Food service managersFood service managers are responsible for the daily operations of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve meals and beverages to customers. Besides coordinating activities among various departments, such as kitchen, dining room, and banquet operations, food service managers ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience. In addition, they oversee the inventory and ordering of food, equipment, and supplies and arrange for the routine maintenance and upkeep of the restaurant, its equipment, and facilities. Managers generally are responsible for all of the administrative and human-resource functions of running the business, including recruiting new employees and monitoring employee performance and training. In most full-service restaurants and institutional food service facilities, the management team consists of a general manager, one or more assistant managers, and an executive chef. The executive chef is responsible for all food preparation activities, including running kitchen operations, planning menus, and maintaining quality standards for food service. In limited-service eating places, such as sandwich shops, coffee bars, or fast-food establishments, managers, not executive chefs, are responsible for supervising routine food preparation operations. Assistant managers in full-service facilities generally oversee service in the dining rooms and banquet areas. In larger restaurants and fast-food or other food service facilities that serve meals daily and maintain longer hours, individual assistant managers may supervise different shifts of workers. In smaller restaurants, formal titles may be less important, and one person may undertake the work of one or more food service positions. For example, the executive chef also may be the general manager or even sometimes an owner. (For additional information on these other workers, see the Handbook statements on top executives and chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers.) One of the most important tasks of food service managers is assisting executive chefs as they select successful menu items. This task varies by establishment depending on the seasonality of menu items, the frequency with which restaurants change their menus, and the introduction of daily or weekly specials. Many restaurants rarely change their menus while others make frequent alterations. Managers or executive chefs select menu items, taking into account the likely number of customers and the past popularity of dishes. Other issues considered when planning a menu include whether there was any unserved food left over from prior meals that should not be wasted, the need for variety, and the seasonal availability of foods. Managers or executive chefs analyze the recipes of the dishes to determine food, labor, and overhead costs and to assign prices to various dishes. Menus must be developed far enough in advance that supplies can be ordered and received in time. Managers or executive chefs estimate food needs, place orders with distributors, and schedule the delivery of fresh food and supplies. They plan for routine services or deliveries, such as linen services or the heavy cleaning of dining rooms or kitchen equipment, to occur during slow times or when the dining room is closed. Managers also arrange for equipment maintenance and repairs, and coordinate a variety of services such as waste removal and pest control. Managers or executive chefs receive deliveries and check the contents against order records. They inspect the quality of fresh meats, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods to ensure that expectations are met. They meet with representatives from restaurant supply companies and place orders to replenish stocks of tableware, linens, paper products, cleaning supplies, cooking utensils, and furniture and fixtures. Managers must be good communicators. They need to speak well, often in several languages, with a diverse clientele and staff. They must motivate employees to work as a team, to ensure that food and service meet appropriate standards. Managers also must ensure that written supply orders are clear and unambiguous. Managers interview, hire, train, and, when necessary, fire employees. Retaining good employees is a major challenge facing food service managers. Managers recruit employees at career fairs, contact schools that offer academic programs in hospitality or culinary arts, and arrange for newspaper advertising to attract additional applicants. Managers oversee the training of new employees and explain the establishment�s policies and practices. They schedule work hours, making sure that enough workers are present to cover each shift. If employees are unable to work, managers may have to call in alternates to cover for them or fill in themselves when needed. Some managers may help with cooking, clearing tables, or other tasks when the restaurant becomes extremely busy. Food service managers ensure that diners are served properly and in a timely manner. They investigate and resolve customers� complaints about food quality or service. They monitor orders in the kitchen to determine where backups may occur, and they work with the chef to remedy any delays in service. Managers direct the cleaning of the dining areas and the washing of tableware, kitchen utensils, and equipment to comply with company and government sanitation standards. Managers also monitor the actions of their employees and patrons on a continual basis to ensure the personal safety of everyone. They make sure that health and safety standards and local liquor regulations are obeyed. In addition to their regular duties, food service managers perform a variety of administrative assignments, such as keeping employee work records, preparing the payroll, and completing paperwork to comply with licensing laws and reporting requirements of tax, wage and hour, unemployment compensation, and Social Security laws. Some of this work may be delegated to an assistant manager or bookkeeper, or it may be contracted out, but most general managers retain responsibility for the accuracy of business records. Managers also maintain records of supply and equipment purchases and ensure that accounts with suppliers are paid. Technology influences the jobs of food service managers in many ways, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Many restaurants use computers to track orders, inventory, and the seating of patrons. Point-of-service (POS) systems allow servers to key in a customer�s order, either at the table, using a hand-held device, or from a computer terminal in the dining room, and send the order to the kitchen instantaneously so preparation can begin. The same system totals and prints checks, functions as a cash register, connects to credit card authorizers, and tracks sales. To minimize food costs and spoilage, many managers use inventory-tracking software to compare the record of sales from the POS with a record of the current inventory. Some establishments enter an inventory of standard ingredients and suppliers into their POS system. When supplies of particular ingredients run low, they can be ordered directly from the supplier using preprogrammed information. Computers also allow restaurant and food service managers to keep track of employee schedules and paychecks more efficiently. Food service managers use the Internet to track industry news, find recipes, conduct market research, purchase supplies or equipment, recruit employees, and train staff. Internet access also makes service to customers more efficient. Many restaurants maintain Web sites that include menus and online promotions, provide information about the restaurant�s location, and offer patrons the option to make a reservation. Managers tally the cash and charge receipts received and balance them against the record of sales. They are responsible for depositing the day�s receipts at the bank or securing them in a safe place. Finally, managers are responsible for locking up the establishment, checking that ovens, grills, and lights are off, and switching on alarm systems. Related news articles Faster, easier way to pay for school lunches - 16 Oct 2006 Dailyrecord.com,...translates into a code that the computer system can recognize as belonging to a certain person, explained Ralph Colombo, the district's food service manager. ... Henry County celebrates 2006 HEROes of the Year - 16 Oct 2006 Henry Herald,Likewise, influencing the youth has been Hampton Elementary School Food Service Manager Kaye Dodgen’s objective for 19 years now. ... School officials to probe report of lunch shortages - Oct 12, 2006 The Daily Item of Lynn,...said. "I have brought this to the attention of the food service manager. We have to ask the cooks what's going on and look into it.". ... Schools find substitutes for sweets - Oct 10, 2006 Fort Wayne News Sentinel,And while birthday boys and girls each month can receive a special dessert with the purchase of a meal, food-service manager Sharon Zidek likes to give pencils ... Finger reader helping schools, libraries - Oct 9, 2006 Coon Rapids ECM Publishers,...lunch lines. It works well there, La Crescent School District assistant food service manager Kari Blum said. “I like it.�?. The ... 2Ladies who make lunch - Sep 20, 2006 El Paso Times,Elia Torres, 60, is the food service manager at Ernesto Serna School, 11471 Alameda. For 28 years, Torres has enjoyed her role as cafeteria lunch lady. ... Food lines at schools come across a lot more choices - Oct 8, 2006 Green Bay Press Gazette,..."We're constantly looking for products to incorporate in our line," said Kari Alvey, food service manager with the Howard-Suamico School District. ... Sparse turnout spurs brief forum for BCSD candidates - Oct 12, 2006 Bakersfield Californian (subscription),Robinson, a food service manager, called No Child Left Behind "at best problematic." But he said the board can't do much about that. ... Got the munchies? Get a taste of this - Oct 7, 2006 Allentown Morning Call,Hence no full-fat potato chips or chocolaty candy bars are available a la carte in the Easton Area School District, food service manager Donna Garr said. ... Sula Teller's "From the Garden to the Plate" - Sep 24, 2006 Lawrence.com,...culinary culture. This week's featured speaker is Sula Teller, professional cook and Food Service Manager at The Merc. A vegetarian ... Schools making healthier choices - Sep 26, 2006 Glens Falls Post-Star,...there. We have a lot of obese children," said Marge Ware, food service manager at the South Glens Falls Central School District. ... Exhibitors, businesses prep for today's opener at City Dock - Oct 5, 2006 Annapolis Capital,...deal with heavy crowds. "We've set up outside stands with drink and food service," manager Ben Smith said. The restaurant has an ... Holley introduces "Soaring to New Heights" award for staff and ... - Oct 2, 2006 Spencerport Westside News,...award. Receiving the "Soaring to New Heights" Award at the September Board meeting was Food Service Manager Vickie Scroger. "Vickie ... School Board OKs balanced budget for third straight year - Sep 21, 2006 Quincy Herald Whig,Jean Kinder was announced as district food service manager, replacing Jeannine Wheeler who has taken a job with the Champaign School District. ... An Open Letter to the Craig County Community - Sep 29, 2006 The News Castle Record,Rodgers, Superintendent of Craig County Schools; Officer Kenny Davis, School Resource Officer, CCHS; Sherri Crowder, Head Food Service Manager CCHS, Girls ... To Their Health Local schools serve up food changes based on new ... - Sep 15, 2006 MyWebTimes.com,While SES food service manager True Gallick hasn't heard too much complaining, "they still don't want the fruits and vegetables. ... School Districts Address Children's Food Allergies - Sep 18, 2006 KLTV,We did some checking and found similar programs in Jacksonville and Longview ISD's. Contact your school nurse or food service manager to enroll your child. Reap it and eat - Sep 20, 2006 Kansas City Star,Ratcliff says. The remaining produce goes to the cafeteria, where food service manager Carmen Weathers uses it in her meals. Weathers ... More information on Food service managers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Food service managers occupation Number of Food service managers in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Food service managers Working conditions for Food service managers Significant points for Food service managers Training requirements for Food service managers Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |