A restaurant manager is an incredibly multi-faceted job. This is why restaurant manager training programs need to be highly detailed, covering many different elements of running a restaurant.
From managing staff to overseeing finances, managing events to marketing your venue, restaurant managers need to do it all. They’re a key figure in any restaurant’s success, and they need to be on top of every single process that goes into running your restaurant.
To help ensure proper restaurant manager training, here are some of the key steps and processes you need to follow.
Comprehensive Orientation
A restaurant manager training program needs to be as comprehensive as possible. After all, the manager is the person who oversees all of your restaurant operations. So, they need to have complete insight into every aspect of how the restaurant functions.
Begin the manager's training with a detailed orientation that covers not only the basic logistics of the restaurant but also the establishment's history, mission, values, and overarching philosophy.
This deep dive will instill a sense of belonging and purpose, creating a stronger connection between the manager and the restaurant. Introduce them personally to the entire staff, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving the shared goals of the restaurant.
Restaurant managers need to have a detailed understanding of why the restaurant exists and what purpose it serves. The better the manager is oriented with every element of the restaurant, the better they’ll be able to perform their job.
Understanding the Menu
One of the first things on any restaurant manager's training checklist needs to be the menu.
This is the restaurant's product, and it's how the business makes money. The menu is also what dictates all operations of the business - including the kitchen, the bar, how service is managed, and what kind of suppliers the business deals with.
Quite simply, every element of running the restaurant revolves around the menu.
Beyond memorizing the dishes, ingredients, and preparation methods, encourage the new manager to explore the subtleties of flavor profiles. Allow them to taste various dishes, developing a personal connection to the menu.
This firsthand experience not only equips them to make informed recommendations but also fosters a genuine passion for the cuisine. When the manager has a detailed understanding of how the menu tastes and is prepared, they’ll be in a far better position to effectively control everything that goes into creating and selling this menu.
Customer Service Training
Exceptional customer service is vital for a successful restaurant. This is a key area of focus for restaurant management training.
Offer comprehensive training on effective communication skills, active listening, and empathetic engagement. Provide scenarios and role-playing exercises to simulate various customer interactions, preparing the manager to handle any situation with grace and professionalism.
Conflict resolution techniques should be a key focus, ensuring that customer concerns are addressed promptly and satisfactorily.
While any restaurant management course should cover the basics of customer service training, your restaurant must teach its unique customer service style. As the restaurant manager, they must have a deep understanding of how your restaurant treats customers and what kind of experiences guests expect at your business.
Operational Knowledge
Beyond the front-of-house interactions, a restaurant manager must be well-versed in operational procedures.
The venue manager training program should cover everything from point-of-sale (POS) systems and order processing to handling reservations. A major part of this involves understanding how your restaurant software works, and what tools you could implement to streamline these processes.
Operational knowledge should also cover things like health and safety procedures, and any other important standards that your restaurant follows. There’s a lot that goes into the hospitality industry, and the restaurant manager needs to be on top of every process.
Financial Management
Being a restaurant manager is an incredibly versatile role. One of the key functions it involves is careful financial management of the business.
Make sure that your restaurant manager training program includes a thorough overview of how your business manages finances. This should include budgeting, inventory control, and cost analysis.
Dive into the details of profit and loss statements, which will help the manager make data-driven decisions to enhance the restaurant's financial performance. Restaurant managers must understand how their performance affects the bottom line of the business.
Even if your restaurant has a bookkeeper, the manager still needs to tightly control the budget and keep a keen eye on income and expenses. This is one of the most difficult parts of managing a restaurant business, yet restaurants need to thrive.
Team Building and Leadership
A restaurant management position extends beyond overseeing daily operations - it also needs to focus on leading and shaping the team's culture.
A major part of employee management should involve building a strong team of restaurant workers and developing a positive working environment.
Provide training on effective leadership, focusing on things like team motivation, delegation, and creating a happy work environment. Encourage the manager to lead by example, nurturing a collaborative and supportive team dynamic.
The manager should have clear systems in place for effective team communication and collaboration.
Time Management
Time is a precious resource in the restaurant industry. As a general manager, it's essential to have strong time management skills.
Devote training sessions to effective time management, emphasizing the need to prioritize tasks during both routine operations and peak periods. Equip the manager with tools and strategies to streamline workflows and manage time efficiently, ensuring smooth operations during busy periods.
Of course, a major part of this will be helping the manager come to grips with your restaurant's tools and software. The better they understand the software solutions your business has in place, the more efficiently they’ll be able to perform their role.
Technology Training
In the digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in restaurant operations. Restaurant owners and managers need to have a strong grasp of restaurant tech and know how to use it to maximize efficiency.
Train the manager on any specific technology used in your restaurant, such as reservation systems, kitchen display systems, or inventory management software. Provide troubleshooting guidance, ensuring that the manager can address common technical issues independently, minimizing disruptions.
It’s also important that the manager is set up with all of the correct access codes, and that they know how to get in touch with relevant support teams for the solutions. Being able to troubleshoot software problems during busy shifts is something any manager should be ready to do.
Continuous Training and Development
A restaurant manager training checklist shouldn’t just be crossed off once. Instead, it should be an ongoing process
When training the manager, make sure you establish a culture of continuous learning within the restaurant. Beyond the initial training period, provide ongoing opportunities for skill development.
This can include workshops, seminars, and access to relevant industry publications. Encourage the manager to stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving customer preferences.
The restaurant industry is always changing, and your restaurant operations should change with it. By keeping the manager up-to-date with all of the latest trends and developments, your business will be in a better position to maintain a competitive edge.
Mentorship and Support
Assigning a mentor or support system is always a good idea for the manager's success. This mentorship provides a designated channel for guidance, fostering a sense of camaraderie and professional growth.
The mentor could be another manager, the restaurant owner, the head chef, or just the longest-standing staff member.
Ensure open communication channels, allowing the manager to seek advice, share challenges, and receive constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
Stay Updated on Industry Trends
The restaurant landscape is dynamic, with trends constantly evolving. Keep the manager informed about the latest industry trends, innovative culinary techniques, and emerging customer preferences.
Encourage them to proactively seek out new ideas that they can bring to your business. A big part of this should be constantly monitoring your competitors, visiting other restaurants, and experiencing what else is happening in the industry.
Crisis Management
A well-prepared manager is essential in navigating crises effectively.
Offer specialized training on crisis management, covering scenarios such as customer complaints, food safety issues, or unforeseen events. Simulate crises through role-playing exercises. This ensures that the manager can remain composed, make informed decisions under pressure, and guide the team through challenging circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Effective restaurant management training is critical for the success of any restaurant business. As the manager plays such a pivotal role in operating the business, ensuring they’re properly trained is key to the restaurant’s operations running smoothly.
As mentioned earlier, an essential step when you prepare managers is getting them up to scratch with the right software solutions for your restaurant. If your restaurant hosts events, then using the right venue management platform is a must. Watch a demo with Perfect Venue to see how our all-in-one software solution can make any manager's life a lot easier.
