A successful restaurant requires a lot more than just an enticing menu. As an owner or operator, you’ll also need a reliable team of staff who are committed to bringing your vision to life. A big part of this is knowing how to hire the best possible restaurant staff. From there, it’s all about training.
No matter how experienced (or inexperienced) new hires may be, they still need time to adapt to and become familiar with your business’s operational structure and systems.
You’ve invested time and money into your fresh talent, and the last thing you want is for them to feel frustrated or overwhelmed to the point of resignation. Especially in today’s economic landscape, where many restaurants are struggling with labour shortages.
For this blog post, we’re sharing our best tips on how to train new hires at your restaurant.
Be Smart With Timing
Hands-on shift work is a great way to learn; however, it’s not the best idea to throw
new hires into the deep end straight away. Before they officially get started in their role, set time aside for a dedicated training session. This could be a standalone appointment or before a formal shift, whatever makes the most sense for you.
That said, effective training requires focus and attention from both the trainer and trainee. To avoid disruption or distractions, choose a time when the restaurant is quiet, or even closed.
Looking for more tips on running a restaurant? Check out these related readings.
- How to Pay Employees: A Guide for Restaurant Owners
- Ways to Reduce Operating Costs as a Restaurant Owner
- How to Plan a Soft Opening For Your Restaurant
- Menu Engineering: How it Works
Lay of the Land
Staff training can be an overwhelming and at times, intense experience for new hires. That’s why it’s a good idea to kick things off with a simple lay of the land.
Show them around the restaurant space while sharing basic information about its history, overall vibe, and what customers love about it.
From there, touch on the space itself. Explain which parts of the premises will be most relevant based on the employee’s (or employees’) role. If any rooms or areas would be off limits, it’s a good time to mention those as well.
As you’re doing this, take time to introduce the new hire to existing employees as you cross paths with them (as long as it’s not disruptive).
Basic Policies
Before diving into restaurant specifics, you’ll also want to lay out basic policies and practices regarding the workplace. Here are a few examples:
Management Structure
Go over the restaurant’s management structure. Who will each new hire report to? Where do they stand in the chain of command?
Scheduling and Time Off
Talk about how and when employee scheduling is conducted and outline how employees should submit availability and request time off.
Employee Behaviour
Outline professional expectations as they relate to employees’ appearance and behaviour. Will they be required to wear a uniform or adhere to a dress code? Are they required to use specific language when interacting with other staff or customers?
In addition to going over these items in person, it’s also a good idea to outline them in writing. Including important policies in an employee manual or contract reduces the risk of miscommunication and can protect you as an employer in certain situations.
Evaluation and Feedback
Onboarding and training new hires isn’t a one-and-done process. When done right, it entails ongoing communication and support from restaurant leadership to ensure team members feel comfortable and confident in their role.
Throughout onboarding, encourage new hires to ask questions and be curious. This creates a comfortable, open environment that promotes effective learning.
As a trainer, you’ll also want to share feedback, both positive and constructive, throughout and after the training process about each new hire’s early performance. Doing this reinforces staff’s understanding of what’s expected of them and helps to build good workplace habits.
Standardize the Process
Even if you manage a small team, it’s a good idea to create a standardized training plan for any future hires. Not only will this make the process easier for you (and your existing employees), but it will also ensure that everyone is learning the same thing and that no key details are forgotten or neglected.
Training programs should be tailored to each position or role and be updated over time.
Thinking about opening a restaurant? Check out these other blog posts for helpful tips!
- Why You Should Sell Your Restaurant With a Business Broker
- Buying a Restaurant? Here Are 5 Questions to Ask
- What to Look For When Choosing a Restaurant Space
Launch Your Next Venture With Carve Real Estate
Hiring and training new staff members is just one of many important details in launching a successful restaurant business. And if you’re looking to open a restaurant, you’ll want a professional expert in your corner. Like us, Carve Real Estate.
As professional specialists, we know the unique ins and outs of commercial real estate and Canada’s restaurant industry. Not only can we help you find the perfect spot to bring your dreams to fruition, but we’ll also serve as your long-term advisor on all things restaurant-related.
Have more questions about restaurant ownership? We can help! Send us an email or give us a ring at 416-618-0054 to get started.
