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Food Service Manager Career Interview
Howard Johnston has worked in the hospitality industry since college and has worked as the Senior Food and Beverage Manager for six years at the Union League Club of Chicago, which was ranked at the #1 city club in America by Club Leaders Forum in 2009.
Food Service Manager Career Path
A career in food service manager awaited Howard even when he was quite young. “I started as a caddy at a private club at age 13,” he says, “and I stayed there and worked various jobs until I got a scholarship to college. I decided to maintain a focus in the hospitality industry, so that’s what I majored in.” After graduating from college, he continued down this path.
Food Service Manager Experiences
Howard has worked at the Union League Club of Chicago for the last six years with a focus on food and beverage in the hospitality industry. He has worked in private clubs his entire career, including working as a banquet waiter, cocktail waiter, and the manager of a small staff. He went to Purdue University for a Bachelor’s degree in science and hospitality/tourism management.
Food Service Manager Degree Programs
“A Bachelor’s degree in hospitality is key,” says Howard. “You also have to know a lot about the industry through working your way up the ladder, but you have to have at least that degree.” Of course, to move further up the chain of management, you need a lot more experience than just knowing the basics.
Food Service Manager Job Description
Howard is the senior food and beverage manager at the Union League Club of Chicago. “What that means is that I oversee all of the a la carte service areas, I’m responsible for the food and dining areas, and I’m in charge of training and maintaining the staff,” says Howard. Howard is also in charge of other areas in the club, such as managing the wine list for clients.
Food Service Manager Daily Routine
“I start off by making sure that the side work is set up for lunch and that the computers are ready to accept orders from clients,” says Howard. He then conducts meetings with the staff to make them aware of any specific needs for that day’s clients, take reservations and handle any special requests and service issues, and then supervise the dining hall until everything is packed up after the event.
Food Service Manager Career: Steps to Success
A knowledge and understanding of each of the services performed in the place of business are crucial for a food service manager. A manager should know exactly who does what and what each staff member is responsible for.
“A successful manager should know how to clear and bus a table, how to serve wine, and all of the other skills necessary in the service industry,” says Howard. Food service managers should also be aware of financial issues so that the budget can be maintained and they can keep costs under control.
Food Service Manager Job Opportunities
Since there are so many restaurants, clubs, hotels, and other places that have dining halls and banquet halls all over the country, the field of food service management is one filled with opportunities.
Food Service Manager Career Favorite Aspect
“Having an event that goes well and seeing the reactions of the guests,” says Howard. “When you are able to blow away the expectations of the clients, it is very fulfilling.”
Food Service Manager Future Ambitions
Howard hopes to become a general manager of a private club. “To do that,” he says, “I would need to find the right opportunity and have a little bit more experience. A general manager sees the club as a whole and works with all of its components, and right now, I only see what I’m involved in.”
Advice for Future Food Service Managers
“Be well-rounded,” says Howard. “You should focus on everything rather than having a main specialty. You should try to learn a little bit about the entire operation as you work your way up.”
Howard also suggests for prospective food service managers to get involved in various associations in the industry because they help with networking and give you the opportunity for continuing education, which is important in this changing field.
Also, always be kind and courteous. “Remember people that you’ve worked for and worked with because you never know what this industry will do. You might end up working for someone who started off below you,” Howard advises.
