Published: October 2019

How to Get the Most from Your Restaurant Staff

Motivate your team, boost morale, and ensure exceptional customer service.

Introduction

You have great food, a fantastic location, but poor customer service—will your guests come back? Unfortunately, no. Many restaurant owners face this challenge, often due to neglecting the service side of the business. In this guide, we’ll discuss strategies to ensure your staff is as passionate about the business as you are. Let’s dive in!

1. Be an Example

Everything starts with you. If you’re rude to customers or show disinterest, your team will follow suit. As the owner or manager, your words and actions set the tone for the entire team. Smile, stay positive, and lead by example every day.

2. Offer Rewards

Working in a restaurant can be exhausting. Introduce healthy competition to reward the hardest workers. Here are some ideas:

Run a check average competition to encourage upselling.
Reward employees for generating positive online reviews or customer feedback.

Offer rewards like cash bonuses, gift cards, or an extra evening off to show appreciation for their efforts.

3. Always Show Respect

A lack of respect can quickly destroy team morale. While a hierarchy exists, the best businesses blur these lines and foster mutual respect among all employees. Treat everyone with dignity and encourage a culture of respect across the board.

4. Enjoy the Staff Meetings

Staff meetings are a rare opportunity to gather the whole team. Use this time for team-building exercises, setting a positive tone, and planning for success in the weeks ahead.

5. Know Your Staff

Your employees aren’t just numbers—take the time to get to know them personally. Ask about their hobbies, families, or studies. When you show genuine interest, they’ll see you as more than just a boss.

6. Ask for Opinions

Your staff interacts with customers and sees daily operations up close. Their insights are invaluable. Use team meetings or suggestion boxes to collect ideas and make them feel valued.

7. Appreciate Their Work

Working in a restaurant means dealing with unhappy customers, long hours, and high-pressure situations. Reward your staff fairly, and support them by stepping in when needed, such as offering free items to pacify angry customers.

8. Encourage Fun

A positive atmosphere is key to keeping employees happy. Allow for laughter and fun during shifts, as long as it doesn’t disrupt operations. A happy team is more likely to go above and beyond for customers.

9. Address All Problems

Conflicts and issues will arise in a high-pressure environment. Address problems promptly to prevent them from escalating and affecting team morale.

10. Say ‘Thank You’

Sometimes, a simple ‘thank you’ means more than rewards or gifts. Show your appreciation for their hard work by acknowledging their efforts regularly.

Conclusion

Your restaurant’s success relies heavily on the passion and dedication of your team. By implementing these strategies, you’ll foster a motivated, happy team ready to deliver exceptional customer service and grow your business.