Top Restaurant Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Restaurant Manager interview by going through these most asked Restaurant Manager interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. They should be able to explain how they are working on their weaknesses and how they are improving in those areas.

    Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to work with others and my attention to detail. I am working on improving my time management skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Ability to self-reflect

  • Question: How would you handle a customer who is angry?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are in charge of dealing with customers on a daily basis. The ideal candidate will have experience handling customers who are upset about their meal or service. The applicant should be able to handle the situation in a calm manner and offer a solution to the problem.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the customer what was wrong with their meal and then ask if they would like me to remake it. If they agreed, I would have the cook prepare a new dish and offer a discount on their next visit.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Ability to remain professional in the face of adversity

  • Question: What do you think makes you the best fit for our company?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to explain why they are the best person for the job. They should be able to demonstrate their passion for the restaurant industry and their desire to work for your establishment. The applicant should also be able to explain how their experience and skills will help them succeed in the position.

    Sample Answer: I am a hard worker who is passionate about the restaurant industry. I have a strong work ethic and am willing to do whatever it takes to make my restaurant a success. I have experience working with vendors and creating menus that are both cost-effective and delicious.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the industry
    • - Desire to work for the company
    • - Demonstration of skills that will help them succeed

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for the success of their establishment. The ideal candidate will have a plan for the future and be able to explain how they will continue to grow in their career.

    Sample Answer: I would like to be a general manager at a restaurant that is part of a chain. I would like to learn more about the business and eventually open my own restaurant.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Leadership skills
    • - Goal-oriented
    • - Desire to grow in the industry

  • Question: What do you hope to gain from a position with (company names)?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are in charge of the business and must be able to determine what they can offer to the company. The ideal candidate will have experience with customer service and be able to explain how they can help the company grow.

    Sample Answer: I hope to gain a position where I can use my experience in customer service to help grow the company. I am a hard worker who is committed to helping others succeed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with customer service
    • - Ability to work in a team environment
    • - Motivation to succeed

  • Question: What would make you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about the restaurant and have a genuine interest in working for the company. The applicant should be able to explain why they would want to work for your establishment and what they can bring to the table.

    Sample Answer: I'm very interested in working for your restaurant because I love the menu and the atmosphere. I've been a fan of your establishment since I was a kid and would love to be a part of it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the restaurant industry
    • - Enthusiasm for the company
    • - Desire to work for the company

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had an irate customer and what did you do to remedy the situation?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are the face of the establishment and must be able to handle difficult situations with poise. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with irate customers and how they handled the situation.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset that the restaurant was out of a certain dish. I offered a similar meal at a discounted price and apologized for the inconvenience.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Ability to think on one's feet
    • - Ability to communicate effectively

  • Question: Why do you want to work in this position?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are in charge of the staff and the establishment. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar position or have a passion for the food industry. The applicant should be able to explain their interest in the position and how they will be able to contribute to the team.

    Sample Answer: I've always had a passion for food and love working with people. I've been a server, bartender and manager in the past, so I know what it takes to work in this industry. I'm looking for a new opportunity to work with a team that shares my passion for food and hospitality.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for food
    • - Experience in a similar position
    • - Desire to work with people

  • Question: What do you know about this company?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for knowing the company's history, mission and values. The ideal candidate will have researched the restaurant beforehand and will be able to discuss the company's mission statement and how it aligns with their own personal values.

    Sample Answer: I've read about the company's history and mission statement. I believe that I can contribute to the company's success by being a leader in my position and by working hard to ensure that our restaurant is a place that people want to visit.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Excellent communication skills
    • - Detail-oriented
    • - Critical thinking skills

  • Question: What was the most difficult decision you had to make on your career?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for the overall performance of the establishment. They must be able to make decisions that will impact the business in a positive way. The ideal candidate will have experience making tough decisions that ultimately led to positive outcomes.

    Sample Answer: I had to fire an employee who was not performing well. I had given him multiple warnings and he still did not improve his performance. I had no choice but to let him go.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to make difficult decisions
    • - Confidence in oneself
    • - Ability to handle pressure

  • Question: How will you write a schedule?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for scheduling staff members to ensure that the restaurant is running smoothly. The ideal candidate will have experience creating schedules and will be able to explain how they would create one for your establishment.

    Sample Answer: I would create a schedule by taking into consideration the number of employees I have on staff and how many hours they are available. I would also consider the amount of time it takes for each employee to complete their tasks and how long it takes for a table to be seated and served.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to create schedules
    • - Experience with different types of schedules
    • - Attention to detail

  • Question: What is your background, and what got you interested in this position?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for the overall performance of the establishment. The ideal candidate will have experience in the food industry and a passion for the restaurant business. The applicant should be able to explain why they are interested in this position and what they hope to accomplish in the future.

    Sample Answer: I've been working in restaurants since I was 16 years old. I started out as a dishwasher and worked my way up to manager. I've always had a passion for the food industry and love being able to work with people. I'm excited about this opportunity because it offers me a chance to grow as a manager and learn from one of the best chefs in town.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the restaurant industry
    • - Experience in the food industry
    • - Willingness to learn

  • Question: What drives you?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for the success of the establishment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food and the restaurant business. They should be able to explain what drives them to succeed in their position and how they are able to motivate others to do the same.

    Sample Answer: I am driven by the opportunity to work with a team of people who are passionate about food and hospitality. I love being able to work with my team to create new dishes and menus that will appeal to our customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for food
    • - Passion for the restaurant industry
    • - Motivation of others

  • Question: What is the difference between a manager and a leader?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are in charge of the day-to-day operations of the establishment. They are responsible for the success of the business and must be able to motivate their team to perform well. The ideal candidate will have experience leading a team and will be able to explain how they are able to get their employees to work together and follow their lead.

    Sample Answer: A leader is someone who can get their employees to follow their lead. A manager is someone who can get their employees to work together. I am a leader because I am able to get my staff members to work together and follow my lead.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to lead a team
    • - Ability to motivate others
    • - Ability to delegate tasks

  • Question: Tell me a time you had to discipline a manager, what actions did you take, what problems did you have in the process and what was the overall outcome.
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are in charge of the staff and must be able to handle disciplinary action when needed. The ideal candidate will be able to explain how they handle situations when a manager is not performing up to par. The applicant should also be able to explain how they handle problems that arise during the process.

    Sample Answer: I had to discipline a manager who was not completing their daily tasks in a timely manner. I met with the manager and explained that their performance was not up to par with the rest of the staff. I then gave them a warning and asked them to improve their performance.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle difficult situations
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Ability to think quickly on one's feet

  • Question: What do you think a day in the life of a manager is like?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the establishment. The ideal candidate will have experience with the tasks that are required to keep a restaurant running smoothly. The applicant should be able to describe a typical day and how they would handle certain situations that arise.

    Sample Answer: A day in the life of a restaurant manager is hectic but rewarding. I am responsible for making sure that all staff members are on time and ready to work. I also make sure that all food is prepared and served correctly. I am in charge of ordering food and supplies and making sure that we have enough staff on hand to meet our needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstration of understanding of restaurant operations
    • - Awareness of daily tasks
    • - Ability to handle stressful situations

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to discipline an employee.
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for the actions of their staff. The ideal candidate will have experience disciplining employees for violating company policy. The applicant should be able to explain how they handled the situation and what the outcome was.

    Sample Answer: I had to discipline an employee who was stealing from the restaurant. I gave him two warnings and then had to let him go.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence in oneself
    • - Awareness of team performance
    • - Experience handling disciplinary action
    • - including termination

  • Question: What is your favorite place to eat?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a favorite restaurant that they are willing to share. The manager should be able to explain why they like the establishment and what makes it unique. The applicant should also be able to share their favorite dish from the restaurant.

    Sample Answer: My favorite restaurant is a small Italian eatery in my hometown. I love the food there because it's authentic and made with fresh ingredients. I also enjoy the atmosphere because it's a small place that's family-owned.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of different cuisines
    • - Ability to explain why a restaurant is unique
    • - Ability to share a favorite dish