How to be the best restaurant manager

We’ve all seen the TV shows where a celebrity comes in, shouts the odds and a restaurant is miraculously rescued from being an eatery with all the charm of a collapsed soufflé.

In real life, of course, running a successful restaurant as a thriving business is a little more complicated than swearing at the out-of-date anchovies.

If you’re aiming to enjoy a successful career in hospitality and catering, knowing how to get the very best from your restaurant staff will be your number one mission.

So here’s what you need to know.

Use your experience

Many of the best managers in the business began their own careers bartending, waiting on tables or washing dishes. This means they have the experience to know where potential problems can arise and be able to deal with them quickly – while also appreciating the hard work their team are putting in.

Realise it’s all about us

Unlike celebrities who love hogging the limelight, a successful manager will appreciate it’s actually teamwork that counts. From the kitchen assistant to the head chef, everyone has a role to play and that role should be acknowledged as important.

Be calm amid the storm

As a workplace the kitchen can be hot, noisy and fast-paced. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t also be fun. Rather than adding to the general mayhem by interfering, the manager who can bring a confident attitude and calming influence will help generate positive vibes.

Roll up your sleeves

The manager who doesn’t mind being hands-on will create an atmosphere of shared responsibility. So rather than sending for one of the waiting staff when you spy a messy table, simply grab a cloth and clean it. Job done!

Help your team upskill

Often in the restaurant business you’ll experience spells of quiet between customers. This isn’t down time, it’s lesson time. A motivational manager will explore ways to allow their staff to acquire new talents – even if it’s something as simple as having the head chef explain the signature dishes so this information can be shared with diners.

Plan for perfection

Finally, a restaurant manager knows not to lose sight of the big picture. So while you enjoy being part of the team and being hands-on, you will also always be planning ahead, creating work rotas, controlling the finances and ensuring the best customer service is being provided.

Posted on November 6, 2017