Professional Restaurant General Manager Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Your restaurant general manager cover letter must demonstrate a clear understanding of the food service industry's dynamics. Showcasing your ability to lead a team effectively is crucial for convincing potential employers. Highlight your extensive experience in managing all operational aspects of a restaurant. Be certain to convey your adeptness at elevating customer satisfaction while optimizing business performance.

Embarking on your job search, you've likely discovered that a compelling restaurant general manager cover letter can set you apart. Understandably, you might struggle to strike the perfect balance, not simply echoing your resume but weaving your proudest professional achievement into an engaging narrative. This cover letter must blend formality with originality, dodging clichés that dull your uniqueness, all while keeping your pitch succinct within a one-page limit. Let's demystify this process and craft a letter that opens doors.

Write your job-winning restaurant general manager cover letter with our guide on how to:

  • Step your best foot forward in the restaurant general manager cover letter introduction;
  • Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
  • Structure your restaurant general manager cover letter to feature what matters most;
  • Close off your restaurant general manager cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.

But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your restaurant general manager cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).

Restaurant General Manager cover letter example

BENJAMIN GARCIA

Fort Worth, Texas

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I’ve followed your company's growth and admire how you've embraced innovation to set new standards in the food service industry. My background in streamlining operations and leading teams to greatness makes me thrilled at the possibility of contributing to your esteemed establishment.

While at The Cheesecake Factory, my team and I tackled the challenge of reducing customer wait times, which often led to customer dissatisfaction during peak hours. By reimagining the communication process between the kitchen and front-of-house staff, we not only enhanced the dining experience but also improved operational efficiency. The result was a 25% decrease in average customer wait times, and a surge in positive feedback from patrons, earning us the Best Customer Service award in our regional franchise network.

I am eager to bring my expertise in optimizing service delivery, reducing costs, and driving sales to your team, and I am confident that my proactive approach will result in significant achievements for your restaurant. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the continued success and growth of your business.

Best regards,

Benjamin Garcia, Seasoned Restaurant Manager
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Personalize the introduction by expressing admiration for the company's achievements, which shows genuine interest and a proactive approach to understanding the business.
  • Demonstrate measurable accomplishments such as reducing customer wait times, as it provides tangible evidence of problem-solving abilities and a results-oriented mindset.
  • Mention awards or recognition such as the Best Customer Service award to establish credibility and showcase a commitment to excellence within the industry.
  • Express eagerness to contribute to the team and a forward-looking attitude, which indicates motivation, a positive outlook, and readiness to tackle new challenges.

What should your restaurant general manager cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information

Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your restaurant general manager cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:

  • Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
  • Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
  • Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
  • Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.

Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your restaurant general manager cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.

Ensure that both your resume and restaurant general manager cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.

Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your restaurant general manager cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.

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The top sections on a restaurant general manager cover letter

  • Header: The header should include the applicant's contact information and the date the letter is written, making it easy for the recruiter to reach out and follow up with the candidate.

  • Greeting: A personalized greeting addressing the hiring manager by name demonstrates the applicant’s attention to detail and sets a professional tone for the cover letter.

  • Introduction: The introductory paragraph should briefly highlight the candidate's enthusiasm for the position and their relevant experience in the restaurant industry, aiming to capture the recruiter's interest immediately.

  • Experience and Achievements: This section should detail the applicant's previous managerial roles, specific successes such as increases in customer satisfaction, cost reduction efforts, or team leadership accomplishments, which are critical for a restaurant general manager.

  • Closing and Call to Action: In the closing paragraph, the candidate should reiterate their interest in the position, thank the recruiter for their consideration, and express a desire for a personal interview, leaving the recruiter with a clear next step.

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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Proven leadership and team management skills: Recruiter's value candidates who can effectively lead a diverse team, delegate tasks, and maintain high morale among staff.

  • Experience in financial management: General managers are often responsible for the financial health of the restaurant, including budgeting, cost control, and P&L management.

  • Strong customer service orientation: GMs need to ensure customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality service and addressing any issues promptly.

  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations: A deep understanding of local health codes and the ability to maintain compliance is crucial for a general manager.

  • Track record of increasing sales and managing costs: Recruiters look for candidates who can drive business growth and profitability through smart marketing and operational strategies.

  • Flexibility and problem-solving skills: The ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and solve problems quickly and effectively is critical for a general manager in the restaurant industry.

Kick off your restaurant general manager cover letter: the salutation or greeting

When writing your restaurant general manager cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.

And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them. Personally.

So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.

If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your restaurant general manager cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").

A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.

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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Restaurant Name] Team,
  • Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
  • Dear [Position Title] Hiring Committee,
  • Dear [Position Title] Search Coordinator,
  • Esteemed [Position Title] Selection Panel,

Using your restaurant general manager cover letter intro to show your dedication

We know just how difficult it is to start writing your restaurant general manager cover letter introduction.

There are so many great qualities you have as a professional, which one should you choose?

How about writing up to two sentences about your passion and commitment to the work you do or are set to do?

Try to describe exactly what you enjoy about the potential role.

A positive attitude from the get-go will help you stand out as a motivated restaurant general manager professional.

Intro Paragraph
With a proven track record in pioneering memorable dining experiences and driving operational excellence, I am intrigued by the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s commitment to not only serving culinary delights but also building a vibrant community around the table.
RIGHT

The middle or body of your restaurant general manager cover letter body: a great instrument to tell a story

Now that you've set the right tone with the greeting and introduction of your restaurant general manager cover letter, it's time to get down to business.

Hear us out, the body of your restaurant general manager cover letter is the best storytelling instrument you have, in your job-hunting arsenal.

Writing the next three to six paragraphs, take the time to reassess the advert to discover job-crucial requirements.

Next, choose one accomplishment that covers those key skills and talents.

Use precisely that achievement to tell an exciting story of how you match the ideal candidate profile.

In the undertones of your story or restaurant general manager cover letter body, hint at the difference you'd make and sell your application as the perfect one for the job.

Body Paragraph
At my previous role in ABC Bistro, I spearheaded a dynamic menu overhaul which resulted in a 20% surge in daily customers and a 35% increase in average customer spend within six months. This success highlighted my innovative approach to menu design and my skill in leveraging culinary trends to boost profitability and market share in a competitive dining landscape.
RIGHT

Finishing off your restaurant general manager cover letter with what matters most

So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your restaurant general manager cover letter for the role and recruiter.

Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.

And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.

End your restaurant general manager cover letter with the future in mind.

So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.

You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).

Closing Paragraph
I am eager to contribute my expertise to your team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with the goals of your restaurant. Please feel free to contact me to arrange an interview.
RIGHT

Addressing limited to no experience in the restaurant general manager cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience.

Your restaurant general manager cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:

  • skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
  • achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
  • motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.

Key takeaways

Writing your restaurant general manager cover letter has never been easier, so remember to:

  • Select a restaurant general manager cover letter template that automatically meets industry formatting (e.g. has one-inch margins, is single-spaced, is in PDF, etc.);
  • Make your restaurant general manager cover letter personal by mentioning the recruiters' first or last name;
  • Within the introduction, describe what you like best about the company in no more than two sentences;
  • Use your restaurant general manager cover letter body to tell a story of your greatest achievement, backed up by job-relevant skills and technologies;
  • If you have no professional experience, be honest about it in your restaurant general manager cover letter, but also write about your unique talents.
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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