Pros
I got my start in the food management industry here. I learned so much. If you can run a unit, you can do anything. So if you can be happy at a unit manager level, go ahead and give it try. If you don't like it, leave, but, take what you learn with you, it will help with your career. The fundamentals that they teach you about running a business are priceless.
Cons
You are the manager, the cook, the server, the yardman, the trashman, the substitute staff, the janitor, the repairman, you are every person that you hire and then some. Expect to work long days and nights. The staff are great once you get them to understand teamwork. You will always have the ones that will not be dependable. This is why you will end up working long days and nights. They are usually recognizable early on. Your upper management will determine how far you go. You will be overlooked for promotion given to those less qualified if you are not "in" with the upper management . We are in Florida so don't expect too much. Georgia, the Carolinas, may give you a better shot at making it. I attended the Waffle House Academy with others that were promoted within 6 months to district management and others promoted to Division managers within 18 months. In Florida, it is a good old boy network and they will not allow others that are not like them to move into any upper management positions.