Restaurant Owner Resume Examples and Templates

Need a resume that matches your exact role? Browse over 2,500+ resume examples tailored to job titles, industries, and experience levels—so you can find inspiration that actually fits your career path.

What do Hiring Managers look for in a Restaurant Owner Resume

• Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and motivate a team of employees, set goals, and make decisions that drive the success of the restaurant.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of restaurant operations, including finance, marketing, inventory management, and customer service, to effectively manage all aspects of the business.
• Customer Service Excellence: Dedication to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction, and addressing any issues or complaints promptly.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Innovation in developing unique concepts, menus, and marketing strategies to differentiate the restaurant and attract customers.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Capacity to navigate challenges and changes in the restaurant industry, such as shifts in consumer preferences or economic fluctuations, and adapt business strategies accordingly.

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How to Write a Restaurant Owner Resume?

To write a professional Restaurant Owner resume, follow these steps:

• Select the right Restaurant Owner resume template.
• Write a professional summary at the top explaining your Restaurant Owner’s experience and achievements.
• Follow the STAR method while writing your Restaurant Owner resume’s work experience. Show what you were responsible for and what you achieved as a Restaurant Owner.
• List your top Restaurant Owner skills in a separate skills section.

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How to Write Your Restaurant Owner Resume Header?

Write the perfect Restaurant Owner resume header by:

• Adding your full name at the top of the header.
• Add a photo to your resume if you are applying for jobs outside of the US. For applying to jobs within the US, avoid adding photo to your resume header.
• Add your current Restaurant Owner position to the header to show relevance.
• Add your current city, your phone number and a professional email address.
• Finally, add a link to your portfolio to the Restaurant Owner resume header. If there’s no portfolio link to add, consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile instead.

Bad Restaurant Owner Resume Example - Header Section

Arturo Miller 7600 W. Bay Meadows Avenue Rochester, NY 14606 Marital Status: Married, email: cooldude2022@gmail.com

Good Restaurant Owner Resume Example - Header Section

Arturo Miller Miller, Rochester, NY, Phone number: +1-555-555-5555, Link: linkedin/in/johndoe

Make sure to add a professional looking email address while writing your resume header. Let’s assume your name is John Doe - here is a formula you can use to create email addresses:

• firstnamelastname@email.com - johndoe@email.com
• firstname.lastname@email.com - john.doe@email.com
• lastname.firstname@email.com - doe.john@email.com
• f.lastname@email.com - j.doe@email.com
• l.firstname@email.com - d.john@email.com
• firstnamelastname12@email.com - johndoe12@email.com

For a Restaurant Owner email, we recommend you either go with a custom domain name (john@johndoe.com) or select a very reputed email provider (Gmail or Outlook).

How to Write a Professional Restaurant Owner Resume Summary?

Use this template to write the best Restaurant Owner resume summary: Restaurant Owner with [number of years] experience of [top 2-3 skills]. Achieved [top achievement]. Expert at [X], [Y] and [Z].

How to Write a Restaurant Owner Resume Experience Section?

Here’s how you can write a job winning Restaurant Owner resume experience section:

• Write your Restaurant Owner work experience in a reverse chronological order.
• Use bullets instead of paragraphs to explain your Restaurant Owner work experience.
• While describing your work experience focus on highlighting what you did and the impact you made (you can use numbers to describe your success as a Restaurant Owner).
• Use action verbs in your bullet points.

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Restaurant Owner Resume Example

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Top Restaurant Owner Resume Skills for 2023

1. Restaurant operations management
2. Menu planning and development
3. Food and beverage cost control
4. Inventory management
5. Vendor management and negotiations
6. Staff hiring and training
7. Scheduling and shift management
8. Customer service excellence
9. Marketing and promotional strategies
10. Financial management and budgeting
11. Cash flow management
12. Pricing strategies
13. Profit and loss analysis
14. Sales forecasting
15. Compliance with health and safety regulations
16. Food safety and sanitation procedures
17. Alcoholic beverage regulations compliance (if applicable)
18. Restaurant layout and design
19. Interior design and ambiance creation
20. Kitchen equipment maintenance and repair
21. Point-of-sale (POS) system management
22. Reservation system management
23. Online ordering system management
24. Delivery service coordination (if applicable)
25. Catering services management (if applicable)
26. Event planning and coordination
27. Menu engineering for profitability
28. Customer feedback collection and analysis
29. Staff performance evaluation and feedback
30. Conflict resolution skills
31. Crisis management and problem-solving
32. Social media management for restaurant promotion
33. Website management and updates
34. Digital marketing strategies (e.g., email marketing, social media advertising)
35. Loyalty program development and management
36. Community engagement and outreach
37. Collaboration with local businesses and organizations
38. Branding and identity development
39. Public relations and media relations
40. Employee retention strategies
41. Employee benefits administration
42. Continuous learning and professional development in restaurant management
43. Adaptability to changing market trends and customer preferences
44. Risk management and insurance coverage
45. Tax planning and compliance
46. Lease negotiation and management
47. Legal knowledge related to restaurant operations
48. Environmental sustainability initiatives
49. Crisis communication skills
50. Dedication to creating an exceptional dining experience

How Long Should my Restaurant Owner Resume be?

Your Restaurant Owner resume length should be less than one or two pages maximum. Unless you have more than 25 years of experience, any resume that’s more than two pages would appear to be too long and risk getting rejected.

On an average, for Restaurant Owner, we see most resumes have a length of 2. And, that’s why we advise you to keep the resume length appropriate to not get rejected.

Specific Metrics/KPIs for a Restaurant Owner Resume

Demonstrate your managerial prowess and impact on the restaurant's financial success by including relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as:
- Annual revenue growth percentage
- Average daily covers (ADCOVERS) and seating capacity utilization rate
- Food cost percentage, labor cost percentage, and gross profit margin
- Customer satisfaction ratings or Net Promoter Score (NPS)
- Number of new customers acquired over a given period

Certifications for a Restaurant Owner Resume

Stand out from other candidates by showcasing relevant industry certifications that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the restaurant business:
- ServSafe Manager Certification (National Restaurant Association)
- HACCP Certified Food Safety Manager
- Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 or higher
- Certified Cicerone® or Master Cicerone® (Cicerone Certification Program)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (if you've applied these methodologies in your restaurant operations)

Tools and Platforms for a Restaurant Owner Resume

Illustrate your tech-savviness and familiarity with modern restaurant management tools and platforms by including the following:
- Point of Sale (POS) systems like Toast, Square, or Oracle MICROS
- Online ordering platforms such as Grubhub, Uber Eats, or DoorDash
- Reservation management systems like OpenTable, Reservio, or Tock
- Kitchen display systems (KDS) like SevenRooms or Upserve
- Employee scheduling and management tools like Deputy, Homebase, or When I Work

Methodologies and Frameworks for a Restaurant Owner Resume

Highlight your understanding of important restaurant management methodologies and frameworks that contribute to efficient operations:
- Lean principles (eliminate waste, increase efficiency)
- Six Sigma (reduce errors and improve process consistency)
- Kaizen (continuous improvement)
- Theory of Constraints (focus on the bottleneck in your restaurant's processes)
- Restaurant Service Management (RSM) model (for service staff training and development)

Choose the Right Resume Format for Your Restaurant Owner Career

Tailor your resume to emphasize your unique strengths and experiences as a restaurant owner by selecting an appropriate format:
- Chronological Resume: Highlight your career progression in the restaurant industry, focusing on achievements at each position.
- Functional Resume: Emphasize your transferable skills and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to manage a successful restaurant.
- Combination Resume: Combine the best elements of both chronological and functional resumes, showcasing your career progression while emphasizing key skills and achievements.

What should I include in my objective statement on a restaurant owner resume with no experience?

Your objective statement should highlight your passion for the culinary industry, your entrepreneurial spirit, and your vision for creating a successful restaurant. For example: "Aspiring restaurant owner with a strong passion for culinary arts and a keen interest in business management, seeking to establish a unique dining experience at [Restaurant Name]. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere."

How can I highlight relevant skills on a restaurant owner resume if I have no direct experience?

If you lack direct experience, focus on transferable skills such as business management, customer service, and leadership. Highlight any relevant coursework or training in business, hospitality, or culinary arts. Additionally, emphasize your ability to manage finances, develop marketing strategies, and create a positive dining experience. Mention any experience in managing or leading teams, even if in a different industry.

Should I include volunteer work on my restaurant owner resume?

Yes, volunteer work can be valuable, especially if it involved organizing events, managing food services, or leading a team. Volunteer experiences that demonstrate your leadership abilities, understanding of customer service, or involvement in the culinary community can strengthen your resume and show your commitment to the restaurant industry.

How can I demonstrate my understanding of restaurant operations on my resume?

To demonstrate your understanding of restaurant operations, mention any relevant experience or training in areas such as food safety, menu planning, customer service, and inventory management. Highlight any experience you have in working in a restaurant or food service environment, even if in an entry-level position. Additionally, emphasize your knowledge of business operations, including budgeting, marketing, and employee management.

What should I include in the education section of my restaurant owner resume?

Include your highest level of education, such as a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or Culinary Arts. If you’ve completed any specialized courses or certifications related to restaurant management, food safety, or entrepreneurship, be sure to include those as well. Mention any academic achievements or honors that reflect your dedication to learning and developing the skills necessary to succeed as a restaurant owner.

Can I include non-restaurant work experience on my restaurant owner resume?

Absolutely. Non-restaurant work experience can be valuable, especially if it demonstrates skills such as leadership, business management, or customer service. For example, roles in retail management, marketing, or finance can provide relevant experience for a restaurant owner, particularly if they involved managing a budget, leading a team, or developing a business strategy.

How do I format a restaurant owner resume with no experience?

Use a clean and professional format with sections for your objective, skills, education, and experience. Start with a strong objective statement that outlines your enthusiasm for the role. Then, list your relevant skills and any experience, including volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs, that demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of a restaurant owner. Highlight any certifications or training that support your qualifications.

How important is a cover letter when applying for a restaurant owner position with no experience?

A cover letter is very important as it allows you to explain your passion for the restaurant industry and why you’re a great fit for the role, even without direct experience. Use the cover letter to highlight your entrepreneurial spirit, vision for your restaurant, and any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your readiness to take on the challenges of restaurant ownership. Tailoring your cover letter to your specific concept or business plan can help make a strong impression.

How can I make my restaurant owner resume stand out with no experience?

To make your resume stand out, focus on your passion for the restaurant industry, any relevant business or culinary training, and your vision for creating a successful restaurant. Highlight your leadership skills, understanding of customer service, and commitment to delivering a unique dining experience. Tailoring your resume to reflect your specific goals and the type of restaurant you wish to open can also help you differentiate yourself from other aspiring restaurant owners.