Ten Tips for Restaurant Owners and Operators

Here are the RealFood team's latest tips for restaurant owners and operators, when it comes to running a successful business.

1. Be Proactive - Too many restaurants go the way of the dodo because they fail to stay ahead of the external and internal forces that affect their business. Take time to take a step back from your operation to lay out a strategic plan, then execute.
2. Never Stop Training - Hospitality productivity is more important than hitting a labor percentage. Cross-train team members and look for ways to be more productive and deliver stellar performance.
3. Write it Down - Too many of us keep it all in our heads. Make a commitment to getting ideas, recipes, procedures, processes, and relevant operational information down on paper or in digital form. This is the first step to being able to delegate more and ultimately make your team feel more in touch with your vision and priorities.
   
   
   

   Never stop training.

   

   Write it down.

   

   Don't stress about social media.
4. Reward Your Employees - Money isn’t the only way to reward your staff. Providing opportunities to learn new skills, be part of important decisions and contribute at a higher level can often go further than dishing out cash bonuses.
5. Hone your Identity - Knowing who you are and what your purpose is goes a long way to helping answer the "why" you make everyday decisions. Understanding what’s important to your brand lets you focus and not get caught up in the little stuff.
6. Stop Complaining about Higher Wages - Yes, it is a challenge, but it is a challenge for everybody. Consider the opportunity to combat wage pressure with improved training, scheduling and company culture. Reducing the cost of employee turnover and labor inefficiencies can more than make up for higher pay rates.
7. Listen to your Staff - Unsure how to drive sales or cut down on costs? You might be surprised by what you learn when you involve your team in decision making. Regardless of position, every employee has a unique view of your business that deserves your attention.
8. Don’t Stress about Social Media - Social media is a marketing tool, not a marketing strategy. Your energy is best spent developing the core elements of your brand and not worrying about what to post. Make sure that every communication ties back to your mission statement and company values.
9. Untangle the Web - Revisit your website: Is it accurate? Does it need a refresh? Does it clearly convey who you are and inspire people to visit your restaurant?
10. Embrace Data - Restaurant tech has come a long way, and if you aren’t using data to drive decision-making, then you are missing out on a massive opportunity. From measuring server performance to recording customer dietary restrictions, there is an abundance of technology tools that can help you maximize your hospitality and profitability.