The General Manager position at Five Guys is one of the most impactful roles in the company. As the operational and leadership head of a store location, a GM is responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing staff, ensuring top-tier customer service, controlling inventory, and driving financial performance. With a focus on team culture and service excellence, this role is vital to maintaining the brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
According to industry salary data, the average salary for a Five Guys General Manager in the United States ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on location and experience. This role often includes bonuses and benefits, making it a highly sought-after position in the food service industry.
20 Interview Questions and Answers for a Five Guys General Manager Role
1. What experience do you have in managing a fast-paced restaurant environment? Answer: I have over five years of experience managing quick-service restaurants, including leading teams during peak hours, streamlining operations, and implementing training programs that improved productivity and customer satisfaction.
2. How do you ensure your team consistently delivers excellent customer service? Answer: I lead by example and provide continuous coaching. I also implement daily team huddles to set expectations and celebrate customer service wins to maintain morale and motivation.
3. What strategies do you use to manage labor costs and scheduling? Answer: I use forecasting tools to align staffing with projected sales and regularly review labor reports. I also cross-train employees to allow for flexible and efficient scheduling.
4. How would you handle an underperforming employee? Answer: I start with a one-on-one conversation to understand the root cause, provide clear performance expectations, and create an improvement plan with regular check-ins.
5. Describe a time you improved operations in a previous role. Answer: In my last role, I reduced food waste by 20% by implementing a FIFO system and tighter inventory controls. This directly improved our bottom line.
6. How do you maintain food safety and quality standards? Answer: I conduct daily audits, ensure all team members are food safety certified, and maintain strict compliance with health code regulations.
7. What would you do if you had a rush of customers and were short-staffed? Answer: I would jump in to support the team, prioritize key service positions, and communicate clearly with customers to manage expectations.
8. What tools or systems are you familiar with for inventory management? Answer: I’ve used tools like Toast, Compeat, and internal POS systems to track inventory, manage supplier relationships, and control food costs.
9. How do you motivate your team? Answer: Recognition is key. I celebrate achievements, provide incentives for top performers, and ensure that team members feel valued and heard.
10. How do you handle customer complaints? Answer: I listen empathetically, apologize, and take immediate steps to resolve the issue. Then, I follow up with the team to prevent similar issues in the future.
11. What are your financial management strengths? Answer: I’m skilled in budgeting, analyzing P&L statements, and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
12. How do you train new hires? Answer: I implement a structured onboarding process that includes hands-on training, mentorship, and regular check-ins for feedback and growth.
13. Why do you want to work for Five Guys? Answer: I admire the brand’s commitment to quality and customer experience. I’m excited by the opportunity to lead a team in an environment that values both people and performance.
14. How would you increase sales in your location? Answer: I would focus on upselling training, local store marketing, and ensuring a flawless guest experience that encourages repeat business.
15. Describe your leadership style. Answer: I’m a collaborative leader who values transparency, accountability, and hands-on involvement to support and guide my team.
16. What would you do in your first 30 days as GM? Answer: I’d assess current operations, meet with the team individually, review key performance metrics, and identify quick wins for improvement.
17. How do you handle conflict between employees? Answer: I mediate calmly, give each party a chance to speak, and work toward a fair resolution that reinforces our values and team cohesion.
18. What would you do if your store missed sales targets for the month? Answer: I’d analyze sales data, identify trends, consult with my team for feedback, and implement corrective strategies to address gaps.
19. How do you manage high turnover in the industry? Answer: I focus on strong hiring practices, a positive culture, and career development opportunities to build loyalty and retention.
20. What makes you the best candidate for this GM position? Answer: I bring proven leadership, a track record of driving results, and a passion for creating positive work environments that align perfectly with the Five Guys mission.
Final Interview Tips and Encouragement
Preparing for a Five Guys General Manager interview means demonstrating not only your operational expertise but also your leadership potential and cultural fit. Research the brand thoroughly, prepare specific examples from your experience, and show a strong understanding of what makes a Five Guys location successful.
Bonus Tip: Practice common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly communicate your achievements.
Confidence, preparation, and a genuine enthusiasm for the brand can make all the difference. You’ve got this!
