High-level food service is your priority. Whether you’re applying to work on the wait staff or be in a supervisory role, you know you’ll achieve that with your top cleanliness, accuracy, and customer service skills.
Now, let’s set you on the road to writing a great cover letter to complement your restaurant resume and show restaurant hiring managers you’re the best fit for the job.
With so many qualifications, ranging from different types of food prep to understanding how to maintain health code standards, it’s only natural to wonder how to make a cover letter with all those elements included. Our restaurant cover letter examples will help by providing an easy template for success.
Copy this text for your restaurant cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Miami, FL 33101
(123) 456-7890
October 10, 2023
Sophia Anderson
The Surf Club Restaurant
123 Fictional Lane
Miami, FL 33101
Dear Ms. Anderson,
As a sommelier, my goal is to enrich culinary journeys with the perfect wine, a value The Surf Club Restaurant embodies relentlessly. Reading reviews from food critics extolling your exceptional dining experience appealed to my conviction that your restaurant upholds the values of excellence, in-depth wine knowledge, and hospitality.
The Forge entrusted me with the opportunity to showcase my food and wine pairing prowess. I managed a dynamic menu, advising on pairings that reflected seasonal trends and guests’ preferences. Consequently, we noticed a 27% increase in wine sales.
As head sommelier at Vinya Wine, my role involved creating a diverse wine list featuring handpicked choices from 476 vineyards worldwide. Guests were enthralled by the exquisite union of rare and distinctive vintages, accompanied by enlightening educational sessions that fueled a 41% surge in wine sales.
As a Vinos at the Venetian wine auction’s overseer, I meticulously ensured that all featured wines complied with federal and state regulations. My watchful approach fostered integrity across seven successive events without a single violation.
I’m confident I can enhance the superb atmosphere at The Surf Club Restaurant. I look forward to discussing how my skills fit in your establishment. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Thiago Rocha
Enclosures:
Resume
Application
2 letters of recommendation
Certifications
Why this cover letter works
- A sommelier demands in-depth knowledge of wine, including origin, grapevine varieties, wine pairing, wine list creation, and pertinent local regulations. Relay antidotes showing these proficiencies and knowledge in action, fortifying respective wins using genuine metrics.
- Take your restaurant cover letter introduction a notch higher by linking your passion for the viticulture industry and love for wine with the hiring restaurant’s mission and strides. Also, be sure to mention formal qualifications, such as sommelier certification.
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Restaurant General Manager Cover Letter Example
USE THIS TEMPLATE
Copy this text for your restaurant general manager cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85641
(123) 456-7890
October 10, 2023
Mason Davis
Red Lobster
123 Fictional Lane
Tucson, AZ 85641
Dear Mr. Davis:
In the bustling heart of a spirited family-owned bistro in Tucson, AZ, I discovered an ever-evolving dance – the riveting world of restaurant management. This intricate ballet of maintaining cost-efficiency while delivering five-star dining experiences has fueled my passion for managing and leading within the food services industry. I bring a rich blend of expertise in labor forecasting, food cost analysis, supply chain optimization, and a dash of familiar Tucson charm to the role of restaurant general manager at Red Lobster.
I have honed a practical, hands-on management style over six dynamic years in restaurant leadership, climaxing in my role as a manager at Tucson’s very own The Parish. I utilized savvy tools like FastCasual and advanced labor forecasting to direct a team of 79, slicing overtime by an impressive 24% and maintaining high service quality. This meticulous management recipe earned us a richly deserved 2019 Best Managed Operations award.
As a seasoned professional in food cost analysis, I significantly improved bottom-line results by a staggering 23% at Wildflower. I optimized the supply-demand balance using software such as PeachWorks and Ctuit, minimizing expenses and waste.
My foray into supply chain optimization was transformative at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant, where we witnessed a substantial 19% reduction in stock-out instances. Employing innovative resources like Posist and forging keen relationships with local suppliers, I revamped our ingredient sourcing protocols, spurring improvements in meal punctuality and skyrocketing customer satisfaction.
These experiences have refined my abilities to adapt quickly, work collaboratively, deliver high-quality results on time, and make meaningful connections. Red Lobster stands out as the next chapter in my journey, where I can continue serving fantastic seafood dining experiences for every guest. Looking forward to detailing how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sebastien Martin
Why this cover letter works
- Right off the bat, this restaurant general manager cover letter paints a picture of a candidate worth their salt, blending leadership finesse and a genuine love for the hospitality industry.
- Narrate examples of when your proficiency in hands-on management style, supply chain optimization, food analysis, and/or use of technology (Cue PeachWorks and Posist) fostered an impact in your previous workplaces. In this case, tangible results range from higher customer satisfaction to improved bottom line.
Copy this text for your restaurant host cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 88901
(123) 456-7890
October 10, 2023
Mia Hernandez
Caesars Entertainment
123 Fictional Lane
Las Vegas, NV 88901
Dear Ms. Hernandez,
In agreement with the sentiment that a dining experience can be unforgettable, my encounter at Caesars Entertainment embodies this belief. The combination of exquisite cuisine, outstanding service, and a sense of being genuinely valued as a guest touched a nerve with me. Fueled by my passion for crafting these remarkable moments and fortified by my skills in reservation management, and guest seating optimization, I’m thrilled to embark on this opportunity as the restaurant host at Caesars Entertainment.
Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of Vegas’s vibrant nightlife, I honed my reservation management prowess at the trendsetting Cosmopolitan. Skillfully adapting Resy software to oversee multiple reservation platforms, my team and I managed a nightly average of 62 reservations. By pinpointing busy periods and nimbly adjusting our approach, we elevated the filled seat count by 18% during peak times, accelerating turnover while leaving guests delighted with reduced waiting times.
My time at Chart House honed my knack for guest seating optimization as I identified patterns and developed well executed plans for accommodating various group sizes. This strategy, a brainchild I’m incredibly proud of, skyrocketed overall efficiency by a remarkable 22%. I tapped into Waitlist Me’s ingenuity, unlocking the potential of optimized seating arrangements, minimizing empty tables, and keeping turnover flowing smoothly.
Customer relationship management took on a magical quality during my days at the glamorous Eiffel Tower Las Vegas. Seamlessly blending Salesforce and my innate personal charm, my team and I delved into the depths of guest preferences. By tailoring experiences to individual tastes and proactively addressing concerns, we sent guest satisfaction rates soaring by 29%. To me, heartfelt gestures like a genuine smile, an affectionate “enjoy your meal,” or personalized touches make all the difference in making guests feel truly special.
Joining the esteemed ranks at Caesars Entertainment beckons as the next enticing chapter in my journey. I’m exhilarated by the prospect of orchestrating warm welcomes and crafting memories that will last a lifetime for our guests. Let’s discuss how I could be the next face welcoming visitors to your fantastic establishment.
Thank you,
Mateo Flores
Why this cover letter works
- Genuine motivation and objective for the role set a strong foundation for your restaurant host cover letter. However, enthusiasm alone won’t set you apart from the pack.
- Solidify your piece with key skills like reservation management, guest seat optimization, and adding warmth to customer relations with concrete, weaving in the application of industry-specific software like Resy, Waitlist Me, and Salesforce. Top off this combo with eagerness to discuss your qualifications and contribute to the team.
Related cover letter examples
How to Prepare an Effective Restaurant Cover Letter
Preparing a restaurant cover letter is like tailoring your service and cooking style to the needs of each customer. However, when applying to jobs, it’s not quite as simple as asking how someone wants their steak done or which sides they’d like.
Instead, review what they outline in the job description to understand each company’s needs and customize your cover letter accordingly. For instance, if you were applying to be a cook at a barbecue restaurant, your ability to operate grills, fryers, and broilers would be essential to emphasize in your cover letter.
Write a tailored greeting and intro for your restaurant cover letter
The first thing to do in your restaurant cover letter is greet the hiring manager by name. You can often find a contact person listed in the restaurant’s job description or on their website. However, if you can’t, simply leading with “Dear [name of restaurant] hiring staff” will work well too.
The next step is to relate to the restaurant’s mission and the essential skills they’re seeking in the first paragraph. For example, someone applying to be a waiter or waitress could explain how they want to use their customer service skills to help the restaurant achieve great tableside service that creates lasting memories for their guests.
The example below doesn’t do a great job since the applicant doesn’t greet anyone by name or relate to the restaurant’s specific mission or goals.
Lacking some details here!
Hello,
I was pleased to see your job opening for a kitchen supervisor. This looks like a great restaurant to work for, and I would be eager to use my five years of experience to help out in this role.
Instead, aim for an opener like the one below that shows the applicant’s passion for helping The Surf Club Restaurant achieve a great customer experience with in-depth wine knowledge.
A great opener relating to company values!
Dear Ms. Anderson,
As a sommelier, I aim to enrich culinary journeys with the perfect wine, a value The Surf Club Restaurant embodies relentlessly. Reading reviews from food critics extolling your exceptional dining experience appealed to my conviction that your restaurant upholds the values of excellence, in-depth wine knowledge, and hospitality.
How to make the body of your restaurant cover letter more impactful
When you get into the body of your restaurant cover letter, it’s time to show how your work experiences and skills will make you successful in the role.
One of the best ways to do so would be to detail metrics-based achievements that will be important to restaurants. For example, you could write about how you helped boost customer satisfaction ratings or used new cooking techniques to get orders prepared 15% faster.
You could also focus on transferable skills if you don’t have much restaurant-related experience. For instance, many jobs in other industries will help you build customer service skills or accurate performance while multitasking.
A great results-based body paragraph!
As a seasoned professional in food cost analysis, I significantly improved bottom-line results by a staggering 23% at Wildflower. I optimized the supply-demand balance using software such as PeachWorks and Ctuit, minimizing expenses and waste.
Come to a memorable closing of your restaurant cover letter
As you close your restaurant cover letter, making a lasting impression on hiring managers will be important.
A great way to do so is by relating to the restaurant’s mission and the top skills like kitchen sanitization or tableside service that you emphasized earlier.
Then, it’s a good idea to thank the hiring manager for their time and end with a light call to action, such as “I look forward to discussing this restaurant host position with you further.”
The closer below doesn’t do a great job since it doesn’t relate to any key details about the restaurant’s mission or the skills they seek.
Not a strong closer!
Thank you for reviewing my qualifications. I believe my skills will make me a great fit for your restaurant, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Jack Thompson
A better option is the closer below that relates to the meaningful connections and collaborative work experience that Red Lobster wants to achieve.
A closer that’s relevant to the restaurant’s needs!
These experiences have refined my abilities to adapt quickly, work collaboratively, deliver high-quality results on time, and make meaningful connections. Red Lobster stands out as the next chapter in my journey, where I can continue serving fantastic seafood dining experiences for every guest. I am looking forward to detailing how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sebastien Martin
Restaurant Cover Letter Tips
- Share examples of food service accuracy
- Whether writing down orders or whipping up expert-level dishes in the kitchen, accurate performance is essential to the customer experience. Therefore, including examples like how you implemented a new order management system using TouchBistro to boost accuracy by 47% will help you stand out.
- Show you can add a personable touch
- Do you know how to provide a great customer experience? Including metrics like customer satisfaction scores or the average reviews your restaurant received will show your personable abilities to create a great dining environment. Not to mention, greeting the hiring manager by name or showing your connection to the restaurant’s mission in your cover letter adds yet another example of how you personalize experiences.
- Don’t forget about technical restaurant skills
- Sharing your technical skills in restaurant technology, such as POS systems, or how you utilize cooking techniques will also show that you can perform effectively on the job. Review each job description to emphasize essential skills they’re seeking, such as preparing baked goods for a restaurant with an extensive dessert menu.
- Add transferable skills to restaurant tasks when needed
- Even if you haven’t worked at a restaurant before, you can still add transferable skills to show you have the right abilities. For example, if you worked at a grocery store, you may have picked up some food safety and customer service skills that will transfer well. You could also use achievements from your education, like receiving a great score on a project during a cooking class.
- Keep your restaurant cover letter on one page
- While you’re probably passionate about adding artistic garnishes to dishes or having great customer interactions, you don’t want to provide too many details that lose a hiring manager’s attention. A one-page restaurant cover letter will be the ideal length. If you’re running long, prompt ChatGPT to condense your cover letter.
You should always submit a cover letter with your resume and application, even if the restaurant lists it as optional. It’ll help you stand out by relating to their mission and the specific customer and food service skills they seek.
Restaurants are fast-paced, which means hiring managers review applications quickly. Therefore, you should keep your cover letter to a single page. It’ll help emphasize key skills, like food handling and kitchen safety, stand out.
The best way to optimize the tone of your restaurant cover letter is to try to match the job description’s tone. For instance, if you’re applying to a family-friendly restaurant with an energetic tone, matching that would show how you fit in with their culture. You could even mention how you’ll bring friendly and positive service with a smile while answering all customer questions.
