Who Signs The Application? Manager vs Owner Guide

Updated: July 29, 2026

When a manager is signing on behalf of an owner

Are you trying to sign up for a restaurant that's run by a GM, Director of Operations, or another manager signing on behalf of an owner? Here's how:

1. Complete the application as usual.
2. List the owner or authorized financial decision-maker as the primary owner. This must be someone who has ownership in the business or has the legal authority to make financial decisions for the company.
3. Add the GM, Director of Operations, or other authorized manager as the manager in the Sales Center.
4. When you send the application, select the option indicating that the manager will be signing and that there is no personal guarantee.
5. Check both applicable boxes confirming the manager is signing on behalf of the business.

The manager can sign the application, but they should not be entered as the primary owner unless they have ownership or financial decision-making authority.

Real-world example: Multi-location hotel restaurants

A common scenario: signing up a couple of big hotel restaurants owned by a corporate entity that owns multiple hotels (e.g., a corp that owns another 6 hotels). Do you just get the GM to sign off on it?

How it works in the application:

• When you hit send, the application presents you with an option to indicate that the manager will be signing and that there is no personal guarantee.
• Check both boxes.
• The primary owner must be someone who is in ownership or has the financial right to make decisions for the business.
• The manager is added as the manager in the application via the Sales Center.

💡Bottom line: the GM (or equivalent manager) can sign, but the primary owner slot still needs to be filled by someone with ownership or financial decision-making authority for the entity.