2025 Best Restaurant Management Recruiters “High Five Awards!”
Hiring the right leadership team can define a restaurant’s future. From general managers to regional directors, a strong management placement affects everything: staff retention, guest satisfaction, and long-term growth. But finding those leaders requires more than scanning résumés. It takes recruiters who understand the real pace, pressure, and priorities of the restaurant industry.
The 2025 Best Restaurant Management Recruiter Awards honor firms that consistently rise to that challenge. They’re specialized partners helping restaurant brands across the country build teams that perform, lead, and stay.
At the top of this year’s list is Martin Recruiting Partners, a firm known for its operational insight, personal touch, and consistent results. They’re joined by a strong group of recruiters whose reputations are built on trust, industry fluency, and relationships that last.
Meet the Top Recruiters Building Winning Restaurant Teams
🏆 Martin Recruiting Partners
Nationwide
Martin Recruiting Partners stands out for its focus, depth, and the fact that its recruiters know the restaurant business from the inside. Their team has firsthand experience in multi-unit restaurant operations, which translates into a smarter, more realistic hiring process. It respects both the brand and the candidate.
Whether a restaurant group needs a single general manager or is building out a national footprint, Martin Recruiting Partners approaches each search with a mix of urgency, discretion, and alignment. Clients trust them not just to find someone quickly, but to find someone right.
Why restaurant brands choose Martin Recruiting Partners:
- Deep roots in restaurant operations, not just recruiting
- Specialization in multi-unit, general management, and executive roles
- Hands-on, high-touch approach to screening and placement
- A proven record of successful long-term hires across the U.S.
- Strong understanding of service culture, brand standards, and leadership readiness
Our Other Celebrated Recruiters
Gecko Hospitality
Scottsdale, Arizona — Serving clients nationwide
geckohospitality.com
Gecko Hospitality is one of the most recognized names in hospitality recruitment, with a national network of franchise offices and a strong focus on restaurant leadership. From casual dining to luxury hospitality, their recruiters specialize in finding talent that fits both operational requirements and cultural values.
Clients appreciate their structured process, in-depth interviews, and ability to work quickly without sacrificing quality. Gecko has earned repeated recognition in the industry, including spots on Forbes' lists of top recruiting firms.
Patrice & Associates
Offices nationwide (notably Atlanta, Chicago, New York)
patriceandassociates.com
Founded over 30 years ago, Patrice & Associates has long been a trusted name in restaurant and hospitality hiring. Their recruiters work directly with operators to place top-tier managers, chefs, and multi-unit executives at every level of the industry.
The firm combines a massive proprietary candidate database with highly personalized service. Their mission-driven approach prioritizes long-term fit and client satisfaction. Many of their recruiters come from restaurant management themselves, giving them sharp insight into the day-to-day realities their clients face.
Horizon Hospitality
Dallas, Texas — Serving clients nationwide
horizonhospitality.com
Horizon Hospitality works with some of the most recognizable names in foodservice, from upscale dining groups to large franchise systems. Their restaurant division focuses on leadership roles, including general managers, directors of operations, and C-level positions.
Known for their professionalism and discretion, Horizon delivers candidates who not only match the job description but also reflect the brand’s mission and service philosophy. Their detailed screening process and long-standing industry partnerships make them a go-to for high-impact hires.
Goodwin Recruiting
Nationwide presence, with regional hospitality experts
goodwinrecruiting.com
Goodwin Recruiting has built a loyal following among restaurant and hospitality groups looking for a modern, collaborative hiring experience. Their recruiters act as true partners, often serving as an extension of the brand’s HR team.
Goodwin stands out for its flexible structure, matching each client with a recruiter who understands their business, region, and goals. From independent restaurant groups to national franchises, they’ve helped place thousands of successful leaders into hospitality roles that stick.
EHS Recruiting Company
National firm
ehsrecruitingcompany.com
EHS Recruiting Company brings a consultative approach to restaurant hiring, focusing on building long-term relationships with both clients and candidates. Their recruiters specialize in management and culinary roles, and they pride themselves on transparency, follow-through, and industry credibility.
With recruiters spread across major U.S. markets, EHS offers local knowledge with national reach. Their team takes time to understand each brand’s specific needs, helping businesses grow while protecting what makes their culture special.
Why These Awards Matter
In a high-turnover industry like restaurants, great management makes all the difference. A strong recruiter who helps operators build trust, improve retention, and support performance from the top down.
These award-winning firms know how to find the people who thrive in hospitality's real-world challenges. They’ve earned the respect of restaurants by being consistent, candid, and committed to better hires.
Recognizing Recruiters Who Help Restaurants Lead Forward
The restaurant industry depends on people, especially the people who lead. From fast-casual brands to upscale dining, the right management team creates stability, drives revenue, and upholds the guest experience.
Congratulations to Martin Recruiting Partners and all the 2025 Best Restaurant Management Recruiter Award recipients. Your work helps restaurants find the leaders who keep service strong, staff engaged, and operations moving forward.