Restaurant and Bar Management

If you enjoy taking on new challenges every day, interacting with people and working in a fast-paced environment, then perhaps a career in restaurant and bar management might be a good fit for you. Read on to learn more education, job growth and earnings for restaurant or bar managers.
<h2 id="section---IsRestaurantAndBarManagementForMe">Is Restaurant and Bar Management for Me?</h2>
<h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3>
<p>Bar and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Restaurant_Manager_Jobs_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">restaurant managers</a> oversee daily operations in an establishment, managing inventory, executing staffing decisions and making sure customers are satisfied with their dining experience. You'll need to have strong math skills to handle large quantities of cash. Excellent communication skills could help you interact with employees and customers. If you want to work in a fast-paced environment and you have solid leadership skills, then perhaps you might be interested in restaurant and bar management.
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<h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3>
<p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected minimal or no change in employment nationwide for foodservice managers, including restaurant and bar managers, from 2012-2022. As of May 2013, foodservice managers earned a median annual income of $48,080; no-cost meals may also be provided. Some restaurants give bonuses to managers who meet certain sales quotas. As a restaurant manager for a large chain, you may also advance to a regional manager position. Some managers go on to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Restaurant_Owner_Education_Requirements_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">open their own restaurant</a> or operate a franchise store.
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<h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInRestaurantAndBarManagement">How Can I Work in Restaurant and Bar Management?</h2>
<h3 id="section---AssociateDegreePrograms">Associate Degree Programs</h3>
<p>Restaurant and bar managers don't always need postsecondary education, but many employers prefer applicants who have obtained a degree. An <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Associate_Degrees_in_Hotel_and_Restaurant_Management.html">associate degree program in hotel and restaurant management</a> is recommended for aspiring restaurant managers. Course topics may include the study of cost control, hospitality leadership and dining operations.
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<h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreePrograms">Bachelor's Degree Programs</h3>
<p>A bachelor's degree program in restaurant management can help you acquire an understanding of operations management. Some programs allow for specializations in beverage studies, sustainability or baking. In addition to completing <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Curriculum_of_a_Bachelors_Degree_In_Restaurant_Management.html">core coursework in restaurant management</a>, you might have the chance to participate in an internship or other industry experience.
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<h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3>
<p>Graduate programs in hospitality management are beneficial if you're interested in starting your own business or working in academia. Program emphasis is usually on entrepreneurship or research methods; core coursework might include the study of financial systems and marketing.
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<h3 id="section---OptionalCertifications">Optional Certifications</h3>
<p>A postsecondary education is not required to obtain the Foodservice Management Professional designation. It may be especially useful if you've acquired your management skills from hands-on experience and have little formal education. Requirements include 2-3 years of supervisory experience in a restaurant, a Food Protection Manager Certification and a passing score on an examination (<i>www.restaurant.org</i>).</p>