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Pepe Stepensky
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Editor’s Note: This is the 13th edition of a regular column on www.elrestaurante.com. Pepe Stepensky, a veteran restaurateur and a long-time member of the el Restaurante Advisory Panel, is offering his advice to any el Restaurante reader with a question. When he does not have a specific question to answer, he will write about the steps to opening and running a restaurant. Click here to email him a question.
Opening a new restaurant location is an exciting but challenging endeavor.
One of the most effective strategies for ensuring a smooth and successful launch is to leverage the expertise of existing employees from your current restaurant.
These experienced staff members can play a crucial role in training new employees, establishing a consistent brand experience, and maintaining operational standards. Involving current employees can also prepare them for future management positions.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively utilize your existing team, including training techniques, compensation, and operational continuity.
Shadowing and Training New Employees
1. Shadowing Process:
- Duration: Typically, the shadowing period lasts between two to four weeks, depending on the complexity of the roles and the new employees' learning curve.
- Method: New hires shadow experienced employees, observing their daily tasks, interactions, and problem-solving methods. This hands-on approach helps them grasp practical skills and understand the restaurant's culture.
2. Training Checklist:
- Orientation: Introduction to the company’s mission, values, and goals.
- Operations: Detailed overview of daily operations, including opening and closing procedures.- Customer Service: Training on customer interaction, order taking, and conflict resolution.
- Safety and Hygiene: Essential protocols for maintaining health standards and ensuring workplace safety
.- POS Systems: Hands-on practice with point-of-sale systems and handling transactions.
- Menu Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the menu, ingredients, and preparation methods.- Shadowing Sessions: Structured shadowing with specific objectives for each session, culminating in practical assessments.
-Policy Manual: Training about the company’s culture and philosophy.
Training by Existing Cooks
Transferring Culinary Skills:
- Hands-On Demonstrations: Experienced cooks from the first location demonstrate recipe preparation, cooking techniques, and plating standards.
- Step-by-Step Training: New cooks follow step-by-step instructions, starting with simple tasks and gradually progressing to more complex dishes.
- Practice Sessions: Repeated practice under the supervision of seasoned cooks ensures new hires can replicate dishes consistently.
- Quality Control: Trainers emphasize the importance of consistency in taste, presentation, and portion sizes.Compensation for Trainers
Incentives for Trainers:
- Higher Pay Rate: Offer a temporary increase in pay or a training bonus to compensate for the additional responsibilities.
- Recognition: Publicly acknowledge the trainers’ efforts and contributions to the new location’s success.
- Professional Development: Provide opportunities for further training and career advancement as a reward for their commitment.
Maintaining Operations at the Original Location
1. Staffing Strategy:
- Staggered Transfers: Transfer staff in phases to ensure the original location remains adequately staffed.
- Temporary Hires: Employ temporary or part-time workers to fill gaps while key employees are training at the new location.
- Cross-Training: Ensure remaining staff are cross-trained to handle multiple roles, maintaining operational efficiency.
2. Communication and Support:
- Regular Updates: Keep open lines of communication between both locations to address any emerging issues promptly.
- Support Systems: Provide additional support to the original location, such as extra managerial oversight or temporary assistance from senior staff.
Conclusion
Using experienced employees from your existing restaurant to open a new location is a strategic approach that can significantly enhance training effectiveness and operational consistency. By implementing structured shadowing programs, comprehensive training checklists, and appropriate compensation for trainers, you can ensure a successful launch. Additionally, careful planning and staffing strategies will help maintain the smooth operation of your original location, allowing your business to expand without compromising quality or service.
Remember: the show must go on in your original location and quality of food and service need to be maintained.
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