Running a restaurant – or possibly opening one – requires more than basic knowledge of great food and drinks. Long term success depends on a considerable array of things like leadership, customer service, food preparation, food safety, marketing and accounting. A degree in restaurant management can prepare someone in all of those things.

Earning a degree in restaurant or food service management is the best way to learning about kitchens, banquet halls, bars, and catering, helping someone work their way up in the food industry – from bartender, cook, or waiter to manager – or help someone meet the challenges that come from taking over a restaurant or bar and creating a more successful environment. During the management training of earning a degree, a student becomes an expert in the balance of business and creativity with an end goal of succeeding as a manager in both the back of (kitchen and staff) and front of (dining room and customers) house. To achieve this, students find themselves taking classes like:

• Sanitation
• Nutrition
• The Art and Science of Mixology
• Meetings and Events
• Marketing and Management
• Advanced Hospitality Operations

Reputable and enriching degree programs can be found both in person and online. In person programs are often best for people who need a lot of hands on training, while online programs might be a great fit for someone who is currently working a busy schedule – perhaps even someone currently working in the restaurant industry. Also, while some training can be earned in a two year program, most management programs are four year bachelor programs that cover more topics, including accounting, supervisory roles, legal issues, and inventory control.

Successful general managers might make about $48,000 a year – owners of restaurants and bars might make much less or much more depending on the restaurant and location, as well as the staff they hire and their ability to train them and plan a menu. A foundation for good restaurant practices – such as safety, customer interactions, meal specials, staff relations, and accounting issues – can be built upon to create a unique and distinctive restaurant experience, and this foundation certainly starts with a culinary or restaurant management degree.