Hospitality·Mid level·3 min read

Restaurant Manager cover letter

Write a Restaurant Manager cover letter that highlights Operations, Staff management, Customer service. Get role-specific tips and examples.

A strong Restaurant Manager cover letter goes beyond listing skills. Hiring managers want to see how you've applied Operations and Staff management to deliver results. This guide covers what to include, common mistakes to avoid, and how to stand out.

What to highlight

  • 1Sales growth achieved
  • 2Staff retention improvements
  • 3Cost control results
  • 4Customer satisfaction
  • 5P&L responsibility

Key skills to mention

OperationsStaff managementCustomer serviceInventory controlFood safetyP&L management

Tools & software

POS systemsScheduling softwareInventory management

Mistakes to avoid

  • Not showing financial results
  • Ignoring staff development
  • Being vague about restaurant type
  • Not mentioning food safety

Relevant certifications

  • ServSafe
  • Food handler certification
  • Hospitality degree

Frequently asked questions

How do I show financial acumen?

Include sales growth, food cost improvements, labor optimization, and P&L results.

Is fine dining different from casual?

Yes. Different skills. Match your experience to the restaurant type.

Should I mention staff turnover?

If you improved it. Restaurant turnover is high; reducing it shows leadership.

Example restaurant manager cover letter

I'm applying for the Restaurant Manager position at [Company]. With 6 years of restaurant management experience in high-volume casual dining, I combine operational excellence with genuine hospitality to create experiences that keep guests coming back.

At Bistro XYZ, I manage a $3M annual revenue location with 35 staff members. I've increased same-store sales by 12% year-over-year and improved food cost from 32% to 28% through inventory management and portion control. My focus on staff development has reduced turnover from 120% to 75%, saving significant training costs. I maintain ServSafe certification and ensure we exceed health inspection standards. I'm hands-on during service when needed, and I build a culture where staff are empowered to solve problems and delight guests.

I'm excited about [Company]'s dining concept and growth plans. I'd welcome the chance to bring my restaurant leadership to your team.

Replace [Company] with the actual company name. Customize the details to match your experience.

Get started

Try it free. €5/month after.

Write your restaurant manager cover letter