They need good communication skills to deal with customers and suppliers, as well as to motivate and direct their subordinates. A neat and clean appearance is also required since managers are often in close personal contact with the public. Most restaurant chains and food serviced management companies have rigorous training programs for persons hired for management jobs. Usually after 6 months or a year, trainees receive their first permanent assignment as an assistant manager. Willingness to relocate often is essential for advancement to positions with greater responsibility.
Managers advance to larger establishments, or regional management positions with restaurant chains.
Some managers eventually open their own eating and drinking establishments. Others transfer to hotel management positions, since their restaurant or institutional food service management experience is a good background for food and beverage manager jobs at hotels and resorts. Job Outlook Employment of restaurant and food service managers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2000. In addition to growth in demand for these managers, the need to replace managers who transfer to other occupations or stop working for a variety of reasons will create many new jobs. Job opportunities are expected to be best for persons with bachelor's or associate degrees in restaurant and institutional food service management.