What is the best route to take to become a restaurant manager?

Doug F: What is the best route to take to become a restaurant manager?
I would like to get into the restaurant business. My resume shows two years of college, 4 years of waiting tables/bartending, and 12 years of self employment(non-restaurant related).I really don’t want to start out as waiter and work my way up. What is my best approach to applying for a restaurant manager position? Do they hire outsiders w/out prior restaurant management exp.?

Just looking to see if anyone has experiences with this or maybe give me some tips (so to speak).

Thanks
Jon

Answers and Views:

Answer by Steve D
You don’t mention which field your degree is in. If it is in business, that should qualify you to apply for and get assistant manager’s positions at any of the casual dining restaurants (i.e., Ruby Tuesday’s, Applebees, Outback). While not the most glamorous or high-paying of jobs, a few years should give you the overall experience necessary to run a more targeted restaurant (either your own or as a manager).

I would also suggest returning to school part-time to finish off your degree – preferably in either business or culinary arts. If business, try for a hospitality/hotel-motel degree.