5 Surprising Facts About Food Service Management

The food service industry earns almost $700 billion annually. According to the National Restaurant Association, the food services industry employs one out of ten people working in the United States. Food services managers are business savvy, detail oriented, have excellent problem solving and customer service skills, as well as organizational and leadership skills. Food service management is an industry where about 40% of those working in a management capacity are self-employed.

The success of any food service business depends largely on how well the business is managed. Competition in the food industry is fierce, and with social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, anyone can be a food critic and share their dining experience with the world. Food service management means managing the day-to-day operations of restaurants, cafeterias, schools lunchrooms, or any place that prepares and serves food and beverages to the public. So, if you've considering a future in food service management, here are five things you should know:

Opportunity does Exist

It isn't uncommon for the owner of a very successful restaurant to have gotten their start in the kitchen, stacking and washing dishes. Most food service managers worked their way up from an entry level position and have experience as cooks, food servers, and even dishwashers. Most people work in the industry before becoming a manager or managing their own business, because success in the food service industry depends upon the knowledge and skills of the business' management staff and their love for the industry.

Be Your Own Boss!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 321,400 food service managers in the industry in 2012. 40% of them own their own restaurant or a food service franchise.

Financial Skills Matter 

Food service management also includes the responsibility of managing a budget, financial transactions, paying bills, managing inventory, authorizing expenditures, and maintaining payroll records. Most food services managers also hire employees, train them, and schedule their work shifts.

The Food Service Industry Employees Millions

The food service industry touches the lives of many people, and it is estimated that one out of every four people has done some type of work in the industry. In fact, one in every three people's first job was in a restaurant. 

Education Does Open Doors

Even in the culinary world, education can open doors to opportunity! Earning an associate degree or a Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management can enhance your opportunities immensely. Exploring food service management from the management perspective also gives you insight into the financial aspect of food service management, operational aspect of food service management, and even the leadership aspect of food service management.

Culinary Institute of Virginia Reviews

Food service management isn't easy work, the hours are long, and the responsibilities are exhausting but if you enjoy working in the hospitality business, if you love to cook, and if you have a strong desire to own and operate your own business, then consider a future in food service management. One way to begin is to meet with a career advisor at the Culinary Institute of Virginia or just click here to request more information.

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