Restaurant Owner Resume (How to Write & Examples)

What to Include in a Restaurant Owner Resume?

Creating an impactful restaurant resume requires including several key sections and information that highlight your skills, experience, and achievements in the restaurant industry. Here are the essential elements to include:

• Contact Information

1. 1. • Full Name
      • Address
      • Phone Number
      • Email Address
      • LinkedIn Profile (optional)
      • Portfolio Website (optional)

• Professional Summary

1. 1. • A concise summary of your professional background, key skills, and career achievements.
      • Focus on your experience in the restaurant industry and any standout accomplishments.

• Professional Experience

1. 1. • List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.
      • Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
      • Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities, achievements, and any significant contributions.
      • Highlight specific skills such as managing business finances, team management, customer satisfaction, and business strategies.

• Education

1. 1. • Provide details of your academic background.
      • Include the degree obtained, school name, and graduation date.
      • Mention any relevant coursework or specializations.

• Certifications

1. 1. • List any relevant certifications, such as food safety regulations or management certifications.
      • Include the certifying body and the date of certification.

• Skills

1. 1. • Highlight your core skills relevant to the restaurant industry.
      • Include both hard and soft skills, such as restaurant operations, customer relations, marketing strategies, and time management.

• Key Achievements

1. 1. • Detail significant accomplishments that showcase your expertise and success in the industry.
      • Use quantifiable metrics where possible, such as percentage increases in sales or customer satisfaction ratings.

• Professional Affiliations

1. • List any industry-related organizations you are a member of.
   • This could include associations like the National Restaurant Association or local business groups.

How to Create a Restaurant Owner Resume? (Step-by-Step)

Creating a comprehensive and effective restaurant owner resume involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you craft a resume that highlights your strengths and achievements:

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before you start writing, compile all relevant information about your work history, education, certifications, and skills. This will make the writing process smoother and ensure you don’t miss any important details.

Step 2: Choose the Right Format

Select a resume format that best showcases your experience and skills. The most common formats are:

• Chronological: Lists your work history in reverse chronological order. Ideal if you have a steady work history in the restaurant industry.
• Functional: Focuses on your skills and experience rather than your work history. Good if you have gaps in employment or are changing careers.
• Combination: Blends both chronological and functional elements. Useful if you have a strong work history and relevant skills to highlight.

Step 3: Start with Your Contact Information

At the top of your resume, include your:

• Full Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile (optional)
• Portfolio Website (optional)

Step 4: Write a Compelling Professional Summary

Craft a professional summary that provides a snapshot of your experience, skills, and key achievements. Keep it concise, ideally 3-5 sentences.

Example:

Accomplished restaurant owner with over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, adept at managing all aspects of restaurant operations, including customer satisfaction, business development, and staff management. Proven track record of increasing sales, reducing costs, and improving food quality and customer relations.

Step 5: Detail Your Professional Experience

List your professional experience in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:

• Job Title
• Company Name
• Location
• Dates of Employment
• Bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements

Tips:

• Use action verbs to start each bullet point.
• Quantify achievements with metrics (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%”).
• Highlight relevant skills like inventory management, team leadership, and business strategies.

Example:

Owner & Manager | Gourmet Delights Restaurant

Foodville, CA | January 2010 – Present

• Managed all restaurant operations, including hiring, training, and supervising staff, leading to a 20% decrease in staff turnover.

• Developed and implemented business strategies and marketing plans, resulting in a 30% increase in sales over three years.

• Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a 98% satisfaction rating during health inspections.

• Oversaw inventory management, reducing food waste by 15% through effective stock control and proper storage areas.

• Enhanced customer satisfaction by improving menu items and ensuring excellent customer service, leading to a 4.5-star rating on major review platforms.

Step 6: Include Your Education

Provide details about your educational background:

• Degree obtained
• School Name
• Graduation Date
• Relevant coursework or specializations (if applicable)

Example:
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
University of Culinary Arts, Foodville, CA | Graduated May 2005

Step 7: List Your Certifications

Include any certifications relevant to the restaurant industry:

• Certification Name
• Certifying Body
• Date of Certification

Example:

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
• Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) by the National Restaurant Association

Step 8: Highlight Your Skills

Create a section that lists your core skills. Include both hard and soft skills relevant to running a restaurant.

Example:

• Restaurant Management
• Business Development & Strategies
• Customer Relations & Satisfaction
• Staff Training & Management
• Inventory Management
• Marketing Strategies
• Health and Safety Regulations
• Time Management

Step 9: Showcase Key Achievements

Detail significant accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise and success. Use quantifiable metrics where possible.

Example:

• Successfully opened and managed three additional locations of Gourmet Delights, contributing to a 150% increase in overall revenue.
• Awarded “Best Family Restaurant” by the Foodville Community Awards for three consecutive years.
• Featured in “Top 100 Restaurants in California” by the Culinary Review Magazine.

Step 10: Add Professional Affiliations

List any professional organizations you are a member of. This can help establish your credibility and connections within the industry.

Example:

• Member, National Restaurant Association
• Member, Foodville Chamber of Commerce

Step 11: Review and Edit

Carefully review your resume for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure the format is clean and easy to read. Consider having a peer or mentor review it as well.

Step 12: Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Customize your resume for each specific job or opportunity you are applying for. Highlight the most relevant experience and skills that match the job description.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and effective restaurant owner resume that showcases your expertise and helps you stand out in the competitive restaurant industry.

Restaurant Owner Skills and Certifications

A successful restaurant owner needs a diverse set of skills and relevant certifications to effectively manage their business and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. Below are some of the key skills and certifications that should be highlighted in a restaurant owner resume:

Key Skills for Restaurant Owners

1. Restaurant Operations Management
   • Ability to oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning of the restaurant.
   • Expertise in coordinating various aspects of the business, from food preparation to customer service.
2. Business Development & Strategies
   • Developing and implementing business strategies to drive growth and profitability.
   • Identifying market opportunities and creating plans to capitalize on them.
3. Customer Relations & Satisfaction
   • Building and maintaining strong customer relationships.
   • Ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction through exceptional service and quality offerings.
4. Staff Training & Management
   • Recruiting, training, and supervising staff to maintain high performance standards.
   • Creating a positive work environment that reduces staff turnover.
5. Inventory Management
   • Efficiently managing inventory to minimize waste and reduce costs.
   • Ensuring proper storage of food and supplies to maintain quality and safety.
6. Marketing Strategies
   • Developing and executing marketing plans to attract and retain customers.
   • Utilizing social media and other channels to promote the restaurant.
7. Health and Safety Regulations
   • Ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.
   • Training staff on proper food handling and safety procedures.
8. Financial Management
   • Managing business finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
   • Monitoring expenses and revenue to ensure profitability.
9. Time Management
   • Effectively managing time to balance various responsibilities.
   • Prioritizing tasks to ensure critical operations are handled efficiently.
10. Interpersonal Skills
    • Strong communication skills for interacting with customers, staff, and vendors.
    • Ability to resolve conflicts and handle customer complaints professionally.

Relevant Certifications for Restaurant Owners

1. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
   • A widely recognized certification that demonstrates knowledge of food safety practices and regulations.
   • Administered by the National Restaurant Association.
2. Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM)
   • Offered by the National Restaurant Association, this certification validates expertise in restaurant management.
   • Covers key areas such as financial management, marketing, and staff training.
3. Food Safety Manager Certification
   • Focuses on food safety principles and practices to ensure compliance with health regulations.
   • Often required by state or local health departments.
4. First Aid and CPR Certification
   • Demonstrates preparedness to handle medical emergencies in the restaurant.
   • Often provided by organizations such as the Red Cross.
5. Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Certification
   • Required for restaurants that serve alcohol.
   • Ensures knowledge of laws and regulations regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages.
6. HACCP Certification
   • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification focuses on identifying and managing food safety risks.
   • Important for maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.

How to Highlight Skills and Certifications on Your Resume

• Create a Dedicated Section: Include a separate section for skills and certifications to make them stand out.
• Use Bullet Points: List skills and certifications using bullet points for easy readability.
• Provide Context: Where possible, include brief descriptions or examples of how you have applied these skills or used your certifications in your professional experience.

Highlighting these skills and certifications in your resume will demonstrate your comprehensive expertise and commitment to excellence in the restaurant industry.

Restaurant Owner Salary

Understanding the potential salary for a restaurant owner can help you set realistic expectations and goals for your career. Salaries for restaurant owners can vary widely based on several factors, including location, size of the restaurant, type of cuisine, and level of experience. 

Based on data from various sources, here is an approximate salary range for restaurant owners in the United States:

• Entry-Level (0-5 years of experience): $40,000 – $60,000 per year
• Mid-Level (5-10 years of experience): $60,000 – $100,000 per year
• Experienced (10+ years of experience): $100,000 – $150,000+ per year

It’s important to note that these figures can fluctuate based on the factors mentioned above. Additionally, restaurant owners often reinvest a significant portion of their earnings back into the business, which can affect their take-home pay.