Not Using Restaurant Systems? Don’t Miss this Episode!
Today's special recap episode of my restaurant podcast, The Restaurant Prosperity Formula, is focused on systems and why they’re so important in restaurant management. You’ll learn what I mean by systems, why they are crucial and how you can use them specifically in the kitchen to safeguard your restaurant when you lack a culinary background. We'll also discuss how systems impact your restaurant and ultimately your life. And last but not least, I share a portion of an interview with restaurant employee Brandon Anderson, who helped his owner implement systems that significantly benefited the restaurant, the owner, and Brandon himself. Whether you're new to my podcast or a longtime listener, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Life without restaurant systems
Life without systems means you have to be there all the time because you are the superhero. You're the only one who can order or schedule, the only one who can ensure the restaurant runs properly, and the only one who knows where the plunger is. Managers, if you have them, end up babysitting rather than accomplishing tasks. You're frustrated and wonder why you pay them. Life without systems means you miss financial goals, lack proactive planning, and rely on national averages that don't reflect your unique restaurant.
What are restaurant systems?
Systems are a process — a way of doing everything in your business, your way. Whether it's counting out a bar drawer the same way every time or managing labor costs, systems ensure consistency. By documenting and training on these systems, you create a training system that keeps knowledge within your restaurant, even when employees leave. Systems allow you to impose your will without being present, hold your management team accountable, and transform accountability from a negative to a positive.
The benefits of restaurant systems
Implementing systems brings clear expectations on what needs to be done, how well and by when. Systems give managers a way to meet your standards, allowing you to work on your business instead of in it. Systems give you the freedom to attend your kids' sporting events, go on dates or enjoy leisure activities. Systems lead to higher profits and stronger cash flow, giving you the financial security you've always dreamed of.
Restaurant systems in the kitchen
With systems in place, your restaurant operates according to your process, regardless of who is running the kitchen. Here are some practical examples:
- Labor: Job descriptions, training programs, and evaluations ensure that even front-house managers can step into kitchen roles if needed. Scheduling software like 7Shifts helps manage labor costs and stay within budget.
- Food management: Food and beverage management software like MarginEdge simplifies inventory, ordering, and recipe cost calculations. This helps maintain profitability and control over food costs.
- Cleanliness and sanitation: Software like Jolt ensures high standards with checklists, food safety modules, and temperature monitoring. This keeps your restaurant clean and compliant with health regulations.
Interview with Brandon Anderson
One of the first systems Anderson implemented was Jolt for checklists. Initially, there was some resistance, but it soon became clear that the system improved cleanliness and efficiency. Health inspections scored higher, and Anderson could focus on more critical tasks rather than micromanaging his team. The system allowed accountability and reduced the need for constant oversight.
As the systems guy, it’s my job to convince you with proof that your restaurant can be so much more successful with them. With your restaurant’s success comes your freedom from stress and worries and a chance to do more with your day.
Click the podcast player above to listen in, or you can watch the video on YouTube, click here to download the latest episode.
