The success of any restaurant hinges on its staff. Just as important as exquisite dishes and a friendly ambiance are employees who can serve customers quickly and efficiently. Let's explore how to properly train your team to achieve your establishment's success.

Part 1

Step 1. Be a Role Model.

Step 1

  • Train your team by demonstrating the behaviors you want to see. Employees, especially newcomers, always closely observe the actions of the management. Keep this in mind when interacting with waitstaff, customers, or suppliers. Be polite and attentive in your communications.

Step 2. Involve Your Best Employees in Training.

Step 2

  • One of the most effective ways to train newcomers is to pair them with an experienced colleague. Choose the most qualified staff member to act as a mentor. Throughout the workday, newcomers can observe how the professional carries out their tasks. If possible, allow them to watch other roles as well to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the restaurant's operations.
  • Experienced employees know which skills are essential for newcomers. Leverage this knowledge and let them teach new colleagues the fundamental skills, such as table setting, dish serving, and customer interaction.

Step 3. Newcomers Should Understand All Positions.

Step 3

  • Give new employees the chance to familiarize themselves with different roles. If feasible, let them spend time in the kitchen, behind the bar, at the dishwashing station, and in the dining area with the waitstaff. This will not only make them more versatile but will also help them better understand the overall functioning of the restaurant.

Step 4. Safety Comes First.

Step 4

  • During the training process, you'll need to discuss many important topics, with safety being a top priority. Pay special attention to aspects related to the new employee's role. Remember to remind them of safety rules throughout the training period.

Step 5. Move on to Hands-On Training.

Step 5

  • Practical training plays a crucial role in restaurant education: it helps staff feel confident in handling products and interacting with guests. Start with the basics: food preparation, table clearing, and other foundational skills. Once newcomers have mastered the fundamental techniques, they can progress to more complex tasks.