Restaurant Manager
Denny's
The Breakroom Take
- Free food
- Recommended by students
- Respectful managers
About Denny's
Denny's is a 24/7 diner chain.
Job description from Denny's
Reporting to the General Manager, Restaurant Managers are responsible for the supervision of approximately 15 - 20 crew members, proper execution of the restaurant operations on their assigned shift, providing guests with a great dining experience, and upholding service and quality standards. Along with 1 - 2 other peer Restaurant Managers and/or Hourly Supervisors, Restaurant Managers will support the General Manager who has total accountability for the success of the restaurant. Restaurant Managers will be required to work day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as the schedules are rotated. Additional responsibilities include focus on employee selection and retention, continuous operational improvement, understanding profit and loss statements, operating plans, and costs. Restaurant Managers must have a strong commitment to guest satisfaction and exhibit Denny's Guiding Principles when interacting with others.
Job Responsibilities
These are areas of performance in which the Restaurant Manager must be successful to meet their accountabilities:
1. Guests: Makes sure that all employees put "Guests First" to ensure a respectful and enjoyable environment, satisfied guests, and repeat business.
2. People: Works with the General Manager to attract, hire, develop, coach, and retain hourly employees to ensure an engaged, high-performing team. Does so by:
- Working to create and maintain a respectful and enjoyable environment for our employees.
- Assisting effectively with recruiting and selecting.
- Using corporate training programs, individual development plans, and work assignments to develop employees' knowledge and skills.
- Providing timely, constructive coaching and feedback.
3. Restaurant Operations: Assists the General Manager by overseeing assigned shifts to ensure that Denny's Brand Standards for food and service are consistently achieved. Does this by making sure that guest service, food preparation, handling, and storage guidelines are constantly followed.
4. Restaurant Sanitation: Assists the General Manager by overseeing assigned shifts to ensure that Denny's Brand Standards for restaurant sanitation are consistently achieved. Does this by enforcing sanitary practices for the general cleanliness and maintenance of the restaurant.
5. Financials: Assists the General Manager in interpreting financial and operational reports and schedules. Works with the General Manager to identify gaps in operating performance and to develop solutions to ensure that controllable profit goals are achieved.
6. Growth: Helps drive sales, guest count, and profit for the restaurant by developing relationships in the community with civic, business, school, and professional organizations.
7. Security: Monitors to ensure that proper security procedures are in place to protect guests, employees, and company assets.
8. Asset Management: Monitors to ensure that proper cash handling and inventory management procedures are in place to protect and conserve company assets.
9. Compliance: Maintains compliance with all Denny's employment policies, as well as state, local, and federal regulations.
10. Problem Resolution: Proactively ensures that problems are addressed and resolved (such as customer complaints, employee relations issues, facilities or security issues, etc.). Brings appropriate issues to the attention of the General Manager, recommends correction, and participates in the resolution as required.
11. Teamwork: Performs other duties as needed or assigned; willingly assists others without being asked.
Competencies
1. Focusing on Guests: Has a 'Guests First' mindset. Understands who his/her guests are and is dedicated to exceeding their expectations. Puts guests firsts while balancing the needs and priorities of the business to create win/win solutions.
2. Driving for Results: Is 'Hungry To Win' for self, team, and Brand. Pushes self and others for results that move the business forward. Can be counted on to meet or exceed goals successfully.
3. Working Collaboratively: Values and lives the 'Power of We' through words and actions. Works well with all people - guests, franchisees, support employees, supervisors, subordinates, peers, vendors, etc. Is able to build and effectively manage productive relationships. Recognizes individual's contributions and works with and through others to achieve common goals.
4. Personal Accountability and Decision Making: Earns the respect and trust of others by taking initiative and honoring commitments. Makes timely, informed decisions and owns outcomes for those decisions. Is open to new and differing perspectives when making a decision. Understands the impact of his/her words and actions and strives to be a positive influence on others.
5. Managing Talent: Understands the Denny's family is our most important asset and sees each member of the team as a valuable part of the whole. Surrounds self with the best team and makes tough, yet timely and appropriate, people decisions. Provides effective, timely feedback and coaching. Selects strong, competent candidates and is able to develop strong leaders by providing challenging assignments.
6. Planning, Prioritizing, and Organizing: Is able to identify and focus on critical priorities. Manages time and resources of self and team effectively. Creates focus, obtains resources, and eliminates roadblocks.
Essential Functions
1. Must be able to lift a tray weighing up to 25 lbs
2. Must be able to lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 60 lbs and place items on high and low shelves in office, store rooms, service areas, walk-in coolers, and freezers
3. Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, lift, and grasp
4. Must be able to hear well in a loud environment to respond to employee and guest needs
5. Must meet any state, county, or municipal regulation pertaining to health risk concerns about food handling
6. Must be able to operate point-of-sale system and differentiate between monetary denominations
7. Must be able to work with all Denny's menu products
8. Must be able to work around potentially hazardous chemicals
9. Must have sufficient mobility to move and operate in confined work area
10. Must work inside and outside
11. Must be able to observe staff and all aspects of restaurant operations
12. Must be able to stand and walk during an 8 to 10 hour shift; occasional shifts in excess of 10 hours may be required due to the demands of the business
13. Must be able to tolerate extreme temperature changes in kitchen and freezer areas
Position Qualifications
1. Minimum of 2 years experience in restaurant, hospitality, or retail management; additional operations and/or leadership experience strongly preferred
2. Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
3. Food Safety Manager certification required
4. Strong organizational skills with excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization
5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language
6. Possesses basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
7. Places a value on diversity and shows respect for others
8. Proven ability to problem solve and handle high stress situations
9. Ability to interpret financial statements and understand contributing factors
10. Must be able to perform job duties of every position
11. Must be prepared to multitask in accordance with the demands of the business
12. Ability to identify and anticipate opportunities and implement corrective action steps
13. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings
14. Periodic travel to include occasional overnight travel and airline travel when applicable
15. Licensed to operate an automobile without hours of operations restrictions
16. Has reliable transportation in order to meet banking obligations
Denny's Guiding Principles
1. Guests First
They're more than just customers or consumers. They are our guests and we invite them into our homes with open arms. They are the very reason why we are in business and the center of everything we do.
2. Embrace Openness
Open means so much more than just being open for business 24/7. It means being open to all people, appetites and budgets. It says we are open-minded and open to new ideas. Honest, warm and inviting. Open is the way we think and act every hour of every day.
3. Proud of Our Heritage
We are the classic American diner and proud of everything that means. Since 1953, we have served quality food and healthy portions at a fair price. No matter where we are, our light is always on inviting guests around the world to a place where everyone is welcome.
4. Hungry to Win
At Denny's, we are constantly looking ahead. We are always moving, striving for more, hungry for greatness. We are open to fresh, innovative thinking. We believe we will succeed through teamwork, accountability and pushing the boundaries of ourselves and our Brand.
5. The Power of We
Our Denny's family is our most important asset. We trust, support and respect each other and work together for the greater good. We recognize the contributions of all and empower each and every one of us to achieve great things. Together, we will celebrate our successes and have fun doing it.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or tasks which may be required to be performed in this position.
Denny's may amend, change, or modify the responsibilities and duties of this position to meet business needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment and may be changed at the discretion of Denny's with or without notice.
What employees say
Pay
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Okay
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Only some people get paid sick leave
Does Denny's give managers paid sick leave?
Sometimes. Only some people get paid leave when they’re sick.
How we know this
47% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
Most US companies don’t have to pay you when you’re sick - only some states require it.
But we believe a good job should pay you when you can’t work because you’re sick. Everyone gets sick sometimes.
Needs improving
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Most people do unpaid extra work
Do managers at Denny's do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Yes. Lots of people do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
73% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
You should be paid for all the work you do.
A good job pays you for every minute you spend working for your employer.
Hours and flexibility
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Needs improving
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Less than 4 weeks notice of work schedule
How far ahead of time do managers find out their work schedule?
Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
How we know this
- 20% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
- 50% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
- 10% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
- 20% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
We believe your workplace should tell you your schedule at least 4 weeks ahead of time.
You need to know when you’ll be working so you can plan your life and know how much money you’ll earn.
Okay
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Can be hard to get time off
How easy is it for managers to get time off at Denny's?
Some people find it hard to get time off.
How we know this
47% of people report it’s hard to get time off.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should let you use your vacation time when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a hassle to arrange.
Good
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Schedules don’t get changed at the last minute
Do Denny's managers change managers schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
How we know this
73% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
If your bosses keep changing your schedule at the last minute, that shows they aren’t planning well.
Good jobs don’t switch your hours around without warning.
Needs improving
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Most people find it hard to take sick leave
How easy is it for managers to take sick leave at Denny's?
Most people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
77% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes.
You should be able to stay home when you need to get better.
A good job should make it easy to take sick time and have clear steps for letting them know you’re sick.
Workplace
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Okay
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Only some people feel treated with respect
Do managers at Denny's feel treated with respect by their managers?
Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
36% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
Your boss should treat you with respect.
No one at work should bully you or treat you unfairly.
If you have a problem, you should be able to talk to someone else who can help.
Needs improving
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Most people are stressed out
Is it stressful for managers to work at Denny's?
Most people feel stressed out here.
How we know this
93% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
Work can be hard sometimes, but you shouldn’t feel stressed all the time.
Your boss should make sure there are enough people and resources to get the work done without feeling overwhelmed.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do managers at Denny's recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
60% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
The people you work with every day are important. They can make the difference between a bad day and a good one.
Okay
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Only some people get enough training
Do managers get enough training when they start at Denny's?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
47% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should train you well from your first day, not just throw you into the deep end.
Nobody can do their job well without proper training at the start.
Good
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Most people get support to advance
Do managers get support to advance at Denny's?
Most people are given support to advance their career here.
How we know this
In the last year, 93% of people report being given support to advance their career here.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should help you grow, if you want to.
This could mean getting better at your current job, learning new things, becoming a team leader, or taking on more duties.
This helps you build skills and earn more money.
Okay
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Headquarters only partly understands what's happening
Do managers think Denny's’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Some people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
64% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
In a good job, the people running the organisation should support the workers who do the hands-on work.
To do this well, they need to know what’s really happening at each location.
This is extra important when an organisation has many different sites.
Good
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Most people feel well informed by headquarters
Do managers feel well informed about how Denny's is doing?
Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
71% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
Why this matters
A good employer shares news with all its workers.
You should know how your employer is doing - both the good news and the problems.
Managers should keep you updated about what’s happening.
What Denny's employees say about their job
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Best thing
hours and employee discounts.
Worst thing
to much to say
Line cook at Denny's, June 2025
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Best thing
Free food
Worst thing
Taking on too much
Dishwasher at Denny's, May 2025
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About this pay
CloseEstimated pay
This pay estimate is based on data from 13 Denny's employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2025.
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