Is becoming a restaurant manager right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do restaurant managers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are restaurant managers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are restaurant managers like?

Still unsure if becoming a restaurant manager is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a restaurant manager or another similar career!

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How to become a Restaurant Manager

Becoming a restaurant manager typically requires a combination of education, experience, and skills. Here are the steps to becoming a restaurant manager:

  • Earn a high school diploma or equivalent: Most restaurant management positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. It is essential to have a solid foundation in math, reading, and communication skills.
  • Gain experience in the food and hospitality industry: Experience is critical to becoming a restaurant manager. Many aspiring managers start as servers, hosts, or cooks, to gain an understanding of restaurant operations.
  • Pursue a degree in hospitality or business management: While not always required, a degree can provide a competitive advantage in the job market. Bachelor's Degrees in Hospitality Management, Business Management, or Business Administration would be good options. These programs can offer coursework in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
  • Obtain industry certifications: Industry certifications, such as the ServSafe Food Handler or the Certified Restaurant Manager, can demonstrate a candidate's knowledge and skills in the food and hospitality industry.
  • Build management skills: Restaurant managers must possess excellent management skills, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and financial management. Developing these skills can be achieved through on-the-job training, management courses, or mentorship programs.
  • Apply for restaurant management positions: With education, experience, and skills in place, aspiring restaurant managers can begin applying for management positions. These positions may be advertised online or through industry associations, or through networking with other professionals in the industry.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for restaurant managers that can help them improve their skills and advance their careers. Some of the most popular certifications for restaurant managers include:

  • ServSafe Certification: This certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association and focuses on food safety and sanitation. It is a requirement in many states for restaurant managers to be certified in ServSafe.
  • Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM): This certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in restaurant management.
  • Foodservice Management Professional (FMP): This certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and is designed for individuals who want to improve their knowledge and skills in restaurant management.
  • Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP): This certification is offered by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) and is designed to recognize individuals who have a deep understanding of the foodservice industry and its equipment.
  • Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS): This certification is offered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and is designed for supervisors in the hospitality industry, including restaurant managers.
  • Certified Restaurant Facility Professional (CRFP): This certification is offered by the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA) and is designed for individuals who manage the facilities of restaurants and other foodservice operations.

Online Resources
There are many online resources available for restaurant managers that can help them stay up-to-date with industry trends, improve their skills, and manage their restaurants more effectively. Here are a few examples:

  • National Restaurant Association: The National Restaurant Association is a leading industry organization that provides a wide range of resources for restaurant managers, including news and trends, industry research, and training and certification programs.
  • Toast Blog: The Toast Blog provides a wealth of information for restaurant managers, including tips on marketing, operations, and technology. The blog also features interviews with industry experts and success stories from other restaurants.
  • OpenTable Blog: The OpenTable Blog provides insights into the restaurant industry and tips for restaurant managers on how to improve their operations, including advice on menu design, customer service, and marketing.
  • Restaurant Business Magazine: Restaurant Business Magazine provides news and analysis on the restaurant industry, as well as practical advice for restaurant managers on topics such as labor management, menu design, and marketing.
  • Eater: Eater is a food and restaurant-focused website that provides news and trends in the industry, as well as restaurant reviews and guides. Eater also features interviews with industry experts and chefs, as well as tips for restaurant managers.
  • Harvard Business Review: While not specifically focused on the restaurant industry, Harvard Business Review provides valuable insights and strategies for effective management and leadership that can be applied to any industry, including restaurants.