6) Post it – some restaurants have staggered starts for each department to save on labor costs. The same way that a football coach will create plays to drive the ball to the end zone, a restaurant manager Take time during these meetings to direct your staff the same way as a coach would. An accomplishment, no matter how small, is still worthy of praise.Treat people the way you want to be treated, says owner Logan Hostettler of his approach to managing staff.Use this customizable Word doc to guide self, peer, and manager reviews with your employees.Just so you know, we’ll handle your info according to our Prepare the theme of your pre-shift meeting and talking points ahead of time. Thank you for leading and taking on such an important role! Learn how to lead a pre-shift meeting that sets up your restaurant staff for a productive and profitable shift.If there’s one universal trait of a successful restaurant, it’s the ability to run great shifts, day after day. By the same measure,  pre-shift meetings influence the quality of each shift in the restaurant.The truth is, many restaurants don't have pre-shift meetings, and some that do still don't have a solid system or strategy around how they do it. A negative attitude on your part can trickle down through the employees and seep into your guests. Tell a quick story, acknowledge someone for making in a difference, pose a question or give an example of a great experience you had at a different restaurant. Pre-service meetings are an opportunity to get your team invested in the restaurant’s sales goals. Sometimes they happen over a shared staff meal, and sometimes they're a quick five-minute update.The pre-shift meeting happens before the hustle of the lunch or evening rush takes over. Including all departments in the pre-shift meetings unites everyone and focuses them on a common goal. What to say to your hospitality team in pre-shift meetingsA sports coach’s pre-game meeting often determines the quality of the team’s played and the numbers on the final scoreboard. Share an inspirational quote (avoid the cheesy ones), give a pep talk, or kickoff a contest.

Here’s an example of what a pre-shift notes template could look like:Your team’s pre-shift meeting is more than a meeting. Use the Restaurant Manager's Shift Card as a quick-reference tool for the Manager on Duty (MOD). Now she writes for Toast.Just so you know, we’ll handle your info according to our Treat people the way you want to be treated, says owner Logan Hostettler of his approach to managing staff.Sign up to get industry intel, advice, tools, and honest takes from real people tackling their restaurants’ greatest challenges.Just so you know, we’ll handle your info according to our We’re sharing the most creative, effective, kick-ass insights from industry heroes taking on their restaurants’ greatest challenges.
The answer is to write up notes from daily pre-shift meetings and post them. At each meeting create teachable moments.

Rotate among your managers whose turn it is to facilitate the day’s pre-shift meetings.

Restaurant Service: The Do's and Don'ts of Running an Effective Pre-Shift By Jeff Hookham. Pre-shift meetings are a core part of that steady success.When the steps of service flow smoothly, when food arrives when it should, when tables are set and cleared in record time, and when your patrons leave stuffed and satisfied, it feels freakin’ good. Before each pre-service meeting, make sure you know your budgeted sales for the shift and for the day, broken down by category (food, liquor, merchandise, etc). It’s your chance as a manager to focus your team on directing their collective kinetic and creative energies toward a singular mission: delighting guests and creating memorable dining … It can make your team happier and your restaurant run smoother. Everyone knows you need to floss at least once a day but for whatever reason some people just don't do it. No matter what you call the meeting, the objective should always be to set the proper tone for the shift. Give out effective sales techniques, efficient side work tips, history of your restaurant, industry developments, Whether it’s getting through a big rush with minimal bad meals, or helping a fellow server with their sidework, For example: “Jason, the way you were calling out the orders and communicating with your team in the kitchen last night really helped all of us get through the rush smoothly and made us shine in our guests eyes. This perfect harmony is what we all strive for.Having your team focused, informed, and pumped up for their shift invites great things to happen. This is where the three i’s come in: inform, instruct, and inspire.Here’s an example of how you could structure your pre-shift meeting:The first section of your pre-shift meeting should cover general information about the day, including the shift team’s roles, The instruct section of the pre-shift meeting is your opportunity to teach your team new skills or information.For example, your chef could discuss menu adjustments, specials, or a limited availability featured dish; your bar manager could discuss a special featured cocktail or invite a rep from your alcohol distributor to come in and speak to proper pairing techniques.Teaching your staff new soft skills will help them put their best feet forward when serving guests. Consider holding your pre-shift in a private party room, or pay attention to what areas of the restaurant are generally empty at meeting time and hold your meeting there. Then require each employee to read the notes and initial that they have done so.