To work as a restaurant manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have one to five years of restaurant work experience.

Education after high school

Many restaurant managers are promoted from within the company. However, some restaurant managers go through formal training programs. Either an associate or a bachelor's degree in restaurant management is good preparation for this occupation.

In these programs you study nutrition, food planning, and food preparation. You also take courses in accounting, business management, and computers. Some programs combine classroom study with experience in a restaurant setting.

Work experience

Many restaurant managers work first as bar, kitchen, dining room, or assistant managers before becoming restaurant managers. You may work as an assistant manager for several years.

On-the-job training

Most large restaurant chains have training programs for managers. Trainees receive both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Topics include food preparation, nutrition, and employee management. Trainees usually receive their first permanent assignment as assistant managers after six months or a year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to work as food service managers. You need a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation. Training lasts 12 to 16 weeks. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.