Some kitchen managers and chefs dread counting inventory, complaining they just don't have enough time to take weekly inventories. Likewise, others accept it as just another routine task of good kitchen management. We encourage you and your kitchen manager to join us as we separate myth from reality when it comes to taking weekly inventory... more >>

A spin off on speed dating, speed interviewing is a series of short, individual conversations between a job candidate and some of the restaurant's hourly team members. Giving a candidate the chance to speak with employees is a smart way to test for likeability and compatibility from a perspective an owner or manager might miss.... more >>

The Cashier/Server Checkout Summary can be used to help managers keep up with server checkouts and the collection of cash for each shift. Just enter the sales for your POS Server Report than post actual receipts to determine cash owed by server.... more >>

Download this form for your staff to fill out to get to know them better. While you MUST keep it professional, it's important to build trust by showing a genuine interest in the people you work with.... more >>

Financially astute operators know that every decision and activity that takes place on the operational side of their restaurant is eventually reflected in their numbers and the one report that is most indicative of how well (or how bad) their restaurant is being managed is their profit-and-loss statement (P&L).... more >>

Do you consider your restaurant as family-friendly? More importantly, do your customers feel the same? Restaurants that promote themselves as family-friendly can bolster their claim by coming up with creative ways to make it more comfortable for parents to bring their kids.... more >>

Calculating prime cost every week is one of the most profitable activities any restaurant can do. If prime cost is too high it's VERY difficult for any restaurant to generate a profit. Our weekly prime cost worksheets make it easy to track and control your biggest and most volatile costs.... more >>

This survey details the most effective marketing promotions used by independent restaurants today. Over 500 responses from our members reveal some interesting new marketing ideas, as well as a few to avoid.... more >>

The weekly management meeting should be the most valuable time for your restaurant in the whole week, and it can be, with a little organization and planning. Follow these steps to conduct productive, motivational and inspirational meetings that will boost morale and in turn, improve service and your bottom line.... more >>

The Grill Station Diagram is a Microsoft PowerPoint® slide designed to give you an example of a properly designed Grill Station.... more >>

It's called the Circle of Hospitality or the 10-4 rule. This simple, but extremely powerful practice could dramatically improve the level of hospitality in your restaurant.... more >>

Your employees probably think you're making a LOT more money than you really are. Use this video to give your people a sense of what it actually costs to operate a restaurant.... more >>

This policy about cellular phone usage applies to any device that makes or receives phone calls, leaves messages, sends text messages, surfs the Internet, or downloads and allows for the reading of and responding to email whether the device is Company-supplied or personally owned.... more >>

Knowing your restaurant's cash flow break-even point is one of the most important insights an operator can have. You will need to quickly and accurately estimate the amount of cash you have on hand to stay afloat in these turbulent times.... more >>

There are inherent shortcomings in examining monthly restaurant P&Ls, so much so that every chain operator I know will not even consider preparing their financial statements on a monthly cycle. Learn why & what you can do instead.... more >>

All businesses must maintain books and records to provide back up and support for financial statements and state and federal tax returns as well as in potential legal proceedings. The Records Retention Guidelines offers guidance by providing a suggested time frame to maintain common business records.... more >>

Get design, content and other ideas for your own restaurant business plan from our sample plan for Tijuana Taco, a quick-serve Mexican eatery.... more >>

Many RestaurantOwner.com members report big success with a birthday club. Yet, most independents miss out by not doing any type of birthday marketing. Find out how a simple yet effective birthday program can mean more new guests and repeat business throughout the year.... more >>

Use this template to track the sales, costs and profit of the very profitable school fundraiser promotion. You can also use it to validate the number of certificates that were distributed and returned.... more >>

A Benefit Night at your restaurant is a great way of saying "Thanks" to the people in your community that have helped make your business a success while raising funds for a local nonprofit organization. It will also increase your visibility, develop new, repeat patrons, and generate a positive perception that your restaurant cares about the community in which you do business.... more >>