How Restaurants Can Prevent Employee Burnout and Reduce Turnover

How Restaurants Can Prevent Employee Burnout and Reduce Turnover

by | Dec 2, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

Workplace burnout is a serious problem in the hospitality industry, as many restaurants are on a bootstrapping budget. Often, it is the most dedicated and hardest working employees who succumb to burnout, leaving restaurants with difficult-to-fill voids. To better prevent employee burnout, an understanding is needed, backed by a well-thought-out plan of retention.

“Even if companies haven’t literally lost their employees, many have lost them psychologically.” – Jon Gordon

Scope of Workplace Burnout

The findings from a recent study of 3,000 employees in the US and Canada, sponsored by Staples Inc., sheds light on the magnitude of business burnout:

  • 91 percent of employees say they work more than forty hours per week.
  • 65 percent cite feeling pressure at home that is a carryover from their jobs.
  • Working more hours to stay afloat is a pressure that causes many Americans to mentally check out of their work lives.
  • Frustration and cynicism are often the two main hallmarks of occupational burnout.

Perhaps the most interesting fact presented was that 59 percent of workers state that being encouraged to take breaks by supervisors helped to decrease their feelings of burnout, whether they actually took a break or not.

The response to the act of showing concern is an indicator that the Golden Rule, or law of reciprocity, is still the most important guiding principle in life and business. Simply, treat others as we want to be treated.

With this in mind, the Staples study lists the three simple “perks” that employees value above all others as wellness programs, comfortable break-rooms with technology and fresh snacks and beverages.

The Purpose-Driven Workplace

For nearly a decade, studies have consistently indicated that employees want to work for companies with a purpose. Employers that can facilitate this (marginally tangible) request seem to have better retention rates. Differentiating on this point translates favorably in today’s lean business model.

“A lack of purpose goes deeper than simple business burnout.” – Dan Pontefract

Of course “purpose” means different things to different employees but Dan Pontefract, author of The Purpose Effect, provides the following guidelines.

Be appreciative. Restaurants that have successfully implemented programs focused on rewards and recognition of their employees have reported better productivity, stronger engagement, retention, and loyalty. Cracker Barrel, for example, has a strong rewards and recognition program and boasts improved turnover rates.

Be engaging. Sharing organizational goals and plans with every team member, no matter their role, creates a feeling of purpose. In and Out Burger is one chain praised by current and former employees for its positive work environment.

Be ethical. This is key to an organization’s integrity. It says to employees and customers that the company is taking responsibility. This fosters a sense of pride in the company for the employee.

Be fair. When a culture based on fairness permeates the entire organization, the results are improved “people practices” throughout. Make sure that your organization has a level playing field for all employees to succeed and advance. Restaurants like Five-Guys and TGI Fridays consistently top lists of the “best restaurants to work” because they promote heavily from within. These brands also offer benefits that help any employ with the desire, advance to higher levels in the company.

Be inclusive. Identify and recognize all that are affected by your company, including clients, employees, families, community, and beyond. Next, seek ways to serve all these entities as stakeholders and acknowledge each group as an integral part of your success.

Be flexible. When possible allow employees the opportunity to self-schedule. This has been shown to increase employee satisfaction which is the number one driver of productivity.

Employees are the single most valuable asset of your business. Understanding when and how to show that you value your employees is imperative in management and retention. This will reflect outwardly in terms of productivity and workplace satisfaction. In the lean business economy of today, there is no easy solution for employee burnout. With these strategies, however, companies can move toward increasing employee engagement and satisfaction as well as improving retention.

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7 Licenses and Permits Required to Open a New Restaurant

7 Licenses and Permits Required to Open a New Restaurant

by | Nov 28, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

Opening a new restaurant is no easy task and the restaurant industry is highly regulated. New eateries face all of the typical new business hurdles, as well as complying with a web of local, state and federal regulations. To ensure that your new restaurant gets off to a good start, find out exactly what licenses and permits it needs to operate.

Business License

The city or state where your new restaurant resides issues you a business license. This license is what gives you the authorization to operate within a particular geographic jurisdiction. Getting a business license usually involves filling out some paperwork (i.e. registering your business name) and paying an application fee.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN number is what tells the federal government that you are an employer. It is essentially a tax identification number, and you obtain it by visiting the IRS website, filling out a form and paying a fee. You can also apply by mail or by phone. Your EIN is the number under which you file your business taxes each year.

…the restaurant industry is highly regulated…

Certificate of Occupancy

A new restaurant must have a certificate of occupancy to show that the building it is safe for employees and customers. The town or city that your restaurant resides issues the certificate and usually requires a building inspection by local authorities. Most restaurants must have a certificate of occupancy before opening their doors to the public.

Food Service License

No restaurant can operate without a food service license. This license usually involves and on site visit by city or county health department officials and ensures that your restaurant meets all food preparation, food storage and food safety regulations and laws. In some cases, employees must complete a food safety training program and have a food handler’s permit.

With the right licenses and permits, you will get off to a flying start and a whole new culinary adventure.

Liquor License

If you plan to sell liquor at your restaurant, then you need a liquor license. Liquor laws vary from state to state and sometimes from city to city. Local authorities do not want just anyone selling liquor, so most liquor laws are fairly strict and regulate everything from when and where to serve liquor to how much it costs. Depending on your restaurant’s location, you might need both a beer and wine license and a liquor license.

No matter what type of liquor license you need, apply for it early because it can take up to a year to receive it. Application fees can range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars, and you must renew the license each year.

Music License

Music in the background of any public eating establishment helps create atmosphere. Copyright law, however, protects music, so if you plan to play it in your restaurant, then make sure you have a music license.

Check out Sirvo’s Business Owner’s Toolkit for more information on operating your own place in the hospitality industry.

Get the license from companies that hold performance rights for copyrighted musical works. Two of the largest such companies are the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI). You can face some pretty stiff fines without a music licence.

You can also opt for a restaurant music streaming service that covers all your bases like, Soundtrack Your Brand.

Sign Permit

You need signage to draw attention to your new restaurant. So before you put up that placard, sandwich board or illuminated banner, make sure that you have a sign permit from the city or town where your new restaurant resides. This permit allows you to use signage, but it also regulates the size and location of your signs.

Opening a new restaurant is exciting! With the right licenses and permits, you will get off to a flying start and a whole new culinary adventure. Check out Sirvo’s Business Owner’s Toolkit for more information on operating your own place in the hospitality industry. 

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How to Run a Successful Wine Program

How to Run a Successful Wine Program

by | Nov 11, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

There’s nothing quite like a glass–or a bottle–of wine with dinner when you’re out to eat. Unfortunately, all too many restaurants are failing to take advantage of this great source of income. You have a wine list, but you’re not using it to its full potential! Below we offer some suggestions on refining your wine program in attempt to offer your guests as dynamic of an experience possible!

Choose Your Wines Carefully

Ideally, you want to have a rotating selection of wines that reflect the trends your customers will enjoy most. Some customers are eager to check out the new wine that you’ve just added to the menu, others have old favorites and won’t often branch out.

Choose your wines with care, being sure to offer them at a variety of price points to attract as many customers as possible. Always keep in mind the cuisine you offer and ensure that your wine selection can be paired with any dish you serve.

The excuse of, “well we just don’t sell that much wine” is essentially inexcusable.

A great resource for information is your liquor sales representative/consultant. Liquor distribution companies train their staff very well and provide them with a multitude of educational sessions throughout the year.

Don’t get us wrong, they are always trying to make the sale and get you to purchase higher priced bottles or ones they can’t seem to unload out of the warehouse. But they are also very, very knowledgeable of their product and can walk you through the selection process.

Watch Your Prices

Base your glass prices on market value/competitive pricing as this will encourage customers to consider your particular wine options. By pricing your glasses of wine reasonably, you encourage more guests to (at the very least) try a glass. A well-chosen glass can easily lead to a bottle, as well as a satisfied guest with the intent to return!

A well-chosen glass can easily lead to a bottle.

As for bottle pricing, an effective strategy is to offer a reasonable price on bottles of your house red or white; select a price point that makes it cheaper than it would be by the glass. Your house wines are great options to include on happy hour menus as well and are an easy choice for many of your guests who are not picky about their wine.

As for the higher end bottles, charge market price because these should not be discounted and won’t ever have to be as long as they are attractive options.

Educate Your Staff

It’s crucial for your waitstaff to be knowledgeable about your wine selection and be able to properly talk about wine with guests. A waiter who is uncomfortable speaking about wine and/or guiding guests through the selections will be a poor salesperson, and that’s not necessarily their fault!

It’s crucial for your waitstaff to be knowledgeable about your wine selection.

Ideally, you want as much of your staff possible to have tried the wines that you’re offering. Not only that, they should have an idea of the characteristics of the wine, what wine pairs well with the signature dishes on your menu, and how to choose a wine that will fit your customer’s preferences.

Discussing the wines you carry during any type of pre-shift meeting is an ideal time to provide information for your staff. Maybe even consider a bi-annual all-staff meeting to go over your entire beverage campaign and include a wine education portion in those meetings.

Improve the Experience

All waitstaff should be presenting and offering wine service in a professional and proper manner. There are traditionalists out there that will refuse a bottle or ask for a replacement if it is not presented properly.

Wine service takes practice and a first timer is always going to be nervous. It’s a pretty simple process, made easier by following these steps:

  • Always carry a wine key and not a cheap one either, they don’t last and often don’t work all that well.
  • Carry the bottle with the label out with the palm of your hand placed on the bottom of the bottle
  • Ensure that all wine glasses are polished and feel free to carry the glasses on a tray or in your other hand
  • Bring a linen folded and draped neatly across your arm to help with small spills
  • Present the bottle to the guest who ordered it prior to uncorking
  • Always be talking to the guest as you are uncorking the bottle (this avoids awkwardness and allows time to talk menu options)
  • Pour a small sample and present to the guest who ordered the bottle
  • Once an approval is given, pour for each guest (ladies first)

Selection, price, variety, pairings, presentation and education are essential to a restaurant’s wine program.

Selection, price, variety, pairings, presentation and education are essential to a restaurant’s wine program. The excuse of, “well we just don’t sell that much wine” is essentially inexcusable. If you do not have an attractive wine presence on your menu or a staff that is uneducated about wine you are letting money walk out the door as a business owner. Make it a priority and be passionate about an age old beverage selection that will not only attract a certain audience but will also make many of your guests feel that they were provided with an experience and sometimes an education. 

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Seelbach Cocktail Known as “Rescued Classic” is Anything But Classic

Seelbach Cocktail Known as “Rescued Classic” is Anything But Classic

by | Nov 7, 2016 | IndiNews

For the last 20 years, if you were in the bar business and knew one thing about the bartender Adam Seger, it was that he was the man behind the Seelbach cocktail.

The Seelbach is named after the Seelbach Hotel (today the Seelbach Hilton), a storied century-old lodging in downtown Louisville, Ky., that is mentioned briefly in “The Great Gatsby.” Shortly after being put in charge of the hotel’s bar and restaurant operations in 1995, Mr. Seger declared that he had discovered a recipe for a pre-Prohibition cocktail that was once the hotel’s signature drink. He tested it, liked it and put it back on the menu.

The news media soon picked up on the tale, and within a few years, the Seelbach cocktail was regarded as a rescued classic. It’s a tantalizing back story, one that has charmed cocktail writers and aficionados for years, and there’s only one thing wrong with it: None of it is true.

There’s only one thing wrong with it: None of it is true.

After two decades of yarn-spinning, Mr. Seger, 47, who left the hotel in 2001 and recently helped open the Tuck Room in downtown Manhattan, has decided to come clean that he concocted not only the drink but also the story behind it.

“I was nobody,” Mr. Seger said of his standing as a bartender then. “I had no previous accolades in the bar world. I knew I could make a great drink. I wanted it to be this promotion for the hotel, and I felt the hotel needed a signature cocktail. How could you have a place that F. Scott Fitzgerald hung out in that doesn’t have a damn cocktail?”

Mr. Seger’s sin is hardly an original one; bartenders have been telling self-aggrandizing tales since there have been bars to tend. It is, however, an unusual instance of old-school legerdemain in an era when mixologists have made an effort to be more scrupulous about cocktail history.

“How could you have a place that F. Scott Fitzgerald hung out in that doesn’t have a damn cocktail?”

The Seelbach cocktail story began when Mr. Seger started digging into the hotel’s history. “We found old menus,” he said. “I was convinced there had to be a Seelbach cocktail.”

Except there wasn’t. So he created one, mixing bourbon, triple sec and Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters, and topping it all with sparkling white wine.

He then came up with an elaborate origin story involving a couple from New Orleans who had honeymooned at the hotel in 1912. The man ordered a manhattan, the woman a Champagne cocktail. The clumsy bartender, spilling the bubbly into the manhattan, set the mess aside and made the drinks anew. But the accidental mélange got the barman thinking. Soon, the Seelbach cocktail was born.

Soon, the Seelbach cocktail was born.

The Louisville Courier-Journal was the first to write about the new/old drink. Soon, it was included in “New Classic Cocktails,” a 1997 book by Gaz Regan and Mardee Haidin Regan. Later, it found its way into “Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails,” an influential book by the drinks historian Ted Haigh, known as Dr. Cocktail.

To Mr. Seger’s amazement, no one ever asked him to produce an old menu with the drink on it. “When Ted’s book came out, I thought, ‘Oh, now this is getting too serious, because this is a history book,'” Mr. Seger said.

Mr. Seger, who talked of how he had “carried this around” for years, recently confessed his transgression to Mr. Regan. “To be honest,” Mr. Regan said, “I always suspected that Adam had created the drink, but I really, really loved it, his story was almost plausible, and I needed recipes for ‘New Classic Cocktails.'”

“I always suspected that Adam had created the drink, but I really, really loved it.”

When informed by a reporter of the cocktail’s new birth date, Matthew Willinger, the hotel’s director of public relations, replied that the cocktail “has certainly been a tradition of the hotel and will remain part of its future.”

Originally published on The New York Times

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Which are you: Cocktail Connoisseur or Boozy Beverage Beginner?

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