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.

What responsibilities are common for Food Service Manager jobs?
  • 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
What are the typical qualifications for Food Service Manager jobs?
  • 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
EducationBachelor's Degree
Work/Life Balance
3.2 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.4 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does a Food Service Manager make near United States?

Confident
$46,724 /yr
Total Pay
$42,892
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$3,831
 /yr

Additional Pay

$46,724

 / yr
$33K$68K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

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.

Food Service Manager
$46,724/yr
Senior Food Service Manager
$57,287/yr
Food Service Manager

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
13%
2 - 4
76%
5 - 7
4%
8+
7%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Food Service Manager Insights

Read what Food Service Manager professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Maryland Department of Natural ResourcesMaryland Department of Natural Resources
Seasonal Concessions Manager
Aug 15, 2021

“The pay is not great (but what do you expect for a job geared toward students).”

Speedway LLCSpeedway LLC
Food Service Shift Lead
Jun 28, 2023

“The last cafe manager I had while I was there was the best boss I've ever had.”

West Creek RanchWest Creek Ranch
Dining Room Manager
Oct 12, 2022

“My wage was fair and living accommodations very nice.”

Executive Hotels & ResortsExecutive Hotels & Resorts
Banquets Captain
Mar 11, 2023

“You get to know some good and nice people.”

Scripps HealthScripps Health
Food Service Partner
Oct 11, 2022

“I reported all of the malfeasance when I left; I left on my own and on good terms.”

Great Western DiningGreat Western Dining
Food Service Director
Jun 3, 2022

“I received no formal training and what little training I did receive it was a sink or swim mentality.”

Centers Health CareCenters Health Care
Food Service Director
May 2, 2023

“And I’ve seen exceptional care and I don’t see recognition for this either”

Cameron Estate InnCameron Estate Inn
Banquet Manager
Nov 16, 2021

“Pay was good but not worth what you go through!”

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Food Service Manager Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles 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.

The most similar professions to Food Service Manager are:
  • Food and Beverage Manager
  • Bartender
  • Server
  • Host

The most common qualifications to become a Food Service Manager include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.

Related Careers

Food and Beverage Manager
$58,437
38% skills overlap
Bartender
$52,094
25% skills overlap
Server
$46,069
13% skills overlap
Host
$36,403
No skills overlap

Food Service Manager Jobs