Most food service managers have less than a bachelor’s degree; however, employers prefer those with a college degree for many food service manager positions. Many food service management companies and national or regional restaurant chains recruit management trainees from two and four year college hospitality or food service management programs, which require internships and real-life experience to graduate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Check out the hospitality degree programs.  Lincoln College of New England has an associate’s degree in hospitality management.  Kapi’olani Community College offers a hotel/restaurant operations two-year degree.  

The University of Phoenix has a bachelor of science in business with a concentration in hospitality management program.  This undergraduate degree program develops students- knowledge and skills in lodging management, food and beverage operations management, facilities management, and events and recreation planning.

The median annual salary for food service managers was $51,400 as of May 2009 data.  Food service managers are responsible for the daily operations of restaurants and food institutions that prepare and serve meals and beverages to customers. Food service managers work with the general manager and the executive chef to run the operation properly.  They must be checking that ingredients are ordered and fresh, and ensure that customers are satisfied.