Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for F&B Manager Roles – 2026

As a food and beverage manager, you play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and success of a restaurant, hotel, or other hospitality establishment. To help you secure your dream job, here are 20 top interview questions and answers that cover all aspects of the role.

General Questions

• 1. What motivated you to pursue a career in F&B management?
  Answer: I have always been passionate about food, and I love the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. F&B management allows me to combine my love for food with my skills in leadership, organization, and customer service.
  
  
• 2. What do you know about our company and our values?
  Answer: I have researched your company extensively and am impressed by your commitment to providing guests with exceptional dining experiences. I also appreciate your focus on sustainability and your involvement in the local community.

Behavioral Questions

• 3. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult guest?
  Answer: In my previous role as an F&B manager, a guest became increasingly dissatisfied with their meal. I approached the table, listened to their concerns, offered solutions, and ultimately resolved the issue to their satisfaction. The key was remaining calm and empathetic throughout the interaction.
  
  
• 4. How do you handle conflicts within your team?
  Answer: My approach is always to address conflicts promptly and confidentially, while also considering the viewpoints of each team member. I strive to find a resolution that benefits the team and the overall goals of the establishment.

Situational Questions

• 5. How would you handle a situation where the kitchen is short-staffed during a busy dinner service?
  Answer: I would immediately assess the situation and reallocate tasks to ensure that all necessary tasks are being covered. I would also communicate with the kitchen team to see if they require assistance or if there are any tasks that can be temporarily put on hold to reduce their workload.
  
  
• 6. What would you do if the budget for a special event was exceeded?
  Answer: In this case, I would review the event costs and identify areas where we can make adjustments without compromising the quality of the event. I would also communicate with the event coordinator and the finance team to find a solution that stays within the budget and meets the client’s expectations.

Technical Questions

• 7. What experience do you have with managing inventory and ordering supplies?
  Answer: I have extensive experience in managing inventory and forecasting the demand for supplies in a food and beverage establishment. In my previous role, I implemented an inventory management system that reduced waste and lowered costs by 20%.
  
  
• 8. How important is food safety to you, and how do you ensure it is maintained in the kitchen?
  Answer: Food safety is of the utmost importance in any food and beverage establishment. I have a thorough understanding of food safety regulations and regularly conduct training sessions with my team to ensure proper handling, storage, and preparation of food.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 9. How do you handle customer complaints about the quality of food or service?
  Answer: My approach is to always listen to the customer’s concerns with empathy and take steps to address their issue promptly. I also believe in going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
  
  
• 10. How do you handle a situation where a team member is consistently underperforming?
  Answer: I believe in coaching and guiding team members to help them improve their performance. I would have an open and honest conversation with the team member, identify any root causes for their underperformance, and work with them to create a plan for improvement.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 11. What experience do you have with menu planning and development?
  Answer: I have extensive experience with menu planning and development, including creating seasonal menus, incorporating customer feedback, and analyzing sales data to determine the most popular dishes. I also have excellent knowledge of food trends, dietary restrictions, and cost control.
  
  
• 12. Have you ever implemented cost-saving measures in your previous role as an F&B manager?
  Answer: Yes, in my previous role, I identified areas where we can reduce costs without compromising quality, such as optimizing portion sizes, negotiating better deals with suppliers, and implementing energy-saving initiatives.

Leadership & Management

• 13. How do you motivate and empower your team to provide excellent customer service?
  Answer: I believe in leading by example and creating a positive and collaborative work environment. I regularly recognize and appreciate my team’s efforts and provide them with the tools and support they need to excel in their roles.
  
  
• 14. Can you give an example of how you have handled a difficult team member?
  Answer: In my previous role, I had a team member who was consistently late to work and had a negative attitude. I addressed the issue privately, listened to their concerns, and provided guidance and support to help improve their behavior. This ultimately resulted in a much more positive and productive team member.

Customer Service

• 15. What steps do you take to ensure that customers have an exceptional dining experience?
  Answer: I believe in consistently providing exceptional service and always making the customer feel valued and appreciated. This includes regularly checking on the quality of the food and service, making personal connections with guests, and addressing any issues promptly.
  
  
• 16. How do you handle a situation where a customer has a severe food allergy?
  Answer: I have extensive knowledge and experience with food allergies, and I take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of customers with allergies. I communicate with the kitchen team, ensure proper handling and storage of allergenic ingredients, and provide detailed information to the customer about their meal options.

Sales & Marketing

• 17. Are you familiar with implementing sales and promotions in a food and beverage establishment?
  Answer: Yes, I have experience with developing and implementing sales and promotions to attract new customers and retain returning ones. This includes creating special menus for holidays, collaborating with local businesses for cross-promotion, and utilizing social media to advertise promotions.
  
  
• 18. How do you handle a situation where a customer wants to make a complaint about an experience?
  Answer: I would take the time to listen to the customer’s concerns and offer a sincere apology for any inconvenience they may have experienced. I would then take the necessary steps to rectify the situation and follow up with the customer to ensure their satisfaction.

Personal Qualities & Traits

• 19. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a fast-paced and high-stress situation?
  Answer: In my previous role, a large event was unexpectedly booked, and we had less than 24 hours to prepare for it. I led my team in prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and maintaining a calm and organized environment. The event was a success, and we received positive feedback from the client.
  
  
• 20. What motivates you to excel in your role as an F&B manager?
  Answer: I am motivated by the satisfaction of providing exceptional service and seeing happy customers. I am also driven by the challenge of constantly improving processes and procedures to enhance the overall success of the establishment.