application letter as a restaurant manager

7 Restaurant Manager Cover Letter Examples

Introduction.

A well-crafted cover letter can be a powerful tool for restaurant managers looking to make a strong impression on potential employers. In today's competitive job market, where employers often receive a large number of applications for each position, a tailored and compelling cover letter can help your application stand out from the crowd. It provides an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the industry, while also demonstrating your attention to detail and professionalism.

As a restaurant manager, your cover letter should highlight your ability to effectively manage a team, ensure smooth operations, and deliver exceptional customer service. It should also convey your knowledge of the industry, your understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities that come with managing a restaurant, and your dedication to creating memorable dining experiences for customers.

In this article, we will provide you with a variety of cover letter examples for restaurant managers. Each example will focus on a different aspect of the role, allowing you to tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements of the position you are applying for. We will also highlight key takeaways from each example, as well as common mistakes to avoid. By following these examples and tips, you will be well-equipped to create a compelling cover letter that will help you land your dream job as a restaurant manager.

Example 1: Fine Dining Restaurant Manager Cover Letter

Key takeaways.

Samantha's cover letter effectively conveys her qualifications and passion for fine dining management, positioning her as an ideal candidate for the Restaurant Manager position at Le Jardin.

When applying for a fine dining restaurant manager role, it's crucial to showcase your experience in high-end establishments. This demonstrates your ability to handle the unique demands and expectations of discerning clientele.

She highlights a specific achievement - implementing a staff training program that resulted in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores. This showcases her leadership skills and ability to drive improvements in service quality.

Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide tangible evidence of your impact. Numbers, such as increased customer satisfaction scores or revenue growth, effectively demonstrate your ability to deliver results.

Samantha expresses her strong interest in Le Jardin's commitment to culinary excellence and guest experience. This demonstrates her alignment with the company's values and her enthusiasm for contributing to its success.

Tailor your cover letter to highlight specific aspects of the company that resonate with you. This shows your genuine interest and commitment to the organization's mission and values.

Example 2: Fast Food Restaurant Manager Cover Letter

Michael's cover letter effectively highlights his experience and achievements in the fast food industry, positioning him as an ideal candidate for the Restaurant Manager position at McDonald's.

When applying for a managerial role in the fast food industry, it's important to showcase your experience in similar positions and highlight your ability to drive operational efficiency and deliver exceptional customer service.

He emphasizes his track record of success, such as implementing new training programs that increased employee productivity and implementing cost-saving measures that reduced food waste and increased profitability.

Quantify your achievements and highlight specific results to demonstrate your ability to deliver tangible business outcomes. This showcases your problem-solving skills and business acumen.

To further strengthen his application, Michael could have included specific examples of his leadership skills and how he has motivated and inspired teams to deliver exceptional customer service.

Highlight your ability to lead and manage teams, as well as your passion for the industry. This demonstrates your potential to drive success and create a positive work environment.

Example 3: Casual Dining Restaurant Manager Cover Letter

Emily's cover letter effectively highlights her relevant experience and achievements in the casual dining industry, positioning her as a strong candidate for the Restaurant Manager position at Chili's Grill & Bar.

When applying for a restaurant management position, it's crucial to emphasize your experience in the industry and your ability to provide exceptional guest experiences. This demonstrates your understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of the role.

She showcases her career progression, starting as a Server and working her way up to Assistant Manager and then Restaurant Manager. This demonstrates her dedication and commitment to the industry.

Highlight your career progression and growth in the industry to showcase your ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership. This demonstrates your long-term commitment and investment in the industry.

Emily's key accomplishment of implementing a staff training program that resulted in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores highlights her ability to improve operational performance and deliver exceptional customer service.

Focus on specific achievements that showcase your ability to drive results and improve customer satisfaction. This demonstrates your ability to implement effective strategies and make a positive impact on the overall guest experience.

Example 4: Bar Manager Cover Letter Example

William's cover letter effectively showcases his extensive experience and passion for mixology, making him an ideal candidate for the Bar Manager position at The Dead Rabbit.

When applying for a bar management position, it is crucial to demonstrate your deep knowledge of the industry and your ability to create exceptional drink experiences that align with the bar's brand.

He highlights his progression from bartender to Assistant Bar Manager to Bar Manager, emphasizing his growth and increasing responsibility within the industry.

Highlight your career progression and showcase your ability to take on leadership roles. This demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth, as well as your ability to handle the challenges and responsibilities of a managerial position.

William's mention of creating a signature cocktail menu at PDT showcases his creativity, attention to detail, and ability to create unique and memorable drink experiences.

Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise and value as a bar manager. This can include successful menu creation, implementation of operational strategies, or any other accomplishments that showcase your ability to drive growth and enhance the guest experience.

Overall, William's cover letter effectively demonstrates his qualifications and passion for the role of Bar Manager at The Dead Rabbit, leaving a strong impression on the hiring manager.

Tailor your cover letter to the specific bar or establishment you are applying to, showcasing your knowledge of their brand, menu, and overall vision. This shows your genuine interest in the position and your ability to contribute to the bar's success.

Example 5: Catering Manager Cover Letter

Elizabeth's cover letter effectively showcases her experience and skills in catering management, positioning her as a strong candidate for the Catering Manager position at CulinArt Group.

When applying for a catering manager role, it's crucial to highlight your experience in event coordination, team management, and delivering exceptional service. This demonstrates your ability to oversee all aspects of catering operations and deliver a memorable experience for clients.

Elizabeth emphasizes her experience in event coordination and highlights her organizational and time management skills, which are essential in successfully planning and executing events.

Emphasize your ability to handle multiple events simultaneously and ensure that every detail is meticulously attended to. This demonstrates your ability to deliver flawless events and meet client expectations.

She also mentions her experience in team management, showcasing her leadership abilities and the successful coordination of staff and resources.

Highlight your experience in managing and leading teams, as this is a crucial aspect of a catering manager role. Demonstrating your ability to effectively communicate, problem-solve, and oversee operations will make you an attractive candidate.

Elizabeth's cover letter could further enhance her application by specifically addressing her knowledge of CulinArt Group and how her skills align with the company's values and goals.

Research the company and tailor your cover letter to showcase how your experience and skills align with the specific needs of the organization. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and your potential to contribute to the company's success.

Example 6: Coffee Shop Manager Cover Letter

Benjamin's cover letter effectively showcases his extensive experience in the coffee industry and highlights his ability to successfully manage coffee shops.

When applying for a coffee shop manager position, it is crucial to emphasize your relevant experience and expertise in the coffee industry. This demonstrates your understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of the role.

He emphasizes his experience as a Barista at Peet's Coffee, showcasing his passion for crafting exceptional coffee and providing excellent customer service.

Highlight your experience as a barista to illustrate your deep understanding of coffee brewing techniques, flavor profiles, and customer service. This shows your commitment to delivering high-quality products and memorable experiences for customers.

Benjamin also highlights his leadership and management skills as a Shift Supervisor at Dunkin' Donuts and as a Store Manager at Caribou Coffee. He specifically mentions implementing training programs and exceeding sales targets.

Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting specific achievements such as implementing training programs, exceeding sales targets, or improving operational efficiency. This demonstrates your ability to drive results and effectively manage teams, which is essential for a coffee shop manager role.

Overall, Benjamin's cover letter effectively positions him as a highly qualified candidate who can contribute to the continued success of Starbucks. However, he could further enhance his pitch by mentioning any additional certifications or specialized training he has completed in the coffee industry.

If you have any additional certifications or specialized training in the coffee industry, be sure to mention them in your cover letter. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development and further reinforces your qualifications for the role of a coffee shop manager.

Example 7: Food and Beverage Manager Cover Letter

Olivia's cover letter effectively highlights her relevant experience in the hospitality industry and showcases her ability to deliver exceptional service and drive revenue growth.

When applying for a Food and Beverage Manager position, it is crucial to emphasize your hands-on experience in the industry and your ability to provide outstanding guest experiences. This demonstrates your understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of the role.

She mentions her progression from a Server to an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and eventually to a Food and Beverage Manager, which demonstrates her growth and leadership potential.

Highlighting your career progression within the industry can show your ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility and your dedication to personal and professional development.

Olivia highlights her achievement of implementing a new menu engineering strategy, resulting in a significant increase in profitability for the hotel's main restaurant. This showcases her analytical skills and her ability to drive business results.

Whenever possible, provide specific examples of your achievements that directly relate to the role you are applying for. This helps the hiring manager envision the impact you can make in their organization.

To further enhance her cover letter, Olivia could mention any specific certifications or training she has received in food and beverage management.

If you have any industry-specific certifications or training, be sure to mention them in your cover letter. This can help to differentiate you from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.

Skills To Highlight

As a restaurant manager, your cover letter should highlight the unique skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. These key skills include:

Leadership : As a restaurant manager, you will be responsible for leading and supervising a team of employees. Highlight your experience in managing and motivating staff, as well as your ability to delegate tasks and make effective decisions. Showcase your leadership skills by providing examples of how you have successfully led teams in the past.

Customer Service : Customer satisfaction is crucial in the restaurant industry. Demonstrate your strong customer service skills by emphasizing your ability to provide exceptional service, handle customer complaints, and ensure a positive dining experience. Share any customer service training or certifications you have obtained to further strengthen your qualifications.

Staff Management : Managing a restaurant requires effectively managing and coordinating staff members. Highlight your ability to recruit, train, and schedule employees. Mention any experience you have in conducting performance evaluations and implementing employee development programs. Emphasize your ability to create a positive work environment and foster teamwork among your staff.

Menu Development : Showcase your creativity and culinary knowledge by discussing your experience in menu development. Highlight any successful menu items or specials you have created, and explain how you incorporate customer feedback and market trends into your menu planning. Highlight your ability to balance creativity with profitability and your understanding of cost control measures.

Financial Acumen : As a restaurant manager, you will be responsible for managing the financial aspects of the business. Highlight your ability to work within a budget, analyze financial reports, and make data-driven decisions to improve profitability. Mention any experience you have in inventory management, cost control, and implementing cost-saving measures.

Problem-Solving : Restaurants can often face challenges and unexpected situations. Highlight your ability to think critically and solve problems quickly and efficiently. Share examples of how you have resolved customer complaints, handled difficult situations, or implemented strategies to improve operations. Demonstrate your ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions.

These key skills are essential for a successful career as a restaurant manager. By highlighting these skills in your cover letter, you can demonstrate your qualifications and stand out as a strong candidate for the position.

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Cover Letters

When crafting your cover letter for a restaurant manager position, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

Using Generic Language : One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using generic language in your cover letter. Avoid cliches and empty statements that do not provide any specific information about your skills and qualifications. Instead, use concrete examples and specific language to showcase your achievements and abilities.

Failing to Showcase Specific Achievements : As a restaurant manager, you need to demonstrate your ability to achieve results and drive success. Don't just list your responsibilities; highlight specific achievements and outcomes that you have accomplished in your previous roles. This could include increasing sales, improving customer satisfaction, or implementing cost-saving measures. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide measurable evidence of your impact.

Not Highlighting How Your Expertise Can Contribute to the Success of the Establishment : Restaurant managers play a crucial role in the success of a restaurant. It's important to clearly communicate how your expertise and skills can contribute to the overall success of the establishment. Explain how your leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills can help improve operations, drive revenue, and create a positive dining experience for customers.

Neglecting to Research the Company : Another common mistake is failing to research the company you are applying to. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to understand their restaurant, brand, and values. Incorporate specific information about the company into your cover letter to demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.

Including Irrelevant Information : Keep your cover letter focused and concise. Avoid including irrelevant information that does not directly relate to the restaurant manager position. Stick to relevant qualifications, experiences, and achievements that highlight your suitability for the role.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong and impactful cover letter that showcases your skills and qualifications as a restaurant manager.

A well-crafted cover letter is a crucial component of a successful job application in the field of restaurant management. The examples provided above demonstrate effective strategies and techniques that can be applied to create a strong cover letter for a restaurant manager position.

In Example 1, the candidate effectively highlights their relevant experience and skills, showcasing their ability to manage a team and deliver exceptional customer service. The key takeaways from this example include the importance of emphasizing specific accomplishments, such as increasing sales or improving customer satisfaction, and aligning these achievements with the needs of the prospective employer.

Example 2 showcases the candidate's passion for the restaurant industry and their ability to create a positive work environment. By discussing their experience in training and mentoring staff, the candidate demonstrates their leadership skills and commitment to fostering a cohesive team. The key takeaways from this example include the value of showcasing a genuine enthusiasm for the industry and highlighting the ability to motivate and inspire others.

In Example 3, the candidate focuses on their ability to manage multiple aspects of restaurant operations, including inventory management, cost control, and menu planning. The key takeaways from this example include the importance of highlighting specific technical skills and expertise that are relevant to the restaurant manager role, as well as demonstrating problem-solving abilities and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances.

Overall, the key to a strong restaurant manager cover letter is to tailor it to the specific needs and requirements of the position and company. By showcasing relevant experience, skills, and achievements, and demonstrating a genuine passion for the industry, candidates can significantly enhance their chances of securing a rewarding restaurant management position. So take the time to craft a well-written cover letter that sets you apart from the competition and highlights your unique qualifications. Good luck with your job application!

13 Professional Restaurant Manager Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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

Entry-Level Restaurant Manager

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Fine Dining

Food And Beverage Manager

Food Service

Food Service Manager

Front Of House Manager

Restaurant General Manager

Shift Manager

Pizza Restaurant Manager

Restaurant Bar Manager

Cover letter guide.

Restaurant Manager Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Restaurant Manager Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

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.

• 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.

If the restaurant manager isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Restaurant Manager resume guide and example
• Food Server cover letter example
• Sous Chef cover letter example
• Cook cover letter example
• Food Service Manager cover letter example
• Hotel Bartender cover letter example
• Busser cover letter example
• Kitchen Manager cover letter example
• Cocktail Bartender cover letter example
• Prep Cook cover letter example
• Front of House Manager cover letter example

Restaurant Manager cover letter example

Amelia Miller

Charlotte, North Carolina

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• 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:

• Use the same font in your restaurant manager cover letter and resume . We recommend modern fonts, e.g. Lato and Rubik, to help you stand out, instead of the stereotypical Arial and Times New Roman.
• Each paragraph should have single spacing, which is already set up for you in our cover letter templates .
• Our cover letter builder follows industry standards for your restaurant manager cover letter formatting - with a one-inch margin, surrounding your content.
• Always export your restaurant manager cover letter in PDF to ensure the image or text quality stays the same and your writing isn't moved about.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cover letter examples by industry

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