- Have excellent communication skills
- Strong leadership skills to lead your staff
- Have good conflict resolution skills to solve issues
This is a brief overview of what the job entails and what characteristics should a restaurant manager have. Now, let’s look at the steps you need to take to become a restaurant manager.
Pathway to becoming a Restaurant Manager
Step 1: Get A Degree.
The first step to becoming a restaurant manager is to get a degree in restaurant management, business administration, or a related field.
While you can technically become a restaurant manager without a degree, it won’t be easy to find a job without one.
On the other hand, a degree in restaurant management will give you the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this career.
There are many accredited restaurant management programs available both online and offline.
Choose a program that is right for you and your goals.
Step 2: Choose Your Area Of Specialty.
After you have earned your degree in restaurant management, the next step is to choose a specialty in your field.
There are many specialty areas within restaurant management, such as human resources, marketing, and finance.
Choose an area of specialty that you are interested in and that you think you would be good at.
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Step 3: Get An Entry-Level Job.
The next step is to get an entry-level position as a restaurant manager.
This can be done by applying to restaurants that are looking for managers.
You can also look for internships or apprenticeships in restaurant management. Or, you can join a restaurant as an order-taker, server, runner, receptionist, or any other basic position and work your way up to the manager’s role.
Step 4: Get Ahead In Your Restaurant Manager Career.
Once you have an entry-level position as a restaurant manager, the next step is to advance in your career.
This can be done by taking on more responsibility at your current job or applying for a management position at another restaurant.
You can also advance in your career by taking on additional responsibilities, such as training new employees or overseeing the operations of a restaurant.
Step 5: Continued education for your restaurant manager career path
The final step is to continue your education for your restaurant manager career path.
This can be done by taking courses or attending seminars related to restaurant management.
You can also advance your education by pursuing a higher degree in restaurant management, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
By following these steps, you can become a successful restaurant manager.
How much do Restaurant Managers earn?
Money is an important motivating factor for most people when choosing a career.
So, how much do restaurant managers earn?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the type of restaurant, the location of the restaurant, and the size of the restaurant. The culinary and hospitality industry is rewarding if you have the right expertise and experience.
However, the average salary for a restaurant manager is $57,465 as of July 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $51,040 and $64,780.
This is what a Restaurant Manager’s salary looks like in different cities:
New York, NY | $59,618 per year |
Chicago, IL | $55,859 per year |
Atlanta, GA | $54,094 per year |
Dallas, TX | $53,609 per year |
Houston, TX | $52,513 per year |
Phoenix, AZ | $52,494 per year |
Las Vegas, NV | $50,750 per year |
Orlando, FL | $50,086 per year |
San Antonio, TX | $50,016 per year |
Also, note that the salary may be more or less than the average salary listed above based on job roles.
For example, an assistant restaurant manager might earn less than the above-listed averages. On the other hand, a regional restaurant manager supervising multiple franchises may earn more.
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What is the Job Outlook of Restaurant Managers?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of chefs is projected to grow 15 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Plus, there will be an expected 40,000+ job openings for restaurant managers (or food service managers) over this time period.
Additionally, there are numerous chances to grow further and get into corporate management, become a franchisee or open your own restaurant.
Overall, a career in restaurant management can be rewarding and exciting, but it can also be challenging and demanding.
But if you are up for the challenge, a career in restaurant management may be the right choice for you.
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“One of the reasons that people enjoy coming to a great restaurant is that when an extraordinary meal is placed in front of them, they feel honored, respected, and even a little bit loved.” – Marcus Samuelsson, Chef.