Restaurant Management

Hi Everyone-

I am contemplating a career change and want to explore restaurant management. I have a Bachelor's degree and a Business Admin minor, specializing in non-profit management.

What options are there out there for someone like me?

I have worked as a waiter, but not in any other culinary/hospitality position. I (obviously) love food and drink, and the restaurant culture of Chicago; dining out is one of my favorite things to do. I don't have an impressive culinary resume, but I am a natural manager with a love for the industry.

I am interested in any and all options, from a formal degree course to certification to on-the-job training programs such as what Hillstone Restaurant Group offers.

Any and all suggestions are much appreciated!

Thanks

DClose wrote:Hi Everyone-

I am contemplating a career change and want to explore restaurant management. I have a Bachelor's degree and a Business Admin minor, specializing in non-profit management.

What options are there out there for someone like me?

I have worked as a waiter, but not in any other culinary/hospitality position. I (obviously) love food and drink, and the restaurant culture of Chicago; dining out is one of my favorite things to do. I don't have an impressive culinary resume, but I am a natural manager with a love for the industry.

It is not a difficult field with a lot of barriers to entry. In general, you do not need a degree or really any background in a culinary field. What you DO need are excellent people skills and a willingness to work a lot of LONG hours. When I was in the business 50-60+ hours was the norm. And plan to work a lot of weekends as that is where the money is made. And in the Chicago area, a working knowledge of Spanish is required.

Most people don't last for very long. I made it about ten years before I decided that there were a lot better uses of my time and efforts.