What does a Food Service Manager do?
A food service manager is responsible for the operations and daily activities of a restaurant. They are responsible for every single meal that a customer has at a restaurant. A few of the main duties of a food service manager are greeting customers at the entrance, ordering food supplies, dealing with customer issues and complaints, and hiring and training new employees. They also have to create reports that update owners on how the restaurant is performing. Some of the job titles that a food service manager had in the past would be server and food runner.
A food service manager should have five years of experience in the restaurant industry as well as a high school diploma or GED equivalent. One of the most important skills that a food service manager will have is attention to detail. Another skill is organization as the food service manager will have to be able to run a restaurant effectively.
- Budgeting the weekly expenses of the restaurant
- Solve any customer complaints or issues
- Follow all food safety regulations
- Schedule staff and cover for any shifts
- Hire and train new employees
- Set long term goals for the restaurant
- Ensure high quality food comes from the kitchen
- Develop a menu for the restaurant
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent
- Bachelor's degree or culinary degree preferred
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks at once
- Ability to forecast supplies as needed
- Ability to manage a budget
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to give constructive criticism to employees
- Ability to create restaurant policies for employees to follow
- Amazing leadership abilities
Food Service Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Food Service Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Food Service Manager Insights
Debenhams“Some of the people you work with are great and some of the customers are just amazing.”
Maryland Department of Natural Resources“The pay is not great (but what do you expect for a job geared toward students).”
“My wage was fair and living accommodations very nice.”
Executive Hotels & Resorts“You get to know some good and nice people.”
Scripps Health“I reported all of the malfeasance when I left; I left on my own and on good terms.”
Great Western Dining“I received no formal training and what little training I did receive it was a sink or swim mentality.”
Cameron Estate Inn“Pay was good but not worth what you go through!”
Healthcare Services Group“Pay is decent but not great”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Food Service Manager
When working as a Food Service Manager, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Positive Attitude, English, Attention To Detail, Program Design and Project Design.
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Bartender
- Server
- Host
The most common qualifications to become a Food Service Manager is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.