Skip to main content
Hospitality Food Service Manager
Hourly Rates up to Jobs Available
$65 41,600+

What Does a Food Service Manager Do?

The best food service managers see the hectic pace and surprises of restaurant life as a challenge. 

Also called restaurant managers and sometimes general managers, these administrators keep the dining room running smoothly — no matter what happens. (And something always happens.)

These managers are needed in hotel dining establishments, restaurants, cafes and fast-food chains. The backdrop may change, but the skills needed to succeed are similar.

Good restaurant managers must be able to switch gears quickly, handling tricky customer service situations one minute and crunching the numbers in the back office the next. The pace is quick, but the payoff is worth it. This is a well-paying career with the promise of good camaraderie and satisfaction.

It’s also one of the few careers that allows an entry-level worker to eventually make their way to the top rung. To do that, you will need solid experience and excellent training. Keep reading to learn more.

Young female food service manager with tattoos holding a tablet in a restaurant
The smooth daily operation of a restaurant requires a food service manager with the ability to juggle many tasks while keeping a cool head. (Credit: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Ensure quality of food and service
  • Train and manage front-of-the-house employees
  • Establish and maintain standards for presentation, behavior and sanitation
  • Manage worker schedules and assignments
  • Respond to customer complaints
  • Resolve in-house disagreements
  • Manage budget and payroll
  • Focus on profitability

How To Become a Food Service Manager: FAQs

The bottom line:

Working in a restaurant can be hectic and rewarding. For the right person, the challenge of making sure a food service operation runs smoothly and profitably can be very satisfying. If this sounds like you, check out the many training programs offered by SkillPointe’s partners and get started on your next chapter!

Find Food Service Manager Training In Your Area

Charlotte

Restaurant Management Diploma

This curriculum prepares students to understand and apply the administrative and practical skills needed for supervisory and managerial positions in...
3 females using AI, looking at a computer

Grow with Google AI Essentials

Whatever your chosen career, generative AI tools may help you speed up daily tasks, make more informed decisions, and develop new ideas. This course will teach you how to reap those benefits.

Learn More
Tempe

+Online

Sustainable Food Systems (AAS)

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Sustainable Food Systems curriculum is designed for students with diverse interests in sustainable food...
Online Program
Tempe

+Online

Sustainable Food Systems (CCL)

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Sustainable Food Systems curriculum is designed for students interested in participating in the creation of a...
Online Program
Tempe

+Online

Sustainable Food Systems: Food Entrepreneur (CCL)

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Sustainable Food Systems: Food Entrepreneur program is designed for students interested in creating a...
Online Program
Tempe

+Online

Sustainable Food Systems: Food Service (CCL)

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Sustainable Food Systems: Food Service curriculum is designed for students interested in participating in the...
Online Program
Tampa

Food and Beverage Management CCC

The food and beverage management certificate prepares you to take on the role of supervisor or manager in the food and beverage sectors of the...
Baltimore

Food Service Manager

The ManageFirst?? Professional (MFP), created by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and managed nationally by National...
Suffern

Culinary Arts Certificate

The Hospitality and Culinary Arts program offers preparation in the fields of culinary arts, restaurant management, hotel management, and travel and...
Suffern

Hospitality and Culinary Arts AAS

The Hospitality and Culinary Arts program offers preparation in the fields of culinary arts, restaurant management, hotel management, and travel and...
Las Vegas

Hospitality Management AA

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree with a Hospitality Management emphasis is specifically designed for the student who intends to transfer to the...
Newtown

Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts degree prepares individuals to compete for various entry-level culinary positions in restaurants, lodging, catering or institutional...
Rochester

Hospitality Management

Our A.A.S. degree in hospitality management provides you with practical, hands-on preparation for careers in the hospitality industry. You'll build...
Not sure about this job?
Find your match with our career quiz.

Need help reaching your goals?

Explore our Financial Resources page for scholarships, FAQ answers and student support services.

Explore More