Foodservice managers are in charge of running businesses where food is prepared and served to customers. They must supervise employees and see that the building and equipment are maintained. They must follow safety policies and health regulations. They are also responsible for a range of paperwork, from purchase orders to payroll. Whether a foodservice manager does all these tasks personally, or has a staff of assistants to help, depends on the size of the operation. In smaller businesses, managers may even perform the roles of cooks, waiters, and buspersons. Ultimately, a foodservice manager’s goal is to make sure customers receive a positive dining experience.
To read more about the career of a foodservice manager, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Put yourself in the role of a foodservice manager at a smoothie bar. Like all foodservice managers, one of your key jobs is to choose menu items. How often new menu items are introduced varies with the type of establishment. At your smoothie bar, you like to introduce a new specialty smoothie for each season. Complete the following exercises to help you plan your new summer smoothie and explore a career in foodservice management.