Your main responsibility is to oversee all aspects of the business, from food preparation and customer service to financial management and staff scheduling — and that's exactly what your restaurant manager resume needs to convey! But how can you make the most of your resume? 

Our easy-to-follow guide provides practical resume writing tips that will take you through the entire process step by step. We’ll show you how to craft each resume section in clear, manageable chunks, with specific examples, real-life resume samples, and customizable templates.

Barista Manager Resume Example

Hired by: Barkultur

Hired by: Barkultur

PF Chang's Manager Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by: PF Chang's

Food Service Manager Resume Example

See more examples like these

Keep reading to discover our tips:

• Get inspired by handy restaurant manager resume examples
• Choose the best format for your restaurant manager resume 
• Craft an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective
• Market your best hard and soft skills in your restaurant manager resume
• Customize your restaurant manager work experience section to a specific role
• Enrich your restaurant manager resume with strong action verbs 
• Make an impact with your restaurant manager resume education section
• Tailor your restaurant manager resume extra sections to the job listing
• Avoid common mistakes in your restaurant manager resume
• Pair your restaurant manager resume with a matching cover letter 
• Learn about the average salary and job outlook for restaurant managers
• Find the best resources for job-seeking restaurant managers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Bistro manager resume example

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Hired by PF Chang's

Why does this resume example work?

• Effective resume summary: The resume summary (profile) does a solid job of highlighting the candidate’s strengths and experience. For example, by describing themselves as "results-oriented" and "performance-driven," the candidate manages to create an image of a proactive and productive professional. This sets the right tone for the rest of their resume! 
• Presenting relevant skills: The resume does a great job of putting the spotlight on the candidate’s key skills and achievements. By detailing their experience with managing daily sales, training staff, and upholding high standards at PF Chang's, it’s clear that they’re well-versed in the essential aspects of restaurant management. 

What could be improved?

• Use of action verbs: This resume could benefit from a stronger use of action verbs. For example, phrases like “Managing daily sales and labor” could be improved to “Managed daily sales and labor.” Action verbs can make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Plus, they can also underline the fact that the candidate played an active role in their accomplishments.
• Adding an education section: Skipping an education section could be a missed opportunity, especially if the candidate has relevant academic background. But even if the degree isn’t directly tied to restaurant management, it still reflects the candidate’s discipline and work ethic. 

Franchise manager resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Inclusion of optional sections: The resume does a great job of including additional sections like certificates and volunteering experience. The Certificate in Strategic Leadership Development is a fantastic addition that showcases ongoing professional development and a commitment to growth.
• Easy-to-read layout: The resume has a clean and organized structure that makes it easy for anyone to scan quickly. The use of headers, bullet points, and clear sections ensures that key information is easily accessible and always stands out. This helps hiring managers find what they need without wading through a wall of text, which is always a win!

What could be improved?

• Mention relevant skills in volunteering: Instead of just listing the role of Class Treasurer, it would be more impactful to mention specific skills or achievements from this experience that are relevant to the franchise manager role. For example, if the candidate managed budgets or coordinated events, highlighting these would only make this resume stronger.
• Expanding on the Business & Management degree: The education section mentions a relevant Business & Management degree but doesn't do much with it. Highlighting specific coursework, relevant projects, or key achievements during this time could further demonstrate how this background supports the candidate’s restaurant management expertise. 

Restaurant manager resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Inclusion of quantifiable data: The first thing to highlight about this resume is its exceptional use of quantifiable achievements! For instance, mentioning a 93% staff retention rate, a 27% reduction in expenditure, and maintaining 5-star ratings on Trip Advisor provides concrete evidence of the candidate’s success and effectiveness. These numbers make the accomplishments more impactful and paint a vivid picture of the candidate’s competencies. 
• Complex skills section: The skills section is well-rounded and covers a broad range of abilities. The candidate lists languages, computer skills, and soft skills, all of which are relevant for a restaurant manager role. Another advantage is its clear organization. While a packed section like this could easily become convoluted, the use of subheadings keeps it neat and organized.

What could be improved?

• More relevant hobbies: While the hobbies listed are interesting, they don’t directly relate to the candidate’s professional life. Including hobbies that align more closely with the restaurant management role or show relevant skills, such as event planning or team activities, could make this section more impactful. For example, involvement in community events or food-related activities might be more relevant.

1. How to choose the best format for your restaurant manager resume 

When it comes to crafting your resume, it’s easy to get caught up in the content. After all, you want to make sure you’re showcasing all your accomplishments, skills, and experiences in the best possible light. And that’s all well and good. But there’s another key element that often gets overlooked: the format.

And that is a shame, because choosing the right format for your resume isn't just about making it look nice; it's about being strategic about which information you emphasize and which you push into the background.

Ultimately, it's your experience level that should be the main factor in your decision making. Here's a quick breakdown of the three most common resume formats: 

1. Reverse-chronological format: The most well-known out of the three, this format puts your work experience history above all else. It’s perfect if you have a solid, linear career path and want to show off your career progression. So, if you’ve steadily climbed the ranks in restaurant management, this format will let your career trajectory shine.
2. Functional format:This format is great if you’re transitioning into restaurant management from a different field, have no work experience yet, or if you have gaps in your employment history. Here, you focus on your skills and accomplishments rather than the timeline of your employment. This way, you can draw attention to your strengths and away from your weaknesses.
3. Combination (hybrid) format: As the name suggests, this format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It’s ideal if you want to showcase specific skills and accomplishments while also providing a clear picture of your career history. 

Remember, the best format for your restaurant manager resume is one that works in your favor. So, take some time to think about your career goals, your strengths, and what you want to highlight. Then, choose a format that aligns with these factors to make sure your resume not only looks good but also makes a strong impact.

If you want to skip the part when you need to set up proper margins, pick the most professional font, or decide on how to make your headlines pop, you can save yourself some time and use one of our professionally designed resume templates.

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2. How to craft an attention-grabbing restaurant manager resume summary or objective

Let’s talk about two of the most underrated sections of your resume: the resume summary and the resume objective. These are definitely the unsung heroes of resume writing. 

They're often the first thing potential employers read, and they can make or break that all-important first impression. Hiring managers have to go through hundreds of job applications daily, and don't have the time to study each resume minutely. 

That's why you need to include 3-4 sentences at the very top of your resume that highlight your best attributes right from the get-go. Although resume summary and resume objective are very similar in nature, they are meant for different types of job candidates. 

Writing a resume summary

A resume summary serves those who already have a few years of work experience under their belt. The goal of a resume summary is to give a quick overview of what you bring to the table and how your experience aligns with the job you’re applying for.

What can you include in your resume summary?

• Professional title: Clearly state your role, e.g., "Experienced Restaurant Manager."
• Years of professional experience: Show how long you’ve been working in restaurant management.
• Specializations: Include any specific areas of expertise, such as fine dining, high-volume kitchens, or fast-casual dining.
• Key skills: Mention core competencies like team leadership, inventory management, cost control, or customer service excellence.
• Significant achievements: For example, "Increased annual revenue by 15% through improved operational efficiency and staff training."

Consider these two contrasting examples: 

Why does this feel so off? This summary doesn’t tell us much about the candidate's experience or strengths. Phrases like "good skills" and "worked with budgets" don’t really explain what makes this person stand out. It feels flat, and nothing about it grabs attention or makes you want to learn more about the candidate.

What makes this sound so much better? Right away, this example gives the hiring manager a clear understanding of the candidate's experience level ("over 8 years"), the type of restaurants they’ve worked in ("fine dining and high-volume operations"), and their key skills. Most importantly, it backs up those claims with concrete achievements (increasing revenue by 15%, reducing food costs by 10%).

Writing a resume objective

On the other hand, a resume objective is more suited for those who are either just starting out in restaurant management (interns, fresh graduates) or making a career switch. It’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the job and highlight transferable skills you bring from other positions.

What can you include in your resume objective?

• Career goals: Mention what you want to achieve in the role.
• Relevant skills or experience: Write about any relevant experience, background, or skills that align with the role.
• Focus on how you’ll add value: Explain how you can contribute to the employer's success.
• Passion for the field: Show your dedication and love for the hospitality business. 

What makes this resume objective ineffective? This example fails to specify what skills the candidate is bringing from their previous career, nor does it mention how those skills will benefit the restaurant they want to manage. Phrases like "experience in different fields" and "hoping to grow" are too generic and could apply to almost any job. It doesn’t give the hiring manager any reason to be interested or confident that the candidate is ready for the transition.

Why is this resume objective so much better? This resume objective manager to show the candidate’s career goals and how their skills from retail management are directly transferable to restaurant management. All that supported by specific, quantifiable achievements! It’s a perfect blend of relevant experience, enthusiasm, and a focus on how they can contribute to the employer’s success.

Whether you choose to start your resume with a summary or an objective, don't forget to enrich it with relevant keywords! Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job. If your resume doesn’t have these keywords, it might not even make it to a human being!

3. How to select relevant skills for a restaurant manager resume 

When hiring managers are deciding who to invite for a job interview, they’re mostly interested in one thing: what each candidate can do for them. And the best way to show them that is through your skills. 

But you can't just start listing every skill you have — you need to be selective and focus on the ones that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

How to choose the right skills?

Start by reading the job description carefully. Look for key terms and skills the employer is looking for, like "team leadership," "inventory management," or "cost control." Those are your starting points! If a restaurant is looking for someone to improve customer satisfaction or manage large teams, those skills should be front and center on your resume.

If you're struggling to figure out which skills would be the best for you, here's a quick list of skills that shouldn't be missing from any restaurant manager resume: 

All of these are examples of hard skills — the technical, job-specific abilities you’ve learned either through experience or training. However, restaurant managers don't just work with numbers and systems; they mainly work with people. Whether it's guiding your staff or resolving customer issues, your success as a manager relies on having strong soft skills. 

The key is to strike a balance between both types of skills. Show that you’ve mastered the technical side of running a restaurant, but don’t forget to highlight those soft skills that prove you can lead a team, handle stressful situations, and keep customers happy.

4. How to customize your restaurant manager work experience section to a specific role

Aside from the resume summary/objective or a separate skills section, the best way to showcase your skills in action is through your work experience section. And just like with the choice of skills, customization is key here too!

Think about what the specific establishment is looking for and highlight the parts of your experience that best match the role. For example, if the job description emphasizes leadership and team-building, focus on examples where you led a team or improved staff performance. The goal is to make your work experience section feel like it was made for that particular job. 

Every great work experience entry should be structures like so: 

• Start with your job title and the name of your employer. 
• Include the dates of employment, listed by month and year. 
• Briefly list your core responsibilities.
• Highlight your impact by mentioning your achievements. 
• Support your accomplishments with quantifiable data.
• Start your bullet points with action verbs (more on that later).

What's wrong with this example? This example simply lists job duties without providing any context or details. There are no accomplishments, no measurable results, and no action verbs to show initiative. It doesn’t tell the hiring manager how well the candidate did these tasks or what kind of value they brought to the restaurant. 

Why is this better? This entry doesn’t just list responsibilities — it highlights accomplishments with quantifiable data, showing the candidate's impact. This format gives a clear sense of how the manager improved operations, profitability, and team dynamics, making it much more compelling to hiring managers.

Tips for fresh graduates

If you’re a fresh graduate or someone with little practical experience, crafting the work history section can feel a bit daunting. After all, how are you supposed to showcase your skills when you haven’t managed a restaurant yet? 

The good news is, there’s plenty you can write about even if you don’t have formal restaurant management experience. Here's a quick list for inspiration: 

• Internships: If you completed an internship at a restaurant, hotel, or even in a related industry, this is a great way to showcase hands-on experience and relevant skills.
• Apprenticeships: Any formal or informal apprenticeship programs you’ve been part of in the hospitality or food service industry can be just as valuable as a job.
• Part-time jobs or gigs: Even part-time gigs help develop key skills like customer service, time management, and teamwork.
• Volunteer work: Volunteering at food banks, community kitchens, or events can also be relevant, especially if you took on any leadership roles or helped with organizing.

In summary, when detailing your work experience, focus on showcasing the value you added in your previous positions. Incorporate specific numbers to illustrate your accomplishments, and make sure to customize each entry to emphasize the skills and experiences that are most pertinent to the job you’re targeting.

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5. How to enrich your restaurant manager resume with strong action verbs 

Now that we’ve talked about how to write a solid work experience section, let us introduce you to a simple but powerful tool that can make your accomplishments pop — action verbs. 

Action verbs are words that describe specific actions or tasks you’ve completed during your past jobs. They make your experience sound much more dynamic and impressive. For example, saying "I was responsible for managing staff" sounds much less impactful than "Led a team of 15 staff members to improve service efficiency by 20%."

Here are a few examples of action verbs you can sprinkle throughout your resume: 

To give you a better idea of how action verbs impact your resume, consider the following example: 

In short, action verbs tell hiring managers that you’re someone who isn't afraid to take charge. They immediately tell the hiring manager that you’re proactive, and that you’ve taken concrete steps to drive success in your previous roles. Now, go ahead and take another look at your work experience section — where can you add a little extra punch with some powerful action verbs?

6. How to make an impact with your restaurant manager resume education section

The education section of your resume might seem like a formality, but it actually tells employers a lot about your background and potential.

Don't think of this section only as a way to list your degree — use it to show hiring managers how your education has prepared you for the role you're applying for.

If you’ve earned a degree that’s directly related to restaurant management (like hospitality, business, or culinary arts), you’ll want to present it in a way that maximizes its relevance. That's why you shouldn't be afraid to go beyond just the name of the degree, the institution, and the years of study.

Here’s what you can include under your degree to make the most of this section:

• Relevant coursework
• Projects and training
• Thesis or capstone projects
• Awards and honors
• Relevant extracurricular activities

And here's a small demonstration of what an education entry like that can look like: 

But not everyone comes into restaurant management with a hospitality or business degree. Maybe your degree is in something completely unrelated, like sociology, communications, or even art. Still, that doesn't mean that you should just completely ignore this section. 

Related or not, simply having a degree already says a lot about you as a professional: it proves you have commitment, discipline, and a strong work ethic — all valuable traits for any restaurant manager.

In your case, your education entries can may follow this structure: 

Whether you’ve got a formal degree in restaurant or hospitality management or you took a different path to get here, your education section can still pack a punch. Remember, it's all about presenting the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate, no matter your background.

7. How to pick relevant optional sections for you restaurant manager resume

We’ve already covered all the essential sections of a resume. Now the question is: should you go beyond that and add optional sections? 

The answer is: it depends.

If you decide to add a hobbies section filled with details like loves hiking, scented candles, and reading detective stories, this won’t do much for your resume besides taking up space. But optional sections shouldn't be about filling up your resume — it’s about adding value. 

Optional sections allow you to show off achievements, training, or other relevant information that doesn't quite fit into your work experience or education. Here are some examples of optional sections that could make your restaurant manager resume even more impressive:

• Certifications: Any food safety, alcohol service, or business-related certifications can really support your credibility and qualifications.
• Training & workshops: Have you attended any specialized training programs or workshops on topics like leadership, customer service, or inventory management? This shows you’re committed to learning and growing in the field.
• Internships or apprenticeships: If you’ve completed an internship or apprenticeship at a restaurant or in hospitality, this is a great way to show that you've developed your hands-on skills under the supervision of an industry expert. 
• Volunteer experience: Similarly, volunteering in a leadership or food-related role can translate well into restaurant management.
• Awards: If you've ever been recognized for outstanding service, leadership, or customer satisfaction in past roles, this is definitely something worth mentioning! It shows that your impact has been impossible to ignore. 
• Professional affiliations: If you’re a member of any industry organizations or associations, this can demonstrate your commitment to staying informed and connected in your field.

When you’re crafting your resume, it’s not just about listing your core qualifications. Adding optional sections can really make your resume pop and set you apart from the competition. These sections provide extra layers of information that can emphasize your unique strengths and give potential employers a fuller picture of who you are.

8. How to dodge common mistakes in your restaurant manager resume

Every great manual needs a troubleshooting section, and when it comes to resume writing, this part is all about avoiding the common pitfalls that can wreck your chances of getting invited to a job interview. 

It’s easy to overlook some of these mistakes, but even the smallest errors can undercut all your hard work. That's why we've prepared this list of the most common missteps you could make:

• Overlooking typos and grammatical errors: A simple typo can make your resume look sloppy and unprofessional. Hiring managers want attention to detail in a restaurant manager, so if your resume has errors, you're not doing yourself any favors. To avoid this, always proofread your resume multiple times.
• Vague job descriptions: Leading with phrases like “Managed a team” or “Handled daily operations” tells employers almost nothing. They want specifics! Instead of being vague, give specific examples of what you did and how it made a difference.
• Using an inconsistent format: Using different fonts, random spacing, or varying bullet point styles makes your resume messy and confusing. Stick with a clean, easy-to-follow format and keep everything consistent.
• Favoring duties over achievements: Instead of just writing what you were “in charge of,” focus on what you accomplished. For example, instead of saying you “Oversaw daily operations,” try something like “Reduced wait times by 20% through streamlining operations and improving staff coordination.” 
• Including irrelevant information: If you’re applying for a restaurant manager position, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know about that summer job you had as a lifeguard 10 years ago. Make sure everything on your resume is relevant to the job you're currently applying for.
• Lack of quantifiable achievements: Numbers speak louder than words. Whenever possible, include quantifiable data to back up your accomplishments. For example, say you “Increased sales by 15%” or “Cut food waste by 25%.” Be specific!
• Providing outdated contact information: Double-check that your contact information is up-to-date and accurate. There’s no faster way to lose a job opportunity than by listing an email address or phone number that no longer works.
• Ignoring ATS optimization: To avoid getting filtered out immediately, include keywords from the job description and stick to simple formatting. ATS can’t always read fancy designs or graphics, so it’s better to keep it clean and focused on the right keywords.

The process of resume writing can be draining, but don't let go right before the finish line! Take a deep breath, muster up all the energy and focus you have left, and give your resume a careful read-through before sending it out. 

9. How to pair your restaurant manager resume with a matching cover letter 

When applying for a job, it's easy to think that your resume is the only document that really matters. But, there's another key player in the process — your cover letter. 

A strong job application consists of both a resume and a cover letter, and while they serve different purposes, they work best when they complement each other.

Your resume is factual, concise, and designed to show your qualifications at a glance. The cover letter, on the other hand, is more personal and allows you to explain why you’re interested in this particular job and add context to your achievements, skills, or qualifications.

Here's what hiring managers should be able to learn about you from your cover letter: 

• Who are you?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work for us specifically? 
• How can you contribute to our success? 

The key thing to remember is that your cover letter shouldn't just repeat what's been already said in your resume. The trick here is to keep your cover letter focused. Instead of trying to mention every single accomplishment, choose the most relevant ones and explain them in more depth. 

The importance of visual consistency 

However, it’s not just about making sure your cover letter and resume work together content-wise — they should also match visually. 

Why? Because consistency in design reflects attention to detail and professionalism. Plus, it simply looks better. If your resume and cover letter look like they belong together, it shows that you’ve put thought into your application.

If you want to make your cover letter and resume into a cohesive package, try these tips:

• Stick to a uniform font and size: Select a single professional font, such as Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica, and use it consistently across both your resume and cover letter. This gives your application a clean, cohesive look.
• Coordinate colors: If your resume includes colored headings or design elements, make sure your cover letter follows the same color scheme. 
• Match your header: Use the same header for your name and contact information on both documents. This immediately links your resume and cover letter and makes them feel like a complete package.
• Keep your spacing consistent: Pay attention to line spacing and paragraph breaks, making sure they’re consistent across both documents to keep everything neat and tidy.
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

Even though cover letters aren’t always specifically requested in job postings, you should always attach one to your resume. It’s a chance to add a personal touch and add more context to your resume. Besides, taking that extra step can be the difference between you and other candidates who didn’t bother to include one.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for restaurant managers

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the average annual salary for food service managers reaches $63,060. Of course, your real salary may vary depending on several factors such as:

• Geographic location 
• Years of experience
• Size of the establishment
• Union membership
• Certifications or training

In addition to base salary, many restaurant managers enjoy benefits like performance bonuses, health insurance, and, in some cases, profit-sharing. And with growing experience and success, these benefits can become even more lucrative.

However, people are drawn to the restaurant management profession for a variety of reasons beyond just the paycheck:

• For one, it’s a dynamic, fast-paced career where no two days are exactly alike. If you enjoy problem-solving, leading a team, and having a direct impact on customer satisfaction, restaurant management can be incredibly rewarding. 
• Plus, it offers a strong sense of accomplishment, especially when you see a packed dining room, happy guests, and a smoothly run operation thanks to your efforts. For those who love working in hospitality, it’s a career that blends creativity with leadership.

Looking ahead, the job outlook for restaurant managers is positive, with the occupation projected to grow by 2% each year over the decade, producing more than 44,500 new job openings annually, according to the BLS.

So, if you find yourself drawn to the fast-paced and people-centered world of restaurant management, this profession has a lot to offer. With steady job growth, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a real impact on both customers and staff, it’s a rewarding path for anyone with a passion for hospitality. 

11. Where to find useful resources for job-seeking restaurant managers

No matter how in demand your profession is right now, finding the perfect job opportunity is never easy. Your resume might be in top shape, but the search for that ideal role can still be a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help you navigate the job market and find opportunities that match your skills and goals:

• Industry-specific job boards: If you prefer taking a more targeted approach, don't overlook websites like Poached Jobs, Restaurant Careers, or Culinary Agents. These platforms focus on job postings specifically within the hospitality and dining sectors.
• General job search websites: However, ignoring websites with broader focus, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, SimplyHired, or Monster, would be a mistake! Although you'll need to do a bit of extra sifting, these resources can still yield compelling results. 
• Professional associations: Consider becoming a member, or simply a follower, of organizations like the National Restaurant Association (NRA), the American Culinary Federation (ACF), and the International Food and Beverage Management Association (IFBMA). They can give you access to more job postings, certification programmes, networking events, and the latest industry news and trends. It’s a win all around!
• Networking: The world of hospitality revolves around networking. But did you know that you can develop strong industry connections using LinkedIn? Set up a profile and join relevant groups, follow industry experts, reach out directly to hiring managers, or find job postings — LinkedIn truly is a multifaceted platform. 
• Hospitality recruiting agencies: Alternatively, you can allocate the job searching part to agencies like Horizon Hospitality, Goodwin Recruiting, or Gecko Hospitality. These agencies specialize in connecting job seekers with the right opportunities, leveraging their industry expertise and networks to match you with positions that align with your skills and career goals.
• Continuous education: Finally, you can make your job application more attractive by adding new skills and certifications. With online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, or edX, finding the right courses has never been easier. 

Job searching can definitely be tough, but don’t let that get you down. With the right tools, resume, and a bit of perseverance, you’ll be well on your way to finding a role that’s just right for you. Keep your spirits high and stay curious — every resource you tap into and every skill you pick up is another step closer to landing that perfect restaurant management job.