13 Professional Restaurant Manager Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Your restaurant manager cover letter must immediately highlight your leadership skills. Demonstrate your ability to efficiently manage both staff and customer service with concrete examples. Show your understanding of financial management within restaurant operations. Provide evidence of your experience in boosting profitability and controlling costs, as these are crucial for successful restaurant management.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Crafting a restaurant manager cover letter can be a daunting task, especially when you're deep into the job hunt and realize it's a requirement, not an afterthought. You might be tempted to rehash your resume, but your cover letter should be a spotlight on your proudest professional moment, woven into a compelling narrative. Keep it concise and engage the reader with your unique story, steering clear of overused phrases. Remember, punchy and professional wins the page.

Check out our restaurant manager cover letter guide to find out how to:

  • Write a restaurant manager cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
  • Understand how to start and end your restaurant manager cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
  • What to include in the body of your restaurant manager cover letter to put your best foot forward;
  • Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your restaurant manager cover letter.

And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your restaurant manager resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.

Restaurant Manager cover letter example

Amelia Miller

Charlotte, North Carolina

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

Encountering The Gourmet Kitchen's commitment to culinary innovation and exemplary service, I recognized a shared passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. My background aligns seamlessly with your restaurant's ethos, particularly my focus on quality and sustainability.

At The Gourmet Kitchen, my team and I unveiled a new seasonal menu that not only delighted our patrons but also significantly enhanced our financial performance—culminating in a notable 15% increase in average ticket size. This initiative did more than just elevate our culinary offerings; it demonstrated my ability to balance creative direction with sound financial strategies, fostering substantial revenue growth and ensuring our menu’s alignment with market trends and consumer preferences.

I am keen on the opportunity to further discuss how my background in culinary arts and my strategic approach to operations can contribute to the continued success of your esteemed establishment. Please consider this letter as my formal application for the position of Kitchen Manager.

Sincerely,

Amelia Miller

Restaurant Kitchen Manager
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Emphasize relevant experience that aligns with the company's values – The cover letter mentions a commitment to quality and sustainability, which matches the ethos of The Gourmet Kitchen, making the applicant's experience especially pertinent.
  • Quantify achievements to demonstrate impact – Citing a specific 15% increase in average ticket size showcases the candidate's ability to make a concrete, positive impact on the business, which is persuasive to hiring managers.
  • Align personal skills with operational needs – The applicant discusses a strategic approach to operations, tying personal capabilities directly to the requirements of the Kitchen Manager role, demonstrating foresight and alignment with managerial responsibilities.

The format of your restaurant manager cover letter: structure, fonts, margins, and more

Your restaurant manager cover letter should include a header (with your name, position, and date); a greeting and introductory paragraph; a body and closing paragraphs; and an optional signature.

Remember that you're writing your restaurant manager cover letter for recruiters - as the Applicant Tracker System won't scan this content.

Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind when formatting your restaurant manager cover letter:

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The top sections on a restaurant manager cover letter

  • Header: Include your name, address, phone number, and email to make it easy for the recruiter to contact you, as well as the date and the employer's details to personalize the cover letter for the specific restaurant and manager.

  • Greeting: Use a professional salutation that addresses the hiring manager by name if possible; this shows you've done research on the restaurant and adds a personal touch.

  • Introduction: State your interest in the restaurant manager position and briefly mention your most relevant experience or a unique trait that makes you an exceptional candidate, capturing the recruiter's attention and encouraging them to read on.

  • Professional Experience and Skills: Detail your relevant past management experience, specific accomplishments in the hospitality industry, and skills in staff oversight, inventory management, and customer service, which are crucial for a restaurant manager role.

  • Closing and Call to Action: End the cover letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the success of their restaurant, and proactively suggest a meeting or interview to discuss your qualifications further.

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

  • Proven leadership and team management skills: Essential for overseeing restaurant staff and maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Experience in hospitality and customer service: Critical for ensuring guest satisfaction and handling customer-related issues professionally.
  • Budgeting and cost management expertise: Important for controlling expenses, optimizing profitability, and effective resource allocation.
  • Deep understanding of health and safety regulations: Vital for maintaining compliance and ensuring a safe dining experience for customers.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities: Necessary for effectively coordinating with staff, vendors, and upper management.
  • Flexibility and problem-solving aptitude: Required to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the restaurant industry and address unexpected challenges swiftly.

How to address hiring managers in your restaurant manager cover letter greeting

Goodbye, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern!"

The salutation of your restaurant manager cover letter is how you kick off your professional communication with the hiring managers.

And you want it to start off a bit more personalized and tailored, to catch the recruiters' attention.

Take the time to find out who's recruiting for the role (via LinkedIn or the company page).

If you have previously chatted or emailed the hiring managers, address them on a first or last name basis.

The alternative is a "Dear HR team" or "Dear Hiring Manger", but remember that a "Dear Ms. Simmons" or "Dear Simon," could get you farther ahead than an impersonal greeting.

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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Restaurant Name] Team,
  • Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
  • Dear [Title of the Hiring Authority] [Last Name],
  • Dear Members of the [Department or Committee Name],
  • Dear [Department] Department,

How to start your restaurant manager cover letter introduction

The opening paragraph of your restaurant manager cover letter can seem like a real enigma.

Where do you start writing?

In your restaurant manager cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:

  • gets you motivated and excited about the role;
  • you like best about the company, from culture to awards.

Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Intro Paragraph
With a proven track record of elevating dining experiences to match the prestige of culinary excellence, I am thrilled at the prospect of bringing my unique blend of refined management prowess and passionate commitment to guest satisfaction to the table at Maison Gourmet.
RIGHT

What comes next: your restaurant manager cover letter middle paragraphs

In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your restaurant manager cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.

Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.

That's one big no-no.

Remember that when writing your restaurant manager cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.

So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.

Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.

Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.

Body Paragraph
In my recent role at Bistro Hive, I spearheaded a targeted customer satisfaction initiative that increased our TripAdvisor rating from 3.5 to 4.5 stars within six months. By analyzing feedback, retraining staff, and optimizing the menu, we saw a 25% rise in repeat clientele and a 15% increase in overall revenue.
RIGHT

Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your restaurant manager cover letter

Closing your restaurant manager cover letter, you want to leave a memorable impression on recruiters, that you're a responsible professional.

End your cover letter with how you envision your growth, as part of the company. Make realistic promises on what you plan to achieve, potentially, in the next six months to a year.

Before your signature, you could also signal hiring managers that you're available for the next steps. Or, a follow-up call, during which you could further clarify your experience or professional value.

Closing Paragraph
Eager to bring my expertise to your team, I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your restaurant's success. Please contact me to arrange an interview at your earliest convenience.
RIGHT

No experience restaurant manager cover letter: making the most out of your profile

Candidates who happen to have no professional experience use their restaurant manager cover letter to stand out.

Instead of focusing on a professional achievement, aim to quantify all the relevant, transferrable skills from your life experience.

Once again, the best practice to do so would be to select an accomplishment - from your whole career history.

Another option would be to plan out your career goals and objectives: how do you see yourself growing, as a professional, in the next five years, thanks to this opportunity?

Be precise and concise about your dreams, and align them with the company vision.

Key takeaways

Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise restaurant manager cover letter that:

  • Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the restaurant manager resume;
  • Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
  • Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
  • Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
  • Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.

Restaurant Manager cover letter examples

Explore additional restaurant manager cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Experience

Entry-Level Restaurant Manager

Seeking an Entry-Level Restaurant Manager position requires showcasing hands-on experience in the hospitality or food service industry. Call attention to moments where you led teams or managed customer relations effectively. Pull out your courses, such as 'Hospitality Management' or 'Restaurant Operations', citing their duration to exhibit commitment. Employ the 'skill-action-result' framework to describe situations where your leadership directly increased efficiency, customer satisfaction, or sales in past roles. Highlight your ability to handle high-pressure environments and maintain superb guest experiences.

By Role

Assistant Restaurant Manager

When applying for an Assistant Restaurant Manager position, highlight your leadership experience and the ability to manage a team effectively. Reference any background in the hospitality or food service industry and discuss hands-on experience with inventory management, scheduling, or customer service. If you've completed courses such as 'Hospitality Management' or 'Food Safety Certification', be sure to emphasize these. Use specific examples where your management skills have positively impacted the restaurant's operations or customer satisfaction, using a clear 'scenario-action-result' format.

Fast Food

For a Fast Food Crew Member position, it's important to showcase your ability to work quickly and efficiently. Stress any experience in customer service or fast-paced environments. Demonstrate knowledge of food safety standards and highlight any relevant certifications like a 'Food Handlers Card’. Mention specific instances where you delivered exceptional service or contributed to improved team performance. Use a 'skill-action-result' format to illustrate how you effectively dealt with rush hours or difficult customers, showcasing your resilience and problem-solving skills.
View Fast Food Cover Letter

Fine Dining

Seeking a Fine Dining Waiter role demands showcasing previous high-end restaurant experience or training in hospitality. Emphasize superior customer service prowess, familiarity with extensive wine and food pairings, and a keen eye for detail. Mentioning courses like 'Hospitality Management' or 'Wine Appreciation' with their durations can demonstrate specialized knowledge. Use short examples to illustrate your ability to enhance the dining experience, applying a 'skill-action-result' structure to underline your contribution to creating memorable guest experiences and improving the restaurant's reputation for excellence. When pursuing a Fine Dining Hostess position, it's essential to highlight your strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage reservations effectively. Stress your polished demeanor and excellence in maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. If you have undergone any training, such as 'Customer Relationship Management', include it to show your capability in high-pressure environments. Offer illustrative instances where your interventions have smoothed over service hitches, using 'skill-action-result' sequences to present your positive impact on guest satisfaction and repeat business. For an aspiring Fine Dining Chef, your cover letter should spotlight your culinary training and any specialization in exquisite cuisine. State clearly any relevant apprenticeships or hands-on experience you've had with gourmet cooking. If you've completed specific culinary courses or hold certifications in fine dining, like 'Advanced Culinary Techniques', note the time spent to demonstrate your commitment. Employ a 'skill-action-result' framework to recount occasions where your culinary creations have increased guest enjoyment or menu profitability, emphasizing your role in elevating the restaurant's culinary standing.

Food And Beverage Manager

When targeting a Food and Beverage Manager position, spotlight any leadership roles in hospitality or related sectors. Key skills to emphasize include inventory management, supply chain coordination, and the ability to oversee diverse teams. Include specific training or certifications like 'Hospitality Management' or 'Food Safety Certification', noting their length to establish credibility. Use examples that showcase your past leadership in improving service efficiency or increasing a restaurant's revenue, applying the 'skill-action-result' model to illustrate your contribution.

Food Service

For an entry-level Food Service role, emphasize any hands-on experience in customer service, food preparation, or cash handling. Highlight key skills like time management, cleanliness, and teamwork. Mention any food safety certifications such as 'Food Handler's Card' or courses like 'Hospitality Basics,' including the timeframe to showcase dedication. Use a clear 'skill-action-result' format to illustrate how your abilities have improved service times or enhanced customer satisfaction in previous food-related positions.
View Food Service Cover Letter

Food Service Manager

When aiming for a Food Service Manager position, showcase your experience in managing teams, handling inventory, and overseeing food service operations. Stress the importance of your customer service skills and ability to work under pressure. If you have completed courses like 'Hospitality Management' or 'Food Safety Certification', these should be featured prominently, along with the duration of the courses. Provide clear examples following a 'skill-action-result' model to demonstrate how you've increased efficiency, managed costs effectively, or improved customer satisfaction in past roles.
View Food Service Manager Cover Letter

Front Of House Manager

When applying for a Front Of House Manager position, it's essential to showcase your leadership experience within the hospitality industry. Mention any management courses or certifications like 'Hospitality Management' that you have completed, indicating the time spent to demonstrate your commitment. Focus on your people skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Use clear examples of how you've previously led a team to improve service quality or efficiency, employing the 'skill-action-result' format to illustrate your effectiveness as a leader and problem-solver.

Restaurant General Manager

When seeking a Restaurant General Manager position, it is essential to emphasize your leadership experience in hospitality. Highlight your ability to manage staff, oversee operations, and maintain excellent customer service standards. Showcase your knowledge in food safety certifications, such as ServSafe, and how long you've held such qualifications. Demonstrating a proven track record of increasing restaurant efficiency and profitability is crucial—mention specific strategies you've implemented that led to measurable improvements in service and sales.
View Restaurant General Manager Cover Letter

Shift Manager

When seeking a Shift Manager position, it's essential to spotlight your leadership and team management experience. Emphasize your capacity to handle decision-making during dynamic situations and mention any previous roles that required similar responsibilities. It's helpful to include familiarity with scheduling software or conflict resolution training. Share specific instances where your leadership directly contributed to an improvement in team performance or efficiency, using a 'situation-action-result' framework to succinctly communicate your impact.
View Shift Manager Cover Letter

Pizza Restaurant Manager

When applying for a Pizza Restaurant Manager role, showcase any previous management or hospitality experience. Essential skills to emphasize are team leadership, inventory management, and a strong customer service background. If you've completed training such as 'Food Safety Certification' or have experience with 'Restaurant Operations' courses, highlight these and their duration. Offer concrete examples of how your leadership improved restaurant efficiency or customer satisfaction. Follow a 'skill-action-result' format to demonstrate how your skills delivered tangible outcomes, such as increased sales or reduced waste.

Restaurant Bar Manager

When pursuing a Restaurant Bar Manager position, highlight your experience with inventory management and your familiarity with different types of beverages. Leadership skills are a must, so describe your history of managing staff and handling scheduling. If you have certifications such as 'Responsible Alcohol Service' or 'Hospitality Management', include them to display specialized knowledge. Showcase how your expertise has led to increased efficiency or sales with a concise 'skill-action-result' narrative, illustrating tangible outcomes like cost reductions or improved customer satisfaction.
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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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