5 answers
jerry
Student
Las Cruces, New Mexico
5
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how long does it take to be a food service manager
#culinary #chef
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5 answers
Peter McCaffrey
Chef/GM
15
Answers
Napa, California
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Hi Jerry,
That is a great question! The answer really depends on what avenue of the profession you plan to pursue. i.e. Restaurant, hotel, catering, supermarket, hospital, university etc. The one thing I would say, the harder you work and more dedicated you are to your job, the faster it will happen. If your boss knows that this is what you want as a career, they may take extra time to show you the ropes. Don't be afraid to go in early and stay late and learn on your own time. That will help you learn faster and get your managers attention. I would say in 3-5 years you would be on your way. Remember, it's a ladder you are climbing. The more you know, the higher you can go.
Best of luck! Chef Peter
That is a great question! The answer really depends on what avenue of the profession you plan to pursue. i.e. Restaurant, hotel, catering, supermarket, hospital, university etc. The one thing I would say, the harder you work and more dedicated you are to your job, the faster it will happen. If your boss knows that this is what you want as a career, they may take extra time to show you the ropes. Don't be afraid to go in early and stay late and learn on your own time. That will help you learn faster and get your managers attention. I would say in 3-5 years you would be on your way. Remember, it's a ladder you are climbing. The more you know, the higher you can go.
Best of luck! Chef Peter
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Gerry,
How Long Does it Take to Become a Food Service Manager?
Becoming a food service manager typically requires a combination of education, work experience, and possibly certification. The time it takes to become a food service manager can vary depending on individual circumstances and the path chosen to enter this career. Below are the general steps involved in becoming a food service manager and the estimated timeframes for each:
1. Education:
Culinary School: Many food service managers start their careers by attending culinary school to gain foundational knowledge and skills in food preparation, kitchen management, nutrition, and other related areas. Culinary programs can range from several months to two years or more, depending on the level of education pursued.
Hospitality Management Degree: Some aspiring food service managers opt to pursue a degree in hospitality management or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management typically takes about four years to complete.
2. Work Experience:
Entry-Level Positions: After completing their education, individuals often start in entry-level positions in the food service industry to gain practical experience. This could include roles such as line cooks, sous chefs, or assistant managers. The amount of time spent in these roles can vary but is typically at least a few years.
Management Training Programs: Some companies offer management training programs for aspiring food service managers. These programs can last anywhere from several months to two years, during which participants receive hands-on training and mentorship.
3. Certification (Optional):
ServSafe Certification: While not always required, obtaining a ServSafe certification in food safety and sanitation can enhance job prospects for food service managers. The process of studying for and taking the certification exam usually takes a few weeks to a few months.
4. Advancement Opportunities:
Once individuals have gained sufficient education and experience, they may be eligible for promotion to food service manager positions within their organization or elsewhere.
Overall, the timeline to become a food service manager can range from several years to over a decade, depending on the individual’s educational path, work experience, and career goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Restaurant Association (NRA): The NRA provides industry insights, resources, and training programs for professionals in the restaurant and foodservice sector.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on job outlooks, educational requirements, and salary information for various occupations, including food service managers.
American Culinary Federation (ACF): The ACF is a professional organization that offers certifications, training opportunities, and networking events for culinary professionals.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing information on the process of becoming a food service manager.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Food Service Manager?
Becoming a food service manager typically requires a combination of education, work experience, and possibly certification. The time it takes to become a food service manager can vary depending on individual circumstances and the path chosen to enter this career. Below are the general steps involved in becoming a food service manager and the estimated timeframes for each:
1. Education:
Culinary School: Many food service managers start their careers by attending culinary school to gain foundational knowledge and skills in food preparation, kitchen management, nutrition, and other related areas. Culinary programs can range from several months to two years or more, depending on the level of education pursued.
Hospitality Management Degree: Some aspiring food service managers opt to pursue a degree in hospitality management or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management typically takes about four years to complete.
2. Work Experience:
Entry-Level Positions: After completing their education, individuals often start in entry-level positions in the food service industry to gain practical experience. This could include roles such as line cooks, sous chefs, or assistant managers. The amount of time spent in these roles can vary but is typically at least a few years.
Management Training Programs: Some companies offer management training programs for aspiring food service managers. These programs can last anywhere from several months to two years, during which participants receive hands-on training and mentorship.
3. Certification (Optional):
ServSafe Certification: While not always required, obtaining a ServSafe certification in food safety and sanitation can enhance job prospects for food service managers. The process of studying for and taking the certification exam usually takes a few weeks to a few months.
4. Advancement Opportunities:
Once individuals have gained sufficient education and experience, they may be eligible for promotion to food service manager positions within their organization or elsewhere.
Overall, the timeline to become a food service manager can range from several years to over a decade, depending on the individual’s educational path, work experience, and career goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Restaurant Association (NRA): The NRA provides industry insights, resources, and training programs for professionals in the restaurant and foodservice sector.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on job outlooks, educational requirements, and salary information for various occupations, including food service managers.
American Culinary Federation (ACF): The ACF is a professional organization that offers certifications, training opportunities, and networking events for culinary professionals.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing information on the process of becoming a food service manager.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Tylor Urias
Executive chef & Pastaio
3
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Tylor’s Answer
Becoming a food service manager really depends on three factors:
1. Experience and knowledge in the field.
2. Professionalism and mental maturity
3. Opportunity and timing
I personally went from being an hourly worker to a salary food service manager after 5 years of on the job experience.
Everyone is different though, and it can be anywhere from 5-10 years depending on the above factors. My best advice, do not rush into anything, take your time to gain the experience and knowledge first, then worry about advancement second. If you do that, you will move up faster then trying to force yourself into a role you’re not prepared for.
Cheers!
1. Experience and knowledge in the field.
2. Professionalism and mental maturity
3. Opportunity and timing
I personally went from being an hourly worker to a salary food service manager after 5 years of on the job experience.
Everyone is different though, and it can be anywhere from 5-10 years depending on the above factors. My best advice, do not rush into anything, take your time to gain the experience and knowledge first, then worry about advancement second. If you do that, you will move up faster then trying to force yourself into a role you’re not prepared for.
Cheers!
Mical Martin
Chef
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Mical’s Answer
Hello Jerry, it really depends on your effort to learn and practice what you learn. you will want to start by looking for a job in a food service establishment that will allow you to learn. look for a place where the food service manager can coach or mentor and as a lead can teach you how to be a food service manager in other words where you feel comfortable growing as a food service professional , if you learn your role and love to learn than I would say it can take between 1 to 5 years depending on the food service establishment and how long you are willing to keep the job. Many CEO to great food service companies started at the bottom such as dishwashers or host because as a food service manager you have to understand each role. It’s very important you express to your managers you want To grow in the Industry and show it so they keep you in mind when new positions open up with in the company or cross train you, if they hire someone else instead to fill in those positions don’t give up! Learn from the new hires and share what you already know, stay positive and humble because you will never stop learning in the food service industry.
Find a Job in the food service industry
Ask questions about how employees have grow in the company
Work on mastering your new skills
Pay attention To the pros and cons of being a manager
Learn to work with different personalities
Mical recommends the following next steps:
Kenji Salz
Chef and Consultant
12
Answers
Indonesia
Updated
Kenji’s Answer
I would like to add one way to what the others have mentioned. Note that it is useful to have experienced at least for a short time physically performing cleaning duties and serving and cashiering duties as a manager but it is not critical to spend a lot of time at it if there are other paths into junior management.
F & B management is a singular discipline that is "Management" while Executive Chefs and Corporate Chefs must by nature of the craft have developed the other Culinary Discipline to some level of mastery. That being said there are hospitality management schools. While touring the various areas of hotel kitchens "on the job" I noticed with some interest that many hospitality school grads were picked up as assistant managers. Most had experienced a semester internship minimally but were basically school kids.
These well educated assistant managers often struggled to manage and compete with senior service people due to the unfamiliarity with the details of the jobs under their oversight. The reason they get the junior manager job over the senior service supervisor often looking for similar jobs is the advancement curve is higher with the hospitality grad. They have trainings which become highly applicable towards senior manager levels not so apparent when they first enter as goofy young junior managers. IF the survive the first bit and get to outlet manager then they FB directors start to use them a lot to assist with their duties for which they have already been trained -- budgeting and policy development usually.
So point is school in the area of Food and Beverage Service Management moving towards Senior management is indeed useful way to miss the bottom up part of achieving the goal.
F & B management is a singular discipline that is "Management" while Executive Chefs and Corporate Chefs must by nature of the craft have developed the other Culinary Discipline to some level of mastery. That being said there are hospitality management schools. While touring the various areas of hotel kitchens "on the job" I noticed with some interest that many hospitality school grads were picked up as assistant managers. Most had experienced a semester internship minimally but were basically school kids.
These well educated assistant managers often struggled to manage and compete with senior service people due to the unfamiliarity with the details of the jobs under their oversight. The reason they get the junior manager job over the senior service supervisor often looking for similar jobs is the advancement curve is higher with the hospitality grad. They have trainings which become highly applicable towards senior manager levels not so apparent when they first enter as goofy young junior managers. IF the survive the first bit and get to outlet manager then they FB directors start to use them a lot to assist with their duties for which they have already been trained -- budgeting and policy development usually.
So point is school in the area of Food and Beverage Service Management moving towards Senior management is indeed useful way to miss the bottom up part of achieving the goal.