How to Manage a Restaurant Before a Rush & After a Rush

Effective restaurant management requires focus and organization.

The key to a smooth restaurant rush is preparation. An action plan that is implemented before standard rush periods will empower employees to self-manage, so you can perform your job as supervisor. Touching base with employees after a rush will give you the feedback needed to continuously improve and adjust your action plan. Being knowledgeable in all aspects of the restaurant will enable you to jump in where you are needed in the event of an unexpected rush.

Instructions

Before a Rush

1. Implement a reservation system. This may only be possible in a fine dining establishment. But even in casual dining, encouraging reservations gives you the number of people you will have at each hour of the shift. This enables you to schedule staff and prep the kitchen effectively.

2. Staff the restaurant. Schedule enough staff to cover the dining floor and fill the kitchen during rush periods. This is usually the llunch hours of 11:00 to 2:00 Monday through Friday, and dinner hours of 6:00 to 9:00 during the week and weekends. Mornings are also busy for restaurants that serve breakfast or brunch. Schedule two or three backup employees that can stay on call, to cover a shift in the event someone calls in sick.

3. Walk through the restaurant prior to the rush period. Check the kitchen to ensure everything is clean and prepped. Ensure everything is stocked and conveniently stored so servers have quick access.

4. Check-in with the staff. Ask them if they need anything. Inform them about large reservations, specials and nearby events that may bring in extra customers.

After the Rush

1. Check-in with the staff. Ask about any problems or improvements that they noticed. Listen to their concerns and address any conflicts. Take note of suggestions, but be wary of letting discussions get tangential or wandering.

2. Check the stock and take note of anything that is running low or that has run out. Stocking up on popular items before the rush will help in the future, but first you have to know what they are.

3. Resolve any issues that got pushed to the side during the rush. A mysteriously opened tab, for example, or a missing check.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel yourself getting too overwhelmed during a rush, practice some deep breathing exercises. Just a couple of deep breaths will help you realign your thoughts and focus on the task at hand.

• Train yourself in all aspects of the restaurant, including the kitchen, serving, bartending and seating.

References

• Workforce Management: Turnover is the New Enemy of One of America's Oldest Restaurant Chains; Rachael King; April 2004
• The George Washington University: Restaurant Reservation Decision; P.N. Jairam; November 2000

Resources

• The Harvard Crimson: The New Age of Dining Out; Kerry M. Flynn; February 8, 2011