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: How will you describe yourself at work?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are the face of the establishment and must be able to work well with others. The ideal candidate will be able to explain how they are a team player and can work with all types of personalities.

    Sample Answer: I am a team player who is always willing to help out in any situation. I am also very organized and detail-oriented, which helps me to keep track of the restaurant's inventory.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Team player
    • - Ability to work with all types of personalities
    • - Willingness to help out in any situation

  • Question: What are your weaknesses as a manager?
  • Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked during interviews. The ideal candidate will be honest about their weaknesses and explain how they are working to improve them. For example, a manager may not be good at delegating tasks to other employees; however, they are working on improving their skills in this area.

    Sample Answer: I am not the best at delegating tasks to other employees; however, I am working on improving my skills in this area.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Willingness to improve

  • Question: What were your likes or dislikes from previous jobs.
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be honest about their experience and will not make up answers. The manager should have a positive outlook on their previous positions and should be able to explain why they left.

    Sample Answer: I liked my previous job because I was able to work with a team of people who were very passionate about the restaurant industry. I disliked the job because I was not able to move up in the company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive attitude
    • - Honest
    • - Willingness to learn

  • Question: What experience do you have in this field?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for the overall performance of the establishment. The ideal candidate will have experience in the food service industry. They should be able to explain how they have used their experience to improve the restaurant's performance.

    Sample Answer: I have three years of experience in the food service industry. I started as a server and worked my way up to restaurant manager. I was promoted because I was able to increase my restaurant's sales by 20%.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience in food service
    • - Ability to improve performance

  • Question: Are you willing to work on weekends?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are required to work on weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate will be willing to work these shifts and understand the importance of being available for the restaurant.

    Sample Answer: I am willing to work weekends and holidays because I know that my presence will help the restaurant run smoothly.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to work weekends and holidays

  • Question: Are you willing to relocate?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are required to relocate to different areas for work. The ideal candidate will be willing to move to a new city or state for the job.

    Sample Answer: I am willing to relocate for the right job opportunity.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to relocate
    • - Flexibility

  • Question: What is the first thing you would do if you were hired?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the establishment. The ideal candidate will have experience with creating a schedule, training new employees and developing a budget. The applicant should also have experience with ordering supplies and maintaining inventory.

    Sample Answer: I would create a schedule for the week and make sure that all employees were aware of their shifts. I would also train new hires on the restaurant's policies and procedures.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to prioritize tasks
    • - Experience with scheduling
    • - Training employees
    • - Budgeting

  • Question: Are you interested in this position based on the pay?
  • Question Overview: Restaurant managers are in charge of the budget, which means they must be able to manage their finances. The ideal candidate will have experience with budgeting and will be able to explain how they would determine what is a fair salary for the position.

    Sample Answer: I am interested in this position based on the pay. I believe that $45,000 is a fair salary for the position.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Excellent financial skills
    • - Ability to manage a budget

  • Question: What makes you the best candidate for this job?
  • Question Overview: This is a great opportunity for the candidate to explain why they are the best fit for the position. The ideal applicant will highlight their experience in the industry and how they can help the company grow.

    Sample Answer: I have over five years of experience in the restaurant industry and have worked in management positions for three of those years. I am confident that I can help your company grow and succeed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Confidence
    • - Passion for the industry

  • Question: What is your greatest strength?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to explain a skill that they possess that will help them be a successful restaurant manager. The candidate should be able to explain how their skill will benefit the restaurant and the team.

    Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to work under pressure. I have experience managing a team of over 100 employees and have learned how to handle stressful situations. I am able to keep my cool and make decisions that are best for the restaurant.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Leadership skills
    • - Ability to work under pressure
    • - Ability to work with a team