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Table of contents

Restaurant manager resume examples
Related resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your restaurant manager resume
How to write a restaurant manager resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your restaurant manager resume
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

As a restaurant manager, you’re a seasoned professional with a keen understanding of the importance of customer service. From leading your employees and facilitating the smooth operations of the kitchen and the dining room to ensuring that sales goals are met, a restaurant manager’s work encompasses all angles of a restaurant’s operations.

Now you just need a resume that showcases your multifaceted talents! We can help with that. With some inspiring examples and a step-by-step guide outlining the resume-writing process, you’ll have a job-winning resume faster than a dinner rush!

This guide will cover:

Examples of inspiring restaurant manager resumes.
Steps to build your persuasive restaurant management resume.
Optional sections to boost your resume.
The importance of writing an effective cover letter.
Key takeaways for your resume.

Want a professionally designed restaurant management resume created in just a few minutes? Try our AI Resume Builder. Choose a template that reflects your leadership style, and receive expert guidance for each section, ensuring your content truly highlights your excellence as a manager and as a restaurant industry professional.

Restaurant manager resume examples

Entry-level restaurant manager resume example

Resume entry level example restaurant manager

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Why this entry-level restaurant manager resume works:

It’s simple
This resume uses a straightforward layout that sticks with the basics, allowing the candidate’s information to be easily read and to shine without distractions.
It’s goal-oriented
This candidate has some restaurant experience, but no management experience. Because of this, his resume opens with a resume objective that focuses on his goals for the future rather than his past.
It focuses on skills
With only a few years of nonmanegerial work experience and no experience in management roles, this candidate has wisely opted to dedicate most of his resume’s real estate to skills rather than work history.

Experienced restaurant manager resume example

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Why this experienced restaurant manager resume works:

It focuses on experience
This candidate has over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry. Her impressive management work history is the star of her resume.
It uses numbers
Numerical data gives this candidate’s experience a sense of impact and scale.
It uses active language
Action verbs like “create,” “oversee” and “launch” demonstrate this candidate’s energy and motivation.

Choose the right resume format for your restaurant manager resume

Selecting the right resume format is a pivotal decision for a restaurant manager. Your chosen format should effectively showcase your experience and achievements as well as your judgment and organization skills. Consider which of these three formats aligns with your career profile:

The chronological resume format is well-suited for experienced restaurant managers. It presents your career journey in reverse-chronological order, allowing potential employers to track your progression in the restaurant industry, including significant projects you’ve led and specific roles you’ve assumed over the years.
The combination resume format skillfully combines your work history with an extensive skills section. It’s ideal for midcareer restaurant managers, especially those transitioning into management from other restaurant industry roles.
The functional resume format spotlights your leadership skills, making it an excellent choice for restaurant managers who are just entering the field or transitioning from less senior roles.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect format, it’s time to select your resume template.

Choose the right resume template for your restaurant management resume:

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Your resume template should reflect the dedication, professionalism and style expected of a restaurant manager.

For restaurant managers looking to create a professional resume quickly, a simple resume template may be the way to go. Its minimalist design places your culinary skills and experience at the forefront in the most straightforward manner.

For a resume that leaves a lasting impression, consider a creative or modern resume template. These styles add character and provide an opportunity to showcase your culinary flair.

Given the competitive landscape of the restaurant industry, many hiring managers will receive numerous applications. This is why the template you choose is so important. Your resume template should leave a strong impression while organizing your information clearly and elegantly.

Our resume templates are available in a variety of file types, including Word resume templates and Google Doc templates, which you can easily download and customize for your unique needs.

Now that you’ve curated the perfect resume style, it’s time to embark on the writing process for your restaurant management resume.

How to write a restaurant manager resume in 5 simple steps

Think of your resume as your opportunity to narrate your journey in restaurant management. It should succinctly capture the significant milestones in your career, from hiring and training staff to delivering excellent sales numbers. Your career history, skills and experience should all come together to present a clear picture of who you are as a professional and how you’ve reached your current point as a manager and a leader.

Let’s break down this process step by step:

Step 1

Review the restaurant manager job listing for keywords

Before you even start drafting the content of your resume, take a close look at the job description for the restaurant manager role you’re pursuing. Examine the listing to identify essential skills and qualifications, such as leadership, customer service and fine dining expertise. Understanding what the job posting is looking for enables you to ensure that your resume aligns with the position.

In the restaurant industry, employers often seek specific proficiencies and may use particular keywords to screen applicants. This is where applicant tracking systems (ATS) come into play. To create a resume compatible with ATS systems, make sure your content includes the terms found in the job description.

For example, if the job emphasizes “leadership skills” or “customer service excellence,” incorporate these into your professional summary, skills section and work history. It’s crucial to list only the skills you actually have to maintain honesty and accuracy. A remarkable resume demonstrates that you’re the ideal candidate the hiring team is searching for.

Step 2

Summarize your career achievements

Your resume should commence with a powerful introduction in the form of a resume profile. There are two primary types of resume profiles: professional summaries and career objectives, and both can be effective for your resume, depending on your career history.

A professional summary provides a comprehensive overview of your restaurant management career, making it suitable for those with extensive experience in restaurant leadership. It’s particularly impactful for restaurant managers who have achieved significant milestones, such as leading successful establishments or rolling out popular menus.

Conversely, a resume objective outlines your career goals and is a good choice for restaurant managers who may be new to the role, such as recent graduates or those transitioning from other roles in the hospitality field. This format emphasizes your enthusiasm, transferable skills and the unique perspectives you bring to restaurant management.

Let’s look at an example of each:

Restaurant manager professional summary:

Experienced restaurant manager with 12 years of experience delivering smooth restaurant operations in a dynamic customer-oriented environment. Skilled at enhancing dining experiences and driving revenue growth. Growth-minded leader with a passion for people and a talent for communication. Dedicated to curating enjoyable dining experiences.

Restaurant manager resume objective:

Aspiring restaurant manager with a background in fine dining and a passion for customer service. Eager to leverage my interpersonal skills, operational expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction to contribute to a top restaurant’s success. Committed to delivering memorable dining experiences and fostering a culture of excellence.

Step 3

Highlight your essential restaurant management skills

In the culinary field, your skill set plays a vital role in the success of your restaurant. It’s crucial to showcase a diverse range of skills to demonstrate your competence as a restaurant manager. These skills can be broadly categorized into two groups.

First, there are hard skills. As a restaurant manager, these include proficiency in culinary techniques, menu planning, team management and knowledge of health and safety regulations. These are tangible, teachable abilities essential for the role.

The second group is soft skills. These relate to your interpersonal attributes and leadership qualities, such as effective communication, team collaboration, adaptability to changing restaurant trends and the ability to motivate and lead your restaurant team to success.

Here’s a list of some of the hard and soft skills that successful candidates list on their resumes:

Hard Skills

Menu planning
Inventory management
Health and safety compliance
Financial analysis
Point-of-sale (POS) systems

Soft Skills

Leadership
Communication
Customer Service
Teamwork
Problem-solving

Your role as a restaurant manager is pivotal in ensuring the success of your establishment and customer satisfaction. Your skills should reflect your ability to lead your restaurant to excellence and deliver remarkable results.

Here’s an example of a strong restaurant manager skills section:

Proficient in overseeing various restaurant operations and ensuring guest satisfaction.
Experienced in menu and kitchen management, delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Skilled in conducting thorough assessments of restaurant needs and ensuring a seamless dining experience.
Adherence to strict safety and hygiene protocols in the restaurant.
Demonstrated ability to manage restaurant equipment and resources efficiently.
Excellent communication skills with guests and the restaurant team.

Pro tip

Technical skills like safe food handling can be taught, but interpersonal skills like communication and leadership are aptitudes. This makes them especially valuable. Even the most knowledgeable restaurant manager is unlikely to succeed if they can’t demonstrate that they work well with others.

Step 4

Describe your restaurant management work history

Restaurant management is tough. It takes customer service skills, business sense and even marketing chops. Your resume should vividly showcase how your dedication and expertise thrive in the fast-paced restaurant environment. When crafting your work experience section, you’re not just explaining your history, you’re also demonstrating your major achievements and skills.

Describe specific projects or challenges you’ve encountered, leadership roles you’ve undertaken and innovative strategies you’ve employed. Using action words in your resume, such as “optimized,” “enhanced,” and “mentored,” can emphasize your impact and enthusiasm in restaurant management.

Here’s an example of a strong restaurant manager work experience section:

Restaurant Manager, The Urban Bistro

Los Angeles, CA

June 2017 – Present

Oversee a diverse range of restaurant operations, including high-volume dining services and special events.
Coordinate front-of-house and back-of-house staff to ensure a smooth dining experience for guests.
Collaborate closely with the kitchen team, servers and other restaurant professionals to guarantee efficient and exceptional service.
Implement the latest industry trends and technology to enhance the restaurant’s overall performance and customer satisfaction.
Mentored and trained five junior restaurant staff, contributing to the development of a highly skilled and coordinated restaurant team.

Pro tip

When you use repetitive resume boilerplate like “responsible for,” your resume starts to read like a laundry list. Your responsibilities sound more like chores than accomplishments. That’s why we recommend action-packed verbs to bring your experience to life.

Step 5

Showcase your education

Start with your highest level of education and create a concise education section. Highlight any relevant culinary training, workshops or certifications alongside your academic degree.

Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

May 2019

Additional sections for your restaurant manager resume

Languages

Communication is vital to the role of a restaurant manager. Your staff and guests will both come from a diverse range of backgrounds. Knowing multiple languages shows communication skills so be sure to include any languages you speak.

How to showcase languages on your restaurant manager resume:

Fluent in English and Spanish
Proficient in Portuguese

Hobbies and interests

Featuring personal projects or hobbies related to leadership or dining provides a more comprehensive view of your passion for the culinary world. Just make sure you only list hobbies that are relevant and appropriate to the role.

How to showcase hobbies on your resume:

Culinary exploration: Deep love for food, constantly exploring new cuisines, experimenting with recipes and visiting local restaurants to stay updated on industry trends and flavors.
Food blogging: Maintain a food blog where I share my culinary adventures, cooking tips and restaurant reviews, fostering a connection with the food-loving community.
Wine enthusiast: Enjoy learning about and tasting different wines, attending wine-tasting events and expanding knowledge of wine pairings to enhance the dining experience.

Community engagement

Highlighting your involvement in community projects related to culinary arts, such as food drives or collaborations with local organizations, demonstrates your dedication to your personal values as well as your keen ability to build community; an important skill for growing a restaurant’s popularity.

How to highlight community involvement on your resume:

Local food bank support: Actively participate in volunteering at the local food bank, coordinating efforts to reduce food waste and provide nutritious meals to those in need. Collaborate with other local restaurants to donate surplus food and organize food drives.
Youth culinary education: Partner with local schools and community organizations to offer culinary workshops and mentorship programs to inspire the next generation of chefs. This includes teaching cooking classes and sharing insights about the restaurant industry.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Now that your resume is complete, it’s time to write a restaurant manager cover letter that seals the deal. Your cover letter is your chance to add context to your resume and draw attention to any important achievements that you’d like to discuss in more detail. Like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to the role and targeted to show why you’re the best possible fit.

For expert guidance on cover letter-writing, explore our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter and draw inspiration from our extensive library of cover letter examples.

To maintain a cohesive visual identity between your cover letter and resume, consider using a professionally designed cover letter template from our Cover Letter Builder.

Key takeaways for your restaurant manager resume

Personalize your resume for each opportunity

Tailor your resume to align with the specific requirements of each restaurant manager role, emphasizing your skills in restaurant operations, team management and customer satisfaction.
Highlight your restaurant management experience

Showcase your hands-on involvement in restaurant management, from day-to-day operations to staff supervision, demonstrating your ability to excel in dynamic and ever-evolving restaurant environments.
Emphasize your dedication to continuous learning

Highlight any advanced courses, certifications or workshops you’ve undertaken in the realm of restaurant management, underscoring your commitment to staying informed about the latest industry trends and best practices.
Express your passion for restaurant leadership

While your resume provides an overview of your skills, a well-crafted cover letter can convey your genuine passion for leading restaurant teams and the driving force behind your career choice, adding a personal touch.
Highlight measurable achievements

If you’ve contributed to enhanced customer satisfaction, improved operational efficiency or achieved financial goals, emphasize these accomplishments with concrete metrics and results.
Showcase collaboration and team leadership

In the restaurant industry, collaboration is essential. Highlight instances where you’ve seamlessly worked with diverse teams, demonstrating your ability to foster teamwork and creativity for exceptional outcomes.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.