Restaurant Operations Manager

    Hospitality Management

    CIP Name: Restaurant Operations Manager|CIP Code: 52.0905
    SOC Codes: 11-9051, 11-9081

    Plan, manage, and market restaurants, food services in hospitality establishments, food service chains and franchise networks, and restaurant supply operations.

    $67K
    Median Salary
    +4.9%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    23.7K
    Jobs/Year

    What Restaurant Operations Managers Do

    Plan, manage, and market restaurants, food services in hospitality establishments, food service chains and franchise networks, and restaurant supply operations.

    Common Tasks

    Food Service Managers

    • 1Count money and make bank deposits.
    • 2Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service.
    • 3Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies.
    • 4Schedule staff hours and assign duties.
    • 5Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations.

    What You'll Learn

    hospitality administrationfood services managementwholesale logistics and distributionfranchise operationsbusiness networkingpersonnel managementculinary artsbusiness planning and capitalizationfood industry operationsmarketing and retailingbusiness law and regulationsfinanceprofessional standards and ethics

    Types of Restaurant Operations Managers

    Banquet ManagerCDM (Certified Dietary Manager)Catering ManagerDining Service DirectorF and B Manager (Food and Beverage Manager)Food Service DirectorFood Service ManagerFood Service SupervisorKitchen ManagerRestaurant ManagerBed and Breakfast InnkeeperFront Desk ManagerFront Office DirectorFront Office ManagerGuest Relations ManagerGuest Services ManagerHotel ManagerNight ManagerResort ManagerRooms Director

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Restaurants and bars
    • • Hotels and resorts
    • • Catering and banquet venues
    • • Hospitals and long-term care facilities
    • • School and university dining services

    Schedule

    Most work full time with set schedules, but evenings, weekends, and holidays are common and the pace is often high-pressure during service periods.

    Physical Demands

    The job involves frequent standing and walking, with moderate bending, handling items, and repetitive motions during busy shifts. It is less physically intense than many trades but can be tiring due to long periods on your feet.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $66,720
    $40,934$116,199+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $40,934
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $51,563
    Median
    50th percentile
    $66,720
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $86,486
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $116,199+

    National Employment: 404,800 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can rise as restaurants, catering, and institutional dining expand and need managers to control costs, staffing, and food safety. Increased focus on sanitation compliance and customer experience can also drive hiring for experienced operators.

    Skills You'll Need

    Staff scheduling and supervisionFood safety and sanitation complianceBudgeting and cost control (labor and food costs)Customer service and complaint resolutionInventory management and purchasingCommunication and team leadershipAbility to work under pressureAttention to detail and recordkeeping

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Strong number of annual job openings
    • Clear path to higher responsibility and pay
    • Transferable management skills across hospitality settings
    • Varied work with people, operations, and problem-solving
    • Opportunities to move into multi-unit or corporate roles

    Cons

    • High time pressure during peak service times
    • Evenings, weekends, and holiday work is common
    • Customer complaints and staffing issues can be stressful
    • Accountability for food safety and regulatory compliance
    • Long periods of standing and walking
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Restaurant Operations Manager Trade

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