5 Ways To Improve Restaurant Efficiency

Running a restaurant is no easy task. There are so many things to think about - from food and beverage preparation, to customer service, managing inventory, and more.

It can be tough to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. That's why we've put together this list of five ways that restaurants can improve their efficiency and make their operations more streamlined. Read on for tips that will help you streamline your restaurant's workflow and improve your bottom line!

1. Leverage Restaurant Technology

There are many types of restaurant software available today that can help your restaurant operate more effectively. Some common technologies to consider include:

• Kitchen Display Systems. A kitchen display system (KDS) can help improve communication between the front and back of house, and make it easier for your kitchen staff to stay on top of orders. A KDS also eliminates the waste and expense of paper tickets.
• Online Ordering Systems. Online ordering systems can help you take more orders faster and reduce mistakes. Online ordering options, whether through direct ordering sites or third party delivery services, are vital in driving revenue to your business.
• Table Management Systems. For full service restaurants a table management systems can help you seat guests faster and improve table turnover. These systems can also help improve your customer's experience by providing accurate wait times and notifying them when their table is ready.
• Employee Scheduling Software. Scheduling systems can help you create more efficient schedules that save you time and money. Employee scheduling software that's integrated to your time clock system can also help you track employee productivity and performance.

2. Ensure That Your Kitchen Is Stocked

Make sure your kitchen is well-stocked: Nothing slows down a restaurant more than having to wait for supplies. Keep your kitchen stocked with all the necessary ingredients and supplies so that you can avoid any delays in service. A great shift starts with a great set up. A food & beverage management system can help you know exactly how much food to prep before a shift based on your historical sales and usage. This helps you prep enough to get through the shift without having too much waste.

3. Training, Training & More Training

Having a well trained staff is worth its weight in gold when it comes to efficiency. We all know how beneficial it is to have a "10x" employee who seems to be able to do 10 times as much as everyone else even under immense pressure. Training and experience are the best ways to get more "10x" employees. While most restaurants train employees when they are first hired, the best restaurants have on-going training, including cross-training employees on different stations. By rewarding employees for completing additional training you'll both incentive the employee to learn more skills and reduce turnover.

4. Create & Implement Systems

Create a system and stick to it. Having systems and procedures in place will help keep your restaurant running like a well-oiled machine. From food prep to cleanup, make sure everyone knows their role and what needs to be done.

• Checklists. Checklists are your friend. Create checklists for any repeatable tasks: opening checklist, line check, closing checklist, side work checklist, health inspection checklist, etc.
• Pre-portion where you can. This can help with both efficiency and consistency. Serve sweet tea? Portion out bags with exactly the right amount of sugar so you don't need to measure it on the fly. Serve fries? Portion ramekins of ketchup right before a shift so you only have to drop it on the plate.
• Optimize movements. Restaurant employees do a lot of walking, especially FOH staff. By making sure these employees are doing something productive each time they move you'll increase efficiency. For example, take dirty dished into the kitchen and bring out clean dishes. Only walk one direction through the line. Make sure you're running food each time you head back out into the dining room.

5. Establish Good Communication

Communicate with your team. Good communication is key in any business, but it's especially important in the restaurant industry. Make sure your team is on the same page, and that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

By following these tips, you can improve your restaurant's efficiency and make your operations run more smoothly. Implementing even a few of these suggestions can make a big difference in your bottom line. So what are you waiting for? Start making your restaurant more efficient today!