Pre-shift meetings are a great way to align your team, set goals, and improve both customer service and sales. Here are some effective ideas to include in your pre-shift meetings that can lead to better performance and higher profits:
1. Highlight Daily Specials & Upselling Opportunities
Introduce the day's specials, focusing on high-margin items such as appetizers, premium beverages, or desserts. Explain the key features of these dishes, like ingredients or preparation, so your team can confidently suggest them to guests.
Encourage staff to upsell by suggesting additional items like pairing a dish with a wine or offering an appetizer before the main course. This can increase check sizes and improve both sales and tips.
2. Set Clear Sales Goals
Set specific, achievable sales goals for each shift. For example, challenge the team to sell a certain number of desserts or high-margin drinks. Share the restaurant’s progress toward weekly or monthly revenue goals so everyone feels involved in reaching those targets.
Offer small incentives, such as gift cards or a free meal, to motivate the team to hit their goals. Recognizing individual achievements can keep staff engaged and focused on increasing sales.
3. Review Customer Feedback
Customer feedback, both positive and negative, offers valuable insights. Share recent positive reviews to boost morale and reinforce the behaviors that led to great customer experiences. This helps staff understand the impact of their service.
For negative feedback, use it as a teaching moment. Discuss what went wrong and how to avoid similar issues in the future. Emphasizing great service leads to more repeat customers and increased revenue.
4. Train on New Menu Items & Promotions
Use pre-shift meetings to introduce new menu items or seasonal promotions. Allow staff to sample the dishes if possible, so they can describe them to customers in detail and with enthusiasm. Confident servers are more likely to successfully sell these items.
For promotions or special events (like happy hours or themed nights), make sure your team knows the details so they can actively promote them to customers.
5. Reinforce Service Standards
Go over essential service standards, such as greeting customers promptly, being attentive without hovering, and handling customer complaints professionally. Excellent service boosts customer satisfaction, leading to more positive reviews and return visits.
Role-playing common service scenarios during pre-shift meetings can prepare staff for any challenges that may arise during the shift, ensuring they respond confidently and effectively.
6. Encourage Teamwork & Cross-Selling
Remind your team that working together can lead to higher sales. Encourage servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff to collaborate. For instance, bartenders can suggest drink pairings for certain dishes, and kitchen staff can share recommendations on appetizers or desserts.
This teamwork not only enhances customer experience but also boosts check sizes through cross-selling efforts.
7. Recognize & Reward Employees
Acknowledge staff members who go above and beyond during their shifts. Offering small rewards like a gift card or free meal to the "employee of the shift" can boost motivation. Recognition fosters a positive work environment, which leads to better service and higher sales.
8. Prepare for Busy Shifts
Busy shifts, special events, or holidays offer great opportunities to increase profits. Use pre-shift meetings to review staffing assignments and make sure everyone knows their roles. Anticipate high-demand menu items so the kitchen and servers are prepared, reducing wait times and improving efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Pre-shift meetings are more than just a way to communicate—they’re a powerful tool for improving teamwork, service quality, and sales. By focusing on upselling, setting clear goals, reviewing feedback, and reinforcing service standards, you can turn a simple meeting into a strategy for growing profits and creating a better guest experience.
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