SURVEY: How Independent Operators Are Using Management Incentive Programs

For years, several highly successful chain restaurants have touted the benefits and results of their management incentive programs. We were intrigued by this and wanted to find out to what degree independent operators are using incentive programs for their management staff and what level of success they are having.

From the amount and content of the responses we've received from our members, a significant number of independent operators are already using management incentive programs to some degree and many other independents are seriously considering it.

One goal with this "special report" is to give you feedback directly from the front lines on what other independents are doing with management incentive programs, specifically what's working, what isn't and how you might go about establishing or improving your own program.

Our other goal is to offer some insights into the following questions:

• What does a good incentive program look like?
• How easy or difficult is it to administer?
• What are the chances that it will result in happier, more motivated managers and a more profitable restaurant?

We want to personally thank all of our members who so graciously sent information on their incentive programs. We were amazed at the level of creativity, time and thought that has gone into many of these. Thanks again for your willingness to share not only your successes but the shortcomings of your programs as well. I know both will be very valuable to others in various stages of implementing or evaluating the effectiveness of their own incentive plans.