The role of a restaurant owner can be varied. Owners may operate whole chains, or they might work as executive chefs or managers at a single restaurant location. The owner generally oversees all restaurant employees, maintains inventory, monitors the preparation and serving of food, ensures that the restaurant meets all health and food safety regulations, resolves staffing issues, maintains the restaurant's budget, handles payroll and makes sure that customers are happy.
This role contains a great deal of stress and responsibility. As a restaurant owner's own financial future is often on the line, he or she will likely work long hours to ensure a location's success. However, if a restaurant does become successful, the owner is among the first people to benefit financially as well.