Disciplinary action is a process designed to identify, correct and document employee performance problems that have had or have the potential to create a disruption to the proper functioning of the restaurant or it's employees at any level.... more >>

The struggle to attract and retain restaurant staff is fiercer than ever. For many in the restaurant industry, finding staff is just the first hurdle; keeping them from leaving shortly after is equally challenging.... more >>

Payroll service providers issue checks for employees including direct deposits. They track employee earnings and take care of tip reporting, overtime, payroll taxes, employee classifications, and other necessary considerations. Some service providers also offer complementary services, such as employee time and attendance, benefits, and retirement planning. In this article, we explain how a payroll service can help you save time and aggravation. We also review payroll service features most sought after by independent operators and offer tips on how to switch providers if you are not satisfied with your current services.... more >>

Depending on your state and your restaurant's claim history, your workers' compensation insurance premiums can be a significant expense. In this article, we explain how insurers determine them, and what you can do to keep yours as low as possible.... more >>

A lineup or pre-shift meeting is a staff meeting held prior to the start of a new shift. They are critical to some establishments and almost every restaurant can benefit from them. Here's an overview of how to conduct an effective lineup, including a checklist to keep you on track at your next pre-shift meeting.... more >>

According to unofficial estimates by industry experts, fewer than 50 percent of independent restaurants have pre-shift meetings. But the really successful ones usually do. Those who conduct pre-shifts well all do them a little different, but can agree on two important points for good meetings, keep it short and let others do the talking.... more >>

In this video, you’ll learn four key elements to facilitating productive and engaging role-playing sessions. Even your more skeptical staff members will get something out of these, and they'll have fun doing it. Whether you are using role-playing during pre-shifts, all team meetings, or one-on-one, this powerful training method will take your team to the next level.... more >>

Practice makes permanent, and that is why role-playing is SO important. It’s not just a technique for training new employees during their onboarding. It also reinforces important topics and procedures for all your staff, in a variety of settings – such as team meetings, pre-shifts, or one-on-one training.... more >>

Executing your restaurant's annual plan is done one shift at a time. Managers and staff who excel in daily pre-shift meetings tend to be more knowledgeable of profitability, shift preparedness, and customer satisfaction.... more >>

Are pre-shift meetings part of your daily routine? If not, they should be. Regular pre-shift meetings will profoundly impact your restaurant’s success and build healthy morale within your team. Explore key topics such as aligning team goals, reviewing restaurant procedures, and enhancing menu knowledge for a successful pre-shift.... more >>

You can't afford to have a slip-shod, unorganized employee record-keeping & filing system. Employment laws & potential legal exposure can mean serious damages to employers who don't maintain complete and up-to-date information on every person working at your restaurant. This article describes the key points of an effective employee file system for your restaurant.... more >>

Use this report form to document any personal injuries, near misses or dangerous occurrences that take place at your restaurant. Use this report form to document any personal injuries, near misses or dangerous occurrences that take place at your restaurant.... more >>

Confidentiality Agreements with employees are a must for every business, especially restaurants. Recipes, operating systems, policies and procedures are just some of the valuable information that deserves to be protected. Having a confidentiality agreement in place is your first step to protect your trade secrets, and show your employees that you take your business seriously.... more >>

The Records Retention Guidelines offers guidance by providing a suggested time frame to maintain common business records. Before finalizing your company's record retention policies, it is recommended that you consult with your CPA, attorney or other professional advisors to be certain that your policies are in accordance with IRS, state and local record retention requirements.... more >>

The Restaurant Kickback and Gift Policy Template will provide you with a starting point to formulate your own concise policy on kickbacks, gifts and gratuities and communicate that policy clearly to your managers and employees.... more >>

Use the Safety Policies & Procedures to communicate and promote safe and sanitary working practices and conditions. This form will help your managers and employees become more aware of your expectations and their responsibilities in the areas of safety and sanitation.... more >>

Preparing for the worst doesn't mean the worst won't happen. Dealing with the worst - violent or abusive customers or employees, robberies, protests, perhaps even terrorism - is also, unfortunately, part of running a restaurant in today's America.... more >>

This form provides a simple method of collecting and filing emergency contact information about employees.... more >>

The Emergency Preparation Checklist provides guidance in the event of a power outage, specifically during a snowstorm, and what steps should be taken in advance to minimize the impact of such an event.... more >>

The compact design of the form is intended to provide managers with an agenda of all the tasks that need to be completed during the shift, such as vendor orders, opening and closing checklists, appointments, phone calls to be made, marketing promotions, scheduled parties and shift meeting topics. It also includes space for the manager to make notes that can later be transferred to the Manager's Logbook for future action.... more >>