-
-
Sort through our administrative resume examples to see what works best for you.
-
Our sales resume examples can help you write the best possible resume.
-
Explore our food service resume examples to show your skills effectively.
-
Start crafting your job-winning resume with our teaching resume examples.
-
-
-
Use our administrative cover letter examples for ideas on writing your own.
-
Use our sales cover letter examples to effectively show your sales accumen.
-
Write your job-winning cover letter following our nursing cover letter examples.
-
Learn to tell your story in education using our teaching cover letter examples.
-
- Our customers have been hired by*
Entry-Level Restaurant Owner Resume
This resume example effectively illustrates the achievements and leadership skills of career changers, making it an ideal choice for those transitioning into a restaurant owner role.
Why this resume works:
A strong academic foundation shows the candidate is well-prepared to transition into this role.
Mid-Career Restaurant Owner Resume
This resume example is perfect for restaurant owners with established experience who are eager to drive profitability and improve customer satisfaction in a competitive market.
Why this resume works:
Mid-career restaurant owners can highlight achievements like increasing profit margins by 25% in one year or expanding their restaurant chain with two new locations. They may also quantify success by reducing kitchen prep time by 15% and improving customer satisfaction through innovative menu development that earned a Customer Choice Award.
Experienced Restaurant Owner Resume
This restaurant owner resume example highlights a proven track record in driving growth and operational excellence, ideal for experienced professionals aiming for leadership roles.
Why this resume works:
Leadership roles and advanced certifications underscore the ability to manage complex scenarios.
Looking for something else?
Create Your Standout Resume Today
Use our resume examples for inspiration on organization, color, and design—and learn how to effectively summarize your restaurant owner skills and experience with confidence.
How to Write a Restaurant Owner Resume
Mastering how to write a resume is important for restaurant owners, as it allows you to highlight your unique value and experiences beyond merely listing credentials. By effectively showcasing your skills in management, customer service, and culinary expertise, you can stand out in a competitive market.
In the upcoming sections, we will guide you through the process with valuable resume tips that capture attention. You'll learn about essential components such as your work history and achievements, along with strategies for presenting your restaurant vision clearly and compellingly.
Start with your contact info
The header section contains all your contact information, clearly displayed at the top of your resume. Start by placing your name in a bold, larger font to capture attention immediately. Using a distinct font style or a subtle background color can improve visibility and make it stand out among other applications.
Next, include vital contact details such as your email address, phone number, and location; city and state are typically sufficient. This information is essential for potential investors or partners to reach you easily and helps streamline communication regarding business opportunities.
Additionally, consider including links to relevant certifications or training programs that showcase your expertise in the restaurant industry. If you have an online presence such as a website or social media profiles that highlight your restaurant's offerings or achievements, these can further enrich your application and demonstrate credibility in managing a successful establishment.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary acts as your introduction on a restaurant owner's resume, located just beneath your contact details. This section is important as it sets the tone for what follows and grabs the attention of hiring managers.
In this summary, highlight your relevant experience, key accomplishments, and specific skills that make you an ideal applicant. Customizing this section to fit the job description shows employers that you understand their needs and are genuinely interested in their establishment.
Exploring resume summary examples can provide valuable insights into effective phrasing and organization. These resources can inspire you to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your unique qualifications.
Strong vs weak restaurant owner summary
Strong
"Dynamic restaurant owner with over eight years of experience in the hospitality industry. Proven track record of increasing revenue by 30% through innovative marketing strategies and exceptional customer service. Skilled in staff management, inventory control, and menu development, holding certifications in food safety and business management. Recognized for creating a welcoming atmosphere that improves guest experiences."
Why this example works: This summary effectively outlines the job seeker's extensive experience, highlights measurable achievements such as revenue growth, emphasizes essential skills like staff management and menu development, and incorporates relevant keywords found in restaurant ownership job descriptions.
Weak
"Restaurant owner seeking a new opportunity to manage and operate a dining establishment. I have some experience in the food industry and enjoy working with customers."
Why this example doesn't work: This professional summary is weak and generic, lacking specific details about the owner's actual achievements, management skills, or relevant experience in the restaurant sector.
Highlight key interpersonal skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution on your restaurant owner resume. Use specific examples from past experiences that illustrate how these skills improved customer satisfaction or improved staff collaboration, showcasing your ability to lead a harmonious dining environment.
Share your work history
Your work history is a important element of your resume. Listing your experience in reverse chronological order ensures that employers see your most recent accomplishments first. This format not only highlights your career growth but also makes it easier for recruiters to evaluate your suitability for the role.
When detailing your work history, focus on:
- Job title and restaurant name
- Dates of ownership (month and year)
- Daily operations (What tasks did you manage daily?)
- Key achievements (Did you improve menu offerings or increase sales?)
- Quantifiable results (For example, "boosted revenue by 30% in one year.")
Finally, remember to use powerful action verbs to make each job description engaging.
Strong vs weak restaurant owner work history
Strong
Restaurant Owner, Gourmet Bistro
2018–2024
- Increased annual revenue by 40% through strategic marketing campaigns and menu optimization.
- Implemented a staff training program that improved customer satisfaction ratings by 25%.
- Reduced food costs by 15% while maintaining quality through supplier negotiations and inventory management.
Why this example works: A strong work history for a restaurant owner highlights specific achievements and measurable outcomes, showcasing your ability to drive growth and efficiency. It emphasizes relevant managerial skills, financial acumen, and leadership capabilities that reflect both operational success and customer engagement.
Weak
Restaurant Owner
Gourmet Eats
- Managed restaurant operations and staff.
- Oversaw menu planning and budgeting.
Why this example doesn't work: This entry is ineffective because it lacks specific details about the type of cuisine, size of the restaurant, or duration of ownership.
If you have over 10 years of experience as a restaurant owner, consider using a chronological resume format. This approach lets you effectively highlight your growth in the industry, your management skills, and the successful establishments you've operated, showcasing your long-term commitment and expertise.
Highlight your key skills
The skills section of your resume is essential for demonstrating your strengths as a restaurant owner. Here's a rundown of various skills and their significance in improving your business operations:
- Soft skills are personal attributes that demonstrate how you engage with others—like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. For restaurant owners, abilities such as conflict resolution and customer service play an important role in creating a positive dining experience and building strong relationships with both staff and patrons.
- Hard skills refer to specific technical abilities acquired through training, education, or hands-on experience in the restaurant industry. A restaurant owner might need skills like menu development, inventory management, food safety compliance, and staff training.
- Technical skills essential for a restaurant owner include expertise in point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and scheduling platforms. Examples of these skills include using Toast for payments, SimpleOrder for inventory tracking, and Deputy for staff scheduling.
For restaurant owners just starting out, highlight your skills at the top of your resume to showcase your talents despite limited experience. If you have a wealth of experience, position the skills section after your work history to let your accomplishments speak for themselves.
Top 15 skills for your restaurant owner resume
To create a powerful resume as a restaurant owner, focus on showcasing skills that highlight your management capabilities. Combine soft skills like leadership and customer service with hard skills such as budgeting and inventory management. Including transferable skills will show how your expertise can benefit different aspects of the hospitality industry.
Here’s a list of the top 15 most valuable skills for restaurant owners, based on insights from JobHero users. These skills reflect what employers prioritize in the food service sector and can help distinguish your resume from the competition.
Build your education section
For seasoned restaurant owners with extensive experience, the education section can take a backseat on your resume. Focus on showcasing your entrepreneurial journey and operational successes instead. If you have degrees or certifications that are not directly related to running a restaurant, consider placing this information towards the end or omitting it altogether.
In contrast, recent graduates entering the culinary field should highlight their educational achievements prominently. Place your degree at the top of your resume and include any relevant coursework, internships, or projects that demonstrate your skills and passion for the industry.
For those transitioning into specialized areas within hospitality, such as wine management or food safety consulting, education becomes important. Ensure that you detail all relevant qualifications and certifications to stand out in a competitive market.
20 action verbs to add to your resume
Using action verbs in your resume significantly improves its impact by effectively communicating your experiences and achievements. They create a dynamic tone that captures the attention of hiring managers, making your qualifications stand out.
When crafting your resume, choose action verbs that resonate with the restaurant industry and reflect key skills highlighted in job postings. This alignment demonstrates your suitability for the role while showcasing relevant expertise.
- Directed
- Oversaw
- Optimized
- Improved
- Facilitated
- Executed
- Led
- Trained
- Promoted
- Scheduled
- Cultivated
- Resolved
- Streamlined
- Negotiated
- Sustained
- Analyzed
- Created
- Engaged
- Balanced
- Developed
Consider additional resume sections
In addition to essential details, including targeted sections in your resume can emphasize your unique qualifications. These additions enable potential investors or partners to quickly recognize your skills, experiences, and accomplishments that extend beyond standard entries.
Here are optional sections often found on restaurant owner resumes:
- Culinary expertise: Highlight specific cuisines or cooking techniques you specialize in to demonstrate your culinary skills.
- Business certifications: List relevant certifications such as food safety manager or hospitality management credentials.
- Financial performance metrics: Showcase key financial achievements like revenue growth percentages or cost reduction strategies you've implemented.
- Marketing initiatives: Describe successful marketing campaigns or community engagement efforts that increased brand visibility.
- Community involvement: Include participation in local events or charitable activities that highlight your commitment to the community.
5 Tips for Formatting Your Resume
Proper resume formatting is important for job seekers as it improves readability and creates a lasting impression on recruiters. Using ATS-friendly resume templates ensures your application not only captures attention but also navigates through automated filters effectively.
1. Space your lines and margins
Proper spacing helps your resume look clean and organized, making it easier for hiring managers to read. Adequate spacing not only improves the visual appeal but also emphasizes key information. Here's what works best:
- Keep margins between 0.5″ to 1.0″ for a balanced look.
- Use single spacing between paragraphs and bullet points to maintain clarity.
- Increase the space to 1.5″ or double-space between sections for better separation.
2. Use a professional font
Selecting the right fonts for your restaurant menu is important for presentation and readability. Opt for professional resume font choices such as:
- Helvetica
- Garamond
- Verdana
- Trebuchet MS
- Tahoma
- Baskerville
For your restaurant's name at the top of the menu, consider a unique font that reflects your brand’s style to draw attention.
3. Organize your resume sections
A resume for a restaurant owner should be clear and concise. Break down your achievements into bullet points to improve readability. Start each bullet with a strong action verb, such as "Increased," "Managed," or "Developed." For example, describing how you "Increased annual revenue by 25% through targeted marketing campaigns" showcases both your role and the measurable success you achieved.
Highlighting specific accomplishments is important in demonstrating your impact. Use quantifiable results whenever possible. For instance, the statement "Reduced food costs by 15% while maintaining quality standards" illustrates effective management skills that are essential for potential employers to notice.
To ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS), use an ATS resume checker. This tool will help identify keywords tailored to the restaurant industry, ensuring that your application stands out in competitive job markets.
4. Use colors and design
Using color and design elements in your resume can set you apart in the competitive restaurant industry. A thoughtfully designed resume not only attracts attention but also communicates your brand as a restaurant owner.
Begin by selecting a suitable pre-made resume template. The combination resume format is particularly effective, allowing you to showcase your skills prominently next to your work history, making key competencies stand out.
Next, choose a professional color scheme. Opt for earth tones or rich colors like deep green or warm brown that resonate with the hospitality sector. These colors can improve the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the content.
Avoid bright or garish colors that might distract from your qualifications. It’s also wise to steer clear of color schemes used by direct competitors to maintain a unique identity. By focusing on professional design choices, you’ll create a resume that effectively represents your expertise and passion for the restaurant business.
How to use color in creative fields
As a restaurant owner, showcasing your unique culinary vision and management skills in your resume is important. Consider using vibrant imagery or menus to highlight your creativity and expertise. Incorporate tasteful design elements such as elegant fonts and well-chosen colors that reflect the ambiance of your establishment. For example, a high-end restaurant might benefit from refined styles and understated tones, while a lively bistro could embrace bold visuals and playful accents. Always ensure that these choices align with the essence of your brand and resonate with potential business partners or investors.
5. Keep your resume length to 1-2 pages
Resumes should generally be one page. This length keeps your information concise and ensures that hiring managers can quickly see your qualifications. Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills that align with the job you're targeting, omitting less relevant roles or repetitive details.
In some cases, extending to two pages may be beneficial, such as for applicants with extensive experience seeking senior-level positions. Alternatively, if you're applying for academic roles or research positions, a CV is often more appropriate due to its comprehensive nature. Always tailor your document to highlight what matters most for each opportunity.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
Even if a cover letter isn't required, writing a cover letter can set you apart from other job seekers. It allows you to share your unique story and highlight your key qualifications in more detail. This added context can make all the difference in how employers perceive your application.
If you're unsure where to start, explore our collection of cover letter examples for inspiration tailored to various positions. Once you're ready to create your own, try using our Cover Letter Builder, which provides structured guidance to simplify the process.
What is the best resume format?
Choosing the best resume format depends on your career situation and goals. The three primary formats are chronological, functional, and combination, each designed to highlight different aspects of your experience.
The chronological format is ideal for those with extensive work history as it showcases their employment timeline. The functional format emphasizes skills and qualifications, making it a great choice for newcomers to the workforce. Finally, the combination format offers a balanced approach, suitable for individuals transitioning careers or at mid-level stages who want to showcase both experience and skills effectively.
How long should my Restaurant Owner resume be?
As a restaurant owner, your resume should ideally be one page long. This length allows you to present your key skills and experiences succinctly, which is important when hiring managers are reviewing numerous applications. Highlight your most relevant restaurant management experience, including achievements in operations, customer service, and team leadership.
Remove any unrelated work history or excessive details about previous roles that don’t pertain to the restaurant industry.
Consider a two-page resume only if you have extensive experience, multiple locations under your management, or significant accomplishments that showcase your leadership abilities in this competitive field. In such cases, the additional space can effectively illustrate your qualifications.
Should I use the same resume for every job?
No, using the same resume for every application is not advisable. Tailoring your resume to each job improves your chances of standing out. Start by adjusting specific sections to align with the job description, focusing on relevant skills and experiences that match what the employer seeks. Incorporate keywords from the posting as many companies use ATS systems that filter resumes based on these terms before human review. Refreshing your resume for each application ensures it resonates with hiring managers and passes initial screenings.
What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?
A resume is a concise document, typically one page, that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences tailored for a specific job application. It focuses on key achievements and qualifications.
In contrast, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is more comprehensive, often spanning two to six pages. It provides an in-depth look at your entire academic and professional history, including publications, research projects, and other relevant details. For insights on how to write a CV, you can find detailed guidance online.
Resumes are commonly used in the business world, while CVs are typically required for positions in academia or research fields.
To gain clarity on how to structure these documents effectively, I recommend reviewing CV examples as you prepare your application.
Build a custom resume in minutes with our professional templates and expert tips.
Gabriela Hernandez
CPRW, Career WriterGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches and has worked in the career industry for more than four years providing comprehensive guidance on resume writing and job search strategies for individuals across diverse career paths. She holds a bachelor's in journalism and is passionate about helping job seekers present their professional story effectively through well-crafted resumes and cover letters that demonstrate their value, skills, and experience to potential employers. Some of her work has been featured on JobHero’s resume examples career center.
More Resources
By Gabriela Barcenas | CPRW, Career Writer
By Natalia Merced | CPRW, Career Writer
By Gabriela Barcenas | CPRW, Career Writer
