They assist in planning menus, estimate the cost of food and supplies, and hire and assign personnel. A bachelor's degree in Food Services Management is desirable for advancement. Nearly all the jobs in this field are filled by promotion from within a company or from other hotel, restaurant, or catering businesses. Many people enter this career as part-time or seasonal waiters, bartenders, cooks, or kitchen workers. A willingness to relocate is essential for advancement with corporate hotel or restaurant chains.
Some experienced managers open their own restaurants or start a catering business.
The career outlook for this field is good. Employment of restaurant and food service managers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Most jobs will open in the northern counties and the Atlantic City area. In addition to growth in demand for these managers, the need to replace managers who transfer to other occupations or stop working will create many job openings. Job opportunities are expected to be best for persons with a bachelor's or associate degrees in restaurant and institutional food service management.