18 Restaurant Manager Interview Questions to Assess Leadership and Operational Skills

Hiring the right people can make or break your business. After all, it’s not just the quality of your food that can keep customers coming back — 73% of diners base their satisfaction on the quality of service they receive.

Your staff, especially your restaurant manager, plays a crucial role in the overall dining experience. Looking for someone to oversee day-to-day operations is a critical business decision that needs careful consideration.

We’ve prepared a list of restaurant manager interview questions that can help you find the right person to lead your team and help grow your business.

In this article:

1. What strategies do you use to motivate and engage your restaurant employees?

2. Can you share a time when you successfully resolved a conflict between employees?

3. Can you provide an example of how you’ve improved employee performance through training?

4. How do you handle employee discipline and ensure fairness in the workplace?

5. How do you handle situations where an employee is underperforming?

6. What interview questions do you ask when hiring new restaurant employees?

7. How do you prepare your team for special events or holiday rushes?

8. How do you communicate restaurant policies and changes to your employees effectively?

9. How do you prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities during a shift?

10. How do you handle customer complaints and turn negative experiences into positive ones?

11. How do you manage customer expectations when wait times are longer than usual?

12. How do you handle disputes between customers and employees?

13. How do you handle unexpected challenges, such as equipment failure or supply shortages?

14. Can you give an example of how you’ve managed a large event or special occasion at a restaurant?

15. How do you maintain smooth communication between FOH and BOH staff?

16. How do you manage the restaurant’s budget and control costs?

17. How do you ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations?

18. How do you build strong relationships with your suppliers and vendors?

1. What strategies do you use to motivate and engage your restaurant employees?

One of the most effective strategies is understanding each employee’s strengths and goals. A strong candidate will mention checking in with their staff to make sure they feel valued and supported.

Employees who feel appreciated are five times more likely to stay in their jobs. Another key strategy is creating a culture of recognition. Recognizing and rewarding good work keeps employees engaged and makes them more likely to go the extra mile for customers.

2. Can you share a time when you successfully resolved a conflict between employees?

When asking this question, you’re looking for a candidate who can provide a specific example of a situation where they had to step in to resolve a conflict. Becoming a restaurant manager entails leadership and communication skills.

For example, they might talk about a disagreement between a server and a chef regarding food preparation times. The manager should show they took a fair and balanced approach, listening to both sides and finding a solution that improved communication between the staff.

A good answer to this interview question might include more than just resolving the immediate issue. The ideal candidate should show how they also implemented changes to prevent future conflicts.

3. Can you provide an example of how you’ve improved employee performance through training?

A restaurant manager should not only be able to manage day-to-day tasks but also invest in the growth of their team through effective training. Asking this question allows you to assess the candidate’s commitment to developing their staff.

For example, the manager might share how they implemented cross-training among the staff, like teaching servers to handle some basic tasks in the kitchen. Through this initiative, the restaurant can run more smoothly during busy times, improving the overall customer experience.

One of the perks that can keep employees engaged and reduce restaurant turnover is providing them with opportunities to gain new skills and experiences.

4. How should a manager handle employee discipline and ensure fairness in the workplace?

Conflicts or performance issues are inevitable in restaurants, and how a manager handles them has an effect on the overall team dynamic and customer service.

A good answer would include setting clear policies that all employees understand. A candidate might explain how they use a step-by-step process by offering a verbal warning first, then a written warning, and finally, disciplinary action if needed.

Another important aspect is understanding the root of the issue. For example, if a server is consistently late, the manager might sit down with them to discuss whether there’s an underlying issue, such as transportation problems, before jumping to disciplinary action.

Doing so shows fairness and empathy, helping build a stronger relationship between the manager and the staff.

5. How do you handle situations where an employee is underperforming?

This question also gauges a potential manager’s leadership and communication skills. A strong candidate would start by observing the employee’s work closely and having a one-on-one conversation to find out if personal issues, lack of training, or misunderstandings about the job role are the causes. This way, they get a clear picture before looking for the right solutions.

A good restaurant manager would use these opportunities to provide specific coaching, such as offering training on service techniques or cross-training in different areas of the restaurant.

6. What interview questions do you ask when hiring new restaurant employees?

A good restaurant manager should focus on a mix of questions that assess both skills and attitude. For example, more experienced managers might ask a candidate, “Can you describe a time you handled a difficult customer?” This helps gauge how the employee manages high-stress situations, which is common in restaurants.

95% of customers are more likely to return if they experience good service. As such, a manager must know how to hire employees who can deliver quality customer service.

Another valuable question might be, “What do you think makes great teamwork?” In a restaurant setting, teamwork is essential for running efficient shifts, especially during busy periods. Restaurant managers who ask this type of question are looking for employees who understand the importance of working together and proper communication.

7. As a restaurant manager, how do you prepare your team for special events or holiday rushes?

One of the main responsibilities of a restaurant manager is scheduling for busy periods. A strong candidate might start by reviewing past data to forecast the busiest times and adjust staffing levels accordingly.

For example, they could increase staff for a special event so that there are enough employees to handle larger crowds without sacrificing service quality. 68% of diners plan to celebrate at restaurants or bars this holiday season, so having enough people in place is essential.

Clear communication is also key. Before any big event or holiday rush, a smart restaurant manager will hold a team meeting to outline expectations, explain any new procedures, and answer questions. Doing so keeps all employees on the same page and prepared for the increased workload.

8. How do you communicate restaurant policies and changes to your employees effectively?

A strong restaurant manager should use multiple communication methods to relay changes. For example, they may hold regular team meetings to go over new policies or operational updates. Face-to-face communication is often the most effective way to guarantee employees fully understand expectations.

Effective restaurant managers will also encourage two-way communication. They should create an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions or seeking clarification about changes. This could be done through anonymous suggestion boxes, regular feedback sessions, or open-door policies.

9. How do you prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities during a shift?

An effective restaurant manager should have a clear method for prioritizing tasks. For example, they may focus first on customer-facing tasks like seeing to it that food orders are prepared and served on time, as this directly impacts customer satisfaction.

34% of restaurant customers have noticed longer order processing times, which should alarm any good manager. The candidate you choose should be strategic when delegating tasks and make sure their team knows their responsibilities at the start of the shift.

They might give a quick rundown of who is in charge of specific areas, such as table assignments or kitchen duties. Leveraging restaurant scheduling and task management software can further empower managers to efficiently assign shifts and tasks to the team with ease.

10. How do you handle customer complaints and turn negative experiences into positive ones?

Another restaurant job interview question to ask managers is how they handled challenging situations while making sure customers leave satisfied even when issues arise.

A skilled manager should be able to turn complaints into opportunities to preserve the restaurant’s reputation and foster loyalty. They may say they listened carefully to the customer’s complaint and tried to understand their frustration.

Next, check what they did once they have a good grasp of the issue. A good candidate would offer a quick and efficient solution that would avoid more disruption from the diner’s experience inside the premises.

For example, if the food was undercooked, they might provide a quick replacement or offer a discount on the meal.

Additionally, a good restaurant manager will follow up after resolving the complaint to make sure the customer is satisfied with the outcome. They may stop by the table before the guests leave to show their sincerity and provide a great dining experience.

11. How do you manage customer expectations when wait times are longer than usual?

When wait times are longer than expected, a manager who can keep customers informed and satisfied maintains a positive dining experience. 72% of guests are unwilling to wait more than 30 minutes for a table, so a skilled manager should have a plan to manage customer expectations.

This could involve providing regular updates on wait times or offering complimentary drinks or appetizers. A good candidate might also suggest ways to improve efficiency, such as implementing a waitlist system or simplifying the seating process.

12. How do you handle disputes between customers and employees?

Aside from conflicts within teams, restaurant managers must also be prepared for mediating issues between customers and employees. A good candidate will focus on defusing the situation calmly and professionally.

It’s important to listen to both parties, making sure the customer and employee feel heard and respected. Next, they must resolve the issue on the diner’s end by offering a free dessert or discount if the latter felt the service didn’t meet their expectations.

At the same time, the manager can coach the restaurant staff on how to handle similar situations better in the future.

13. How do you handle unexpected challenges, such as equipment failure or supply shortages?

Whether it’s a piece of equipment breaking down or a sudden supply shortage, a great restaurant manager needs to be quick on their feet and resourceful to resolve the issue without disrupting service. Asking this interview question helps you assess how well a candidate can handle these unpredictable scenarios.

One of the most important skills is preparation. A proactive restaurant manager often has backup plans, like alternative suppliers or maintenance contacts, to address these issues quickly. If a freezer malfunctions, they should contact two or more local equipment repair service providers to get it fixed fast.

The restaurant manager should also be able to inform the team about the issue immediately. For example, during a supply shortage, a manager might inform the kitchen and servers to focus on menu items that are still available.

14. Can you give an example of how you’ve managed a large event or special occasion at a restaurant?

Managing a large event or special occasion in a restaurant requires strong organizational skills and the ability to think on your feet. When asking this interview question, you want to learn how the candidate handled the planning, communication, and execution necessary for a smooth event.

The manager should be able to walk you through a specific example of an event they’ve organized. Let’s say the restaurant hosted a wedding reception. The restaurant manager might explain how they worked with the bride and groom on their menu and made sure there were enough staff on the day.

In large events, it’s also important to consider logistics, such as food preparation, kitchen coordination, and timing between courses. A great restaurant manager might explain how they made sure the kitchen didn’t get overwhelmed, possibly by introducing a staggered ordering system or managing the pace of service closely.

15. How do you maintain smooth communication between FOH and BOH staff?

A good restaurant manager makes sure that both FOH and BOH teams work together easily by having clear communication channels.

One effective strategy is setting up pre-shift meetings where the manager briefs both teams on the day’s expectations, specials, and potential challenges. These meetings keep everyone on the same page and help avoid confusion later during busy service hours.

A great restaurant manager will also focus on creating a culture of respect between both teams. The FOH often faces customers directly, while BOH handles food preparation under pressure. A manager who encourages empathy and teamwork between the two sides guarantees smoother operations.

A potential manager must also know how to communicate clearly with fellow managers. They should be able to coordinate with other managers to provide consistent service. A digital manager log book can make the process easier by allowing team leaders to input and see operational data in real time.

16. How do you manage the restaurant’s budget and control costs?

Asking this question will give you an idea of the candidate’s financial management skills. Being able to control costs is crucial for your restaurant’s profitability, and it’s an area where strong restaurant managers can make a significant impact.

Have them explain how they track food costs, labor costs, and other restaurant costs. A great restaurant manager will monitor inventory closely to reduce waste and make the most of bulk ordering and negotiating with suppliers.

They should also be able to understand restaurant financial statements to find areas where they can cut costs without sacrificing quality.

17. How do you ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations?

Maintaining food safety and hygiene regulations should come as second nature to a great manager. Aside from avoiding legal issues and maintaining the restaurant’s reputation, following safety protocols protects your customers and employees.

A restaurant manager should know the importance of internal audits in spotting potential issues before health inspectors do. They can use daily or weekly checklists that cover key areas such as food prep surfaces, refrigeration, and sanitation practices.

The candidate should also be able to promote a culture of accountability. Have them describe a time when their staff reported hygiene issues and how they addressed them. Creating open communication around food safety can prevent minor problems from escalating into serious violations.

18. How do you build strong relationships with your suppliers and vendors?

A great restaurant manager knows that positive relationships can lead to better pricing and more reliable service, even during shortages. The candidate should know how to communicate proactively with suppliers.

One key strategy is always being transparent with orders and payments to build trust. Regular check-ins with suppliers, either by phone or in person, can strengthen these partnerships.

Negotiation skills are also valuable in restaurant managers. A good restaurant manager should be comfortable negotiating bulk discounts or long-term contracts, which can save the restaurant money in the long run.

Finding the best restaurant manager to lead your team

Hiring a good restaurant manager takes time and careful consideration. Asking the right interview questions can help you gauge a candidate’s leadership and problem-solving skills so you can find someone who can inspire your team and improve service quality.

Empower your managers with 7shifts, a scheduling, payroll, and tip management app. It gives them the resources they need to stay organized, allowing them to focus on strategic priorities and lead their teams more effectively.