How to Become a Food and Beverage Manager: Career Roadmap
Learn how to become a food and beverage manager. Research the education requirements, training, certification information and experience you will need to start a career in food and beverage management.
Food and Beverage Manager Requirements
Food and beverage managers are responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of a restaurant or food service establishment. From hiring and training of personnel to ordering supplies, food and beverage managers assume a variety of responsibilities within a fast-paced food service environment. The training to become a food and beverage manager may include a postsecondary education program, on-the-job training and voluntary certification. The following table contains the core requirements for food and beverage managers:
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | No further education beyond a high school diploma is required; however, more employers require or prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary education programs* |
| Degree Field | Hospitality or food service management* |
| Certification | Certification is not required, but voluntary certification is available for aspiring food and beverage managers* |
| Experience | 1-5 years of experience may be necessary* |
| Key Skills | Food and beverage managers should have solid customer service, speaking, problem-solving, leadership, organizational and managerial skills* |
| Computer Skills | Experience with recipe and menu database software, inventory management software and point of sale (POS) software is helpful; food and beverage managers may also use accounting software, such as QuickBooks** |
| Technical Skills | Food and beverage managers may use computerized cash registers** |
| Additional Requirements | Long and irregular hours may sometimes be necessary; some individuals may find this career stressful, since they must deal with difficult customers* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **O*Net OnLine
Step 1: Earn a Certificate or Degree
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that while a high school diploma may be the only education necessary to begin a career as a food and beverage manager, many employers prefer to hire applicants who have pursued some type of postsecondary education program. Community and technical colleges offer certificate and associate's degree programs in hospitality and food service management, while bachelor's degree programs can be found at colleges and universities.
Certificate programs cover subjects such as customer service, responsible beverage service, human resource management, safety and sanitation, dining room service and hospitality law. Credits earned in some certificate programs may be applied toward degree programs. These programs typically take about a year to complete.
Associate's and bachelor's degree programs in hospitality and food service management are also available to aspiring food and beverage managers. The coursework will teach food and beverage managers about hiring processes and what to look for in an employee, how to plan a menu, employee training techniques, how to manage kitchens and catering events, purchasing and inventory control skills, marketing activities and other related skills. Studies include both classroom coursework and hands-on laboratory work. Students in these programs may also build important business skills, such as learning about finance and accounting.
Success Tip:
- Participate in an internship. Internships or co-operative working opportunities are available as part of many hospitality or food service management training programs. Students can take advantage of these opportunities to gain hands-on experience working alongside professionals in the field. Internship experience can also be helpful for a student seeking to develop his or her resume.
Step 2: Get Experience
Food and beverage managers generally must have 1-5 years of relevant experience in the field to acquire employment. Individuals who are interested in becoming food and beverage managers may enter the industry in a number of different positions in restaurants, kitchens or cafeterias. They may work in an entry-level position such as line cook, server or busser. Working in these positions helps potential food and beverage managers to gain insight into the field and confidence working in a restaurant or kitchen environment. Some restaurant chains may promote ambitious and experienced employees to management positions. These chains may also offer extensive training programs for new managers.
Success Tips:
- Consider earning certification. Though certification is not mandatory for food and beverage managers, it may be beneficial for career advancement. One such certification is the Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) credential. This credential can be earned from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and requires applicants to complete coursework, pass an examination and show relevant work experience. Becoming certified may help aspiring food and beverage managers to gain a competitive edge in the job market by showing dedication and knowledge.
- Sharpen important customer service skills. Strong customer service skills are essential for food and beverage managers. They interact with customers often and without solid interpersonal skills and experience in this area, difficult customers may be a source of stress for food and beverage managers. Starting in the field in an entry-level job such as server or counter attendant should give potential food and beverage managers good exposure to customer service situations and the confidence to successfully navigate these situations.
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9 Popular Schools
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (3 campuses)
- California (16)
- Colorado (3)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (4)
- Illinois (8)
- Indiana (2)
- Kentucky (1)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (2)
- North Carolina (2)
- New Jersey (3)
- Nevada (1)
- New York (2)
- Ohio (4)
- Oklahoma (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (5)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (7)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (3)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (4)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (2)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Food & Beverage Management
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- Bachelor in Hotel & Restaurant Management
- Bachelor in Culinary Arts
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Associate
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- Associate in Restaurant & Catering Management
- Associate in Baking & Pastry Arts
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- Associate in Culinary Arts
- Associate in Culinary Arts - Baking & Pastry
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Food & Beverage Operations
- Diploma - Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Professional Baking & Pastry
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- Diploma in The Art of Cooking
- Certificate - Culinary Arts
- Certificate in Art of Cooking
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- AAS Hospitality Management - Restaurant & Hotel Services
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
