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Can you tell me about your food service management experience??
Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis?
What do you enjoy most about your career?
What is most challenging about your career?
What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
What are some misconceptions about your career?
What does the pay look like?
What is the work environment like?
How much school do you need for this career?
Why did you choose this career?
Do you have any suggestions for how i can better enter this career field?
3 answers
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Luis!
Another approach to Food Service Management you might consider is in the U.S. Navy. I had the privilege of being a Food Service Officer on three ships and also responsible for a cafeteria during one of my shore duty tours. There a couple of ways to get into the field as either an enlisted Culinary Specialist, or as a Supply Corps Officer.
You can read about the Culinary Specialist career field at https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/business-logistics-administration/culinary-specialist
And you can find out about careers in the Supply Corps at https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/business-logistics-administration/supply-corps-officer
The requirements to become an enlisted sailor in the Navy are:
Be a U.S. citizen; or Legal Permanent Resident
Be between the ages of 17 and 41 for Enlisted programs.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
Have a qualifying score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test - you can get a study guide and practice tests on
Amazon for $19.
Pass the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) medical exam (basic physical)
Meet the physical, mental and moral standards of the Navy (be interviewed and take the oath of service to defend the Constitution)
*The age requirements for joining the Navy depend on the path you take, and they exist mainly to ensure you’re able to succeed in a challenging environment. If you are not yet 18, you need parental consent to join.
The Navy Supply Corps is comprised of Commissioned Officers. A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. You must also attend Officer Training. To qualify for employment consideration as a Supply Corps Officer in the Navy, you must be a U.S. citizen, be qualified for sea duty and be willing to serve worldwide. (I visited 26 countries in my Navy career). Degrees in business, science, technology, engineering and mathematics are preferred but NOT required. A graduate degree is preferred but NOT required. There are also opportunities to serve Part-Time as a Navy Reservist.
The Basic Pay scales (2024 Active Duty pay chart):
$24K/year for a newly enlisted person to $77K - $90K/year for a senior enlisted with 20 years service
$45K/year for a newly commissioned officer to $130K/year for a senior officer with 20 years service
In addition to Basic Pay, Navy personnel receive a monthly food allowance when they are not on sea duty. For Enlisted personnel, this is $460/month, and $316/month for officers.
Also, Navy personnel receive a Housing Allowance (either for single sailors, or those with dependents / married) and the amount varies based on where you are stationed based on local housing costs, and whether military housing is available or not. Taking San Diego as an example - for Single Enlisted personnel, this would be $2700/mo if you're just starting out, up to $4000/mo for a senior enlisted person. For Officers, this would be about $3800/mo for a junior officer without dependents and $4300 for a senior officer.
If you do have dependents / are married, these Housing Allowances are higher: $3820 to $4328/mo for enlisted, and $3991 to $5455/mo for officers.
As for other benefits:
You earn a retirement: After completing 20 years of honorable service, a military retiree would receive 50% of the permanent basic pay for the rest of their life. Each year of service thereafter adds an additional 2.5% until 30 years of service is reached, at which the retiree would receive 75% of the permanent basic pay as retirement income.
Medical: Navy TRICARE provides free medical for active duty service members and their dependents (family members) which covers hospital stays, doctor visits, tests, and prescriptions (members get free dental and vision as well). And if you get married and have kids, pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care are completely free as well (average cost per child in US last year was $19K).
So you can see when you add all this up, the pay and benefits can be pretty good.
Anyway, it's something to think about. I started off as an enlisted sailor (even though I already had college - just one of those flukes during the Vietnam War). Then after my first deployment to Vietnam, I applied for Officer Candidate School and obtained a commission as an officer in the Supply Corps. I wound up making it a career for 30 years and retired as a Navy Captain. The opportunities are amazing if you can apply yourself, perform well, and be dependable. I have a friend who recently retired from the Navy who also came up through the ranks from Seaman to Captain in the Communications field. While he was in Service, he was also able to go to school (Navy paid) and he retired with a Bachelor's degree, two Masters degrees, and a PHD. As for myself, even though I already had a Bachelors when I joined, the Navy later sent me to Postgraduate school (all free) for 18 months where I earned a Masters in Management (MBA). Pretty good deal...
Good luck whatever you decide!
Another approach to Food Service Management you might consider is in the U.S. Navy. I had the privilege of being a Food Service Officer on three ships and also responsible for a cafeteria during one of my shore duty tours. There a couple of ways to get into the field as either an enlisted Culinary Specialist, or as a Supply Corps Officer.
You can read about the Culinary Specialist career field at https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/business-logistics-administration/culinary-specialist
And you can find out about careers in the Supply Corps at https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/business-logistics-administration/supply-corps-officer
The requirements to become an enlisted sailor in the Navy are:
Be a U.S. citizen; or Legal Permanent Resident
Be between the ages of 17 and 41 for Enlisted programs.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
Have a qualifying score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test - you can get a study guide and practice tests on
Amazon for $19.
Pass the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) medical exam (basic physical)
Meet the physical, mental and moral standards of the Navy (be interviewed and take the oath of service to defend the Constitution)
*The age requirements for joining the Navy depend on the path you take, and they exist mainly to ensure you’re able to succeed in a challenging environment. If you are not yet 18, you need parental consent to join.
The Navy Supply Corps is comprised of Commissioned Officers. A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. You must also attend Officer Training. To qualify for employment consideration as a Supply Corps Officer in the Navy, you must be a U.S. citizen, be qualified for sea duty and be willing to serve worldwide. (I visited 26 countries in my Navy career). Degrees in business, science, technology, engineering and mathematics are preferred but NOT required. A graduate degree is preferred but NOT required. There are also opportunities to serve Part-Time as a Navy Reservist.
The Basic Pay scales (2024 Active Duty pay chart):
$24K/year for a newly enlisted person to $77K - $90K/year for a senior enlisted with 20 years service
$45K/year for a newly commissioned officer to $130K/year for a senior officer with 20 years service
In addition to Basic Pay, Navy personnel receive a monthly food allowance when they are not on sea duty. For Enlisted personnel, this is $460/month, and $316/month for officers.
Also, Navy personnel receive a Housing Allowance (either for single sailors, or those with dependents / married) and the amount varies based on where you are stationed based on local housing costs, and whether military housing is available or not. Taking San Diego as an example - for Single Enlisted personnel, this would be $2700/mo if you're just starting out, up to $4000/mo for a senior enlisted person. For Officers, this would be about $3800/mo for a junior officer without dependents and $4300 for a senior officer.
If you do have dependents / are married, these Housing Allowances are higher: $3820 to $4328/mo for enlisted, and $3991 to $5455/mo for officers.
As for other benefits:
You earn a retirement: After completing 20 years of honorable service, a military retiree would receive 50% of the permanent basic pay for the rest of their life. Each year of service thereafter adds an additional 2.5% until 30 years of service is reached, at which the retiree would receive 75% of the permanent basic pay as retirement income.
Medical: Navy TRICARE provides free medical for active duty service members and their dependents (family members) which covers hospital stays, doctor visits, tests, and prescriptions (members get free dental and vision as well). And if you get married and have kids, pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care are completely free as well (average cost per child in US last year was $19K).
So you can see when you add all this up, the pay and benefits can be pretty good.
Anyway, it's something to think about. I started off as an enlisted sailor (even though I already had college - just one of those flukes during the Vietnam War). Then after my first deployment to Vietnam, I applied for Officer Candidate School and obtained a commission as an officer in the Supply Corps. I wound up making it a career for 30 years and retired as a Navy Captain. The opportunities are amazing if you can apply yourself, perform well, and be dependable. I have a friend who recently retired from the Navy who also came up through the ranks from Seaman to Captain in the Communications field. While he was in Service, he was also able to go to school (Navy paid) and he retired with a Bachelor's degree, two Masters degrees, and a PHD. As for myself, even though I already had a Bachelors when I joined, the Navy later sent me to Postgraduate school (all free) for 18 months where I earned a Masters in Management (MBA). Pretty good deal...
Good luck whatever you decide!
Your advice was so helpful!
Luis
Updated
Joan’s Answer
Hello Luis!
A career in food service management involves overseeing the operations of restaurants, cafeterias, catering services, and other food-related establishments.
Here are the key aspects of this role:
Operations Management:
Food service managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the establishment. This includes managing staff, ensuring food safety, maintaining cleanliness, and overseeing customer service.
Staff Supervision:
Supervising and training staff members, including chefs, cooks, servers, and kitchen staff.
Scheduling shifts, handling employee performance evaluations, and addressing any staffing issues.
Menu Planning and Pricing:
Collaborating with chefs to create menus that appeal to customers.
Determining food portion sizes, pricing, and cost control.
Inventory and Supplies:
Managing inventory levels, ordering supplies, and monitoring food stock.
Ensuring that ingredients are fresh and available for meal preparation.
Quality Control:
Ensuring consistent food quality and presentation.
Addressing customer complaints and resolving any issues related to food or service.
Health and Safety Compliance:
Adhering to health codes, sanitation guidelines, and safety regulations.
Regularly inspecting the kitchen and dining areas for cleanliness and compliance.
Financial Management:
Monitoring expenses, revenue, and profitability.
Creating budgets, tracking costs, and maximizing efficiency.
Customer Relations:
Interacting with customers, handling reservations, and addressing their needs.
Fostering a positive dining experience.
Event Planning (for Catering Managers):
Organizing and executing events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and parties.
Coordinating food service logistics, staffing, and menu customization.
Business Development:
Identifying opportunities for growth, marketing strategies, and expanding the customer base.
Steps to Become a Food Service Manager:
Education: Obtain relevant education, such as a degree in restaurant management, hospitality, or a related field.
Experience: Gain experience in the food service industry, ideally working in various roles within restaurants or catering services.
Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications like ServSafe (food safety) or Certified Food Protection Manager.
Skills: Develop strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Job Search: Look for food service manager positions in restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, or other food-related establishments.
Remember that food service managers play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations, customer satisfaction, and profitability in the food industry. 🍽️👨🍳 If you’re passionate about food and enjoy managing teams, this career path could be a great fit!
A career in food service management involves overseeing the operations of restaurants, cafeterias, catering services, and other food-related establishments.
Here are the key aspects of this role:
Operations Management:
Food service managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the establishment. This includes managing staff, ensuring food safety, maintaining cleanliness, and overseeing customer service.
Staff Supervision:
Supervising and training staff members, including chefs, cooks, servers, and kitchen staff.
Scheduling shifts, handling employee performance evaluations, and addressing any staffing issues.
Menu Planning and Pricing:
Collaborating with chefs to create menus that appeal to customers.
Determining food portion sizes, pricing, and cost control.
Inventory and Supplies:
Managing inventory levels, ordering supplies, and monitoring food stock.
Ensuring that ingredients are fresh and available for meal preparation.
Quality Control:
Ensuring consistent food quality and presentation.
Addressing customer complaints and resolving any issues related to food or service.
Health and Safety Compliance:
Adhering to health codes, sanitation guidelines, and safety regulations.
Regularly inspecting the kitchen and dining areas for cleanliness and compliance.
Financial Management:
Monitoring expenses, revenue, and profitability.
Creating budgets, tracking costs, and maximizing efficiency.
Customer Relations:
Interacting with customers, handling reservations, and addressing their needs.
Fostering a positive dining experience.
Event Planning (for Catering Managers):
Organizing and executing events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and parties.
Coordinating food service logistics, staffing, and menu customization.
Business Development:
Identifying opportunities for growth, marketing strategies, and expanding the customer base.
Steps to Become a Food Service Manager:
Education: Obtain relevant education, such as a degree in restaurant management, hospitality, or a related field.
Experience: Gain experience in the food service industry, ideally working in various roles within restaurants or catering services.
Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications like ServSafe (food safety) or Certified Food Protection Manager.
Skills: Develop strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Job Search: Look for food service manager positions in restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, or other food-related establishments.
Remember that food service managers play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations, customer satisfaction, and profitability in the food industry. 🍽️👨🍳 If you’re passionate about food and enjoy managing teams, this career path could be a great fit!
Thank you so much, Joan!
Luis
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Luis,
Can you tell me about your food service management experience??
Worked as a student dietitian in refectory and restaurant food services. Was a dietitian from 1988 supervising food production in hospitals.
Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis?
With the diet aide responsible for hospital intake of fluids and foods meeting dietary requirements for balance of food groups, fiber, freshness, nutritional quality.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Getting to supervise and improve the health and wellness of people.
What is most challenging about your career?
Making sure the nutritional requirements are met!
What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
Attention to all factors influencing health outcomes. Not missing any details required. For example, if intake low in zinc patient will have immune system suppression.
What are some misconceptions about your career?
That our input and direction do not result in tangible health benefits.
What does the pay look like?
Was sad in 1988, AUS $14,000 pa
What is the work environment like?
Clean and stress-free, with ample assistance.
How many schools do you need for this career?
4.5 years in 1988. A bachelor's degree in biology and/or chemistry major, plus a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics.
Why did you choose this career?
Greek male relatives were dying of cardiovascular disease.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can better enter this career field?
Nutrition education software like Diet Wizard:-
God Bless You,
James C.
Can you tell me about your food service management experience??
Worked as a student dietitian in refectory and restaurant food services. Was a dietitian from 1988 supervising food production in hospitals.
Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis?
With the diet aide responsible for hospital intake of fluids and foods meeting dietary requirements for balance of food groups, fiber, freshness, nutritional quality.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Getting to supervise and improve the health and wellness of people.
What is most challenging about your career?
Making sure the nutritional requirements are met!
What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
Attention to all factors influencing health outcomes. Not missing any details required. For example, if intake low in zinc patient will have immune system suppression.
What are some misconceptions about your career?
That our input and direction do not result in tangible health benefits.
What does the pay look like?
Was sad in 1988, AUS $14,000 pa
What is the work environment like?
Clean and stress-free, with ample assistance.
How many schools do you need for this career?
4.5 years in 1988. A bachelor's degree in biology and/or chemistry major, plus a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics.
Why did you choose this career?
Greek male relatives were dying of cardiovascular disease.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can better enter this career field?
Nutrition education software like Diet Wizard:-
God Bless You,
James C.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Luis
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