How Top Restaurant Owners Hire the Best

The transformation of the restaurant industry is creating opportunities for owners and managers to reevaluate their hiring process,  ensuring they attract a strong team that delivers quality service. 

Valuable employees are essential, as they’re on the front lines, overseeing food quality and customer experience. Think of your staff as your engine, propelling your restaurant into motion and moving you closer to your goals. Bars and restaurants will struggle to keep up in a competitive market without a strong team. Your staff is the heart of the business, so hiring high-quality workers is a top priority.

However, thanks to labor shortages, many managers are desperate to hire anyone they can find. Recruiting the wrong people can affect your restaurant so you experience:

• High turnover rates
• Low performance
• Poor customer service
• An unstable team 

The cost of hiring, training, and managing under-skilled employees damages your restaurant's reputation and the relationships you’re building with patrons. Hiring candidates blindly is like driving in the fog – you have no direction. But when you take time to clarify what you’re looking for in your team members, the fog clears and you’re able to build a team that works like a well-oiled machine. 

As an owner, investing your time and energy into hiring strong staff members (especially during workforce shortages) is vital to your success, longevity, and customer loyalty. Beyond looking for qualities of a good team player, you need to search for characteristics that align with your business's values.

How to Hire the Best Restaurant Employees

Start by creating a list of qualities that you’d like others to use when describing your restaurant. For example, you may consider honesty, authenticity, and communication key pillars to success. Write these features down and refer to them throughout the hiring process.

When you’re intentional about your search, you can attract hard-working employees who contribute to your restaurant's success. Here's what to expect when you hire the right staff: 

• Excellent communication
• Integrity
• Streamlined work
• Responsibility
• High productivity
• Hitting business milestones 

Hiring the best candidates can transform the trajectory of your business, allowing you to stand out in the community. Before handing out any promotions, be sure to consider the areas in which you need support.

This may be in the front or back of the house, or inside your support staff. To determine where you need additional help, observe your team during operational hours or host a staff meeting to gain feedback from current employees.

Three Categories of a Restaurant Team

Front-of-House

Your front-of-house staff includes servers, hosts, and bussers. The servers and hosts are the faces of your business, as they interact the most with your customers. For these roles, explore applicants that share the following characteristics:

• Friendly
• Outgoing
• Engaging
• Communicative

The last thing you want these employees to contribute to are long wait times and overwhelmed team members. Ask your workers how they feel about managing crowds during operational hours, as their opinions will clarify if you need to hire in this area. 

Back-of-House

Your back-of-house team includes your kitchen staff, or those responsible for food preparation, quality control, and kitchen management. For this team, look for candidates who have a passion for food coupled with experience working in a fast-paced environment. Creative cooks are also ideal for contributing to specials and seasonal dishes. In addition, search for candidates with strong multitasking skills.

If your current team struggles to maintain the speed of orders, this is a sign they need additional help. For example, adding a sous-chef to prepare ingredients ahead of time can reduce everyone’s workload.

Support Staff 

Managers make up the bulk of your support staff, effectively overseeing the restaurant's operations – especially when you're not around. You're looking for a go-getter who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty here. In addition, you want someone you can depend on to step confidently into their leadership role and direct your team.

Avoid candidates who prefer a hands-off approach. Your workers need guidance, so look for a manager who can handle high-stress situations and effectively support each employee.

Ultimately, when it comes to finding people to join your team, you must focus on individuals who align with your values. You also want to attract candidates you believe will cultivate healthy relationships in the workplace and contribute to a thriving restaurant.

Six Standout Qualities of Valuable Restaurant Employees

1. Great Team Player

An individual with interpersonal skills is an ideal addition to every team. Strong team players can handle conflicts, communicate with others, and understand the importance of working together. During interviews, ask potential employees how they would resolve a dispute with a fellow staff member. Their answers will provide insight into their team playing skills.

2. Honesty and Integrity

Honest employees can bring awareness to existing problems that may be impacting the success of your business. These workers are communicative and productive in urgent situations. Avoid problematic employees who sweep issues under the rug, negatively affecting workflows and operations. Those with integrity can help you find efficient solutions and prevent problems from reoccurring.

3. Strong Communication Skills 

Communication is an essential skill in the restaurant and bar industry. Whether workers are in the front of the house or back, you want someone capable of conveying messages and prioritizing customer orders. Search for people with excellent listening skills, who will put your customers’ needs first. When it comes to conversations with patrons and staff members, people with strong communication skills will be proactive and get the job done. 

4. Positive Attitude

Boost your business and create lasting relationships with customers by employing team members with positive attitudes. Your employees' attitudes affect the overall reputation of your restaurant. The last thing you want is for someone to drive away business because of their negativity.

To understand an applicant’s demeanor, observe how they carry themselves and the energy they bring to their interview. You can also ask them how they handle conflict, giving you a glimpse of how they may engage with demanding customers. 

5. Authenticity and Personality

Go beyond job expectations and search for candidates who showcase their personalities. Authenticity plays a significant role in attracting the right customers to your restaurant. During the hiring process, look for team members who are comfortable with themselves. Hiring personable workers can create an immersive dining experience for your customers, making them more likely to return to your restaurant.   

6. Caring and Considerate

Meeting restaurant milestones means finding workers who care about your business and its goals. You're looking for someone who wants to make a difference and is mindful of their role in your restaurant's success. Even if the candidate doesn't see themselves evolving in the restaurant or bar industry, they must consider their responsibilities and fulfill them. 

You can determine if an applicant is considerate by asking them what they would do if they saw a staff member in need. Their answers will clarify if they're empathetic enough for the role.

In addition to these six standout qualities, here are three important characteristics to look for as you hire new employees. 

Punctuality

A worker who keeps track of time and is mindful of their schedule would be an excellent addition to your staff. Restaurants thrive on punctuality, so avoid glossing over this trait. For instance, late coworkers will cause congestion with orders and make it challenging to transition into the next shift.

Instead, avoid the headaches and messy workflows by looking for people who prefer arriving a few minutes early. Based on candidates' arrival times for interviews, you will know who values punctuality. 

Multitasking

Restaurants require workers who can juggle various tasks. For instance, a candidate handling phone calls while bagging to-go orders. Or, an employee who can input orders while still managing the front of the house. A multitasker can work under pressure in fast-paced environments.

Although it may be challenging to assess an applicant's multitasking skills, ask them about past experiences and how they work to manage different tasks when deciding if they're the right fit. 

Goes Above and Beyond

Employees who recognize when tasks are incomplete and jump into action make excellent team members. They're less concerned about adding to their responsibilities and more attentive about finishing restaurant duties. These employees are proactive and instrumental in meeting your business goals.

While it's helpful to have go-getters take on additional work, it's also vital they communicate when other staff members aren't fulfilling their roles. The goal is to have a well-rounded team that doesn't depend on a small group of staff members to get everything done.

Now that you know what constitutes a strong team player, let's dive into navigating the hiring process.

The Future of Restaurant Hiring

The uncertainty of job security inside the restaurant industry continues to worry restaurant owners and workers. With restaurants and bars closing (temporarily or permanently) and redirecting their focus to online and mobile ordering, the demand for front-of-house staff like servers, hosts, and bussers significantly decreased, leaving many workers unemployed and considering other industries for their careers.

In addition, wage considerations reintroduced conversations about fair compensation, with demanding customers leading to frontline workers joining “The Great Resignation.” All restaurant owners should recognize this shift in working attitudes and adjust accordingly before growing their team.

Here are five reasons why employees are not returning to restaurants:

• 1. Parents juggling childcare: Transitioning from in-person to virtual schooling required many parents to readjust their schedules to oversee their children at home. Without additional support, parents and caregivers cannot balance the demands of working in a restaurant and supervising their children.   
• 2. Concerns about COVID-19: The pandemic has made people hypervigilant about their health. These days, workers don't want to risk exposure to COVID-19 or any other illnesses, especially after the rise of new variants. Fear of health risks has left employees uncomfortable working in the hospitality field.
• 3. Worries about fair compensation: Staff members are concerned about working for minimum wage with no benefits. According to Divy, minimum wage only covers 54% of living costs for a family of four with two working adults. With the national average minimum wage of $9.08/hr, the pay covers 74% of the living wage of a single adult. Recognizing that full-time doesn't cover necessities makes people less inclined to pursue a position in a restaurant or bar. 
• 4. A desire for flexibility: Many workers want a healthy work/life balance, which includes reducing long hours and the possibility of working remotely. 
• 5. Need for better working conditions: Food safety and health concerns shed light on the importance of a healthy working environment, with leaders who cater to physical and mental health. Many ex-workers shared experiences of poor conditions, making restaurants and bars less desirable in the job market. 

It's no question that owners need to approach hiring with a new mindset. As a leader, you must make necessary adjustments to appeal to ideal candidates.

How Restaurants Can Attract Strong Team Members

Offer Competitive Wages

With recent reports proving minimum wage can’t cover basic living expenses, it's more important than ever to offer competitive wages. You can do this by establishing a cost of living raise, which improves employees' performance while helping secure their finances. It also reduces turnover, so you can maintain consistency in your customer service and increase the overall stability of your business. 

When the cost of living increases by a certain percentage, you can increase employee wages by the same rate. For example, if the cost of living increases by 1.5%, start matching that in the wages you offer. Adjusting your compensation can reduce workers' external stress and motivate them to stay.

Provide a Safe Working Environment

Safety is a top priority for all restaurants, so it's crucial to consider the well-being of your team. For example, maintaining health codes and regulations that keep employees and customers safe is key. 

Creating healthy working conditions promotes inclusion, communication, and respect — all positive attributes that make up a strong team.

Although it may seem like common sense to provide a healthy working environment, toxic habits can develop unintentionally over time. Signs of toxicity in the workplace include:

• High turnover rates
• Favoritism among candidates and team members
• Business rhetoric based on fear that can manifest itself in disengaged employees 
• Gossip that strains relationships and reduces trust
• Concerning behaviors including negative attitudes, low engagement, difficulty making decisions, and lack of concentration 
• Poor communication between team members and with customers
• Lack of boundaries between home and work

A toxic environment weakens your team, reducing the quality of service you provide. If you see any indications of toxic behavior, take action immediately. Start by actively engaging with your employees and listening to them. Also, maintain your restaurant's attitudes and be an example for your team.

You can also showcase your positive working environment on social media by posting reels of your employees having a good time, introducing new team members, and shining a spotlight on their hard work. 

The more authentic you are, the more you'll attract workers you want to be the face of your restaurant. You can also showcase your employees throughout your emails.  Email marketing is an effective way to connect with customers and potential new hires. 

Offer an Incentive for Signing Up

Incentivize candidates to apply by offering a signing bonus. A signing bonus is an excellent incentive for spreading the word about your current openings.

Consider rewarding staff members if they send you referrals as well. However, before offering a signup reward, consider your budget and discuss the idea with a financial advisor.

Establish a Thorough Training Process

Approach each training session with compassion and guidance. It will take time for new workers to get familiar with your POS system. Maintain a supportive stance and provide gentle feedback to build their confidence. 

Here are a few ideas for in-depth training:

• Reenact high-volume scenarios
• Practice inputting long orders into the POS system
• Rehearse calls & to-go orders
• Practice scenarios with demanding customers
• Test their knowledge of food substitutions
• Review their daily tasks and goals

Now that you have a clear understanding of how to attract candidates to your team, here are some ways to hire additional staff during a workforce shortage:

Maximize Referrals

Referrals are a reliable way to onboard new employees. As the engine of your business, your workers understand the ins and outs of the restaurant industry. When referrals come from a team you trust, you can rest assured they’re recommending the right people. Share this possibility with your staff and see what applications come your way. 

Promote on Social Media

These days, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok are popular platforms to engage with audiences and promote job openings. Take advantage of your social media presence by posting positions and inviting new team members to join your crew. 

Post on Job Sites

Job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Ziprecruiter are great for connecting with applicants eager to work. Users are constantly scrolling through job postings to find the right fit. Start by listing the qualities you're looking for and making sure your restaurant's values are clear. 

While finding suitable candidates for your team post-pandemic is critical, that's only half the battle. Your staff requires you to be a leader and provide direction, especially during uncertain times. When you step into your role as their guide, you can empower them to grow both personally and professionally. 

Follow Through as a Leader

The success of your restaurant depends on hiring a solid team and showing up to train and manage them. The responsibility of creating an environment for your team to flourish rests on your shoulders. 

Here are seven ways you can show up as a leader:

1. Create Realistic Goals

If you want your business to hit its milestones, your goals must be realistic and attainable. Use S.M.A.R.T. goals to establish objectives that align with your restaurant and keep your team on track. Once you set objectives, arrange a staff meeting and share your plans with your workers. 

2. Build Employee Confidence 

Set your staff up for success by providing intensive training. When you're proactive in the training process, you can prevent stressful situations. As a result, your team will be confident dealing with any scenario, from demanding customers and dietary restrictions to working in a fast-paced environment. 

3. Communicate Expectations

Eliminate confusion by being clear about everyone's roles and responsibilities. Beyond sharing goals with your team, you must also explain the consequences of not fulfilling tasks. Remind your employees that this is a team effort, requiring everyone to pull their weight.

You can communicate expectations by

• Creating a to-do checklist for each member
• Hosting regular staff meetings
• Observing performances daily
• Providing honest, helpful feedback

Communicate with respect and kindness while maintaining your authority as a leader. 

4. Show Empathy

Communication is a two-way street that requires you to share your thoughts while actively listening to your workers. Show empathy and support by hearing what your staff has to say.

When you take time to listen to them, you can determine better ways to support them, allowing your restaurant to thrive. 

5. Value Your Staff

Encourage your team and show them you believe in their efforts. You can value your staff by sharing words of affirmation. While it's your job to review mistakes and help them improve, it's important to appreciate them too.

Acknowledge what your workers are doing well. For instance, if a server builds great rapport with customers, let them know they're doing an excellent job. Your team will flourish when you encourage a supportive environment. 

6. Find Ways to Improve

Establish a healthy working culture by accepting any feedback you receive. Listening to constructive criticism will create a space for honesty, making your workers more inclined to share what's working and what isn't. Feedback also allows you to improve operations and update workflows.

Being receptive to feedback sets an example for what you expect in return from your staff. Your team can learn to be receptive like you and transform criticisms into learning opportunities. 

7. Use Restaurant Management Technology

Want to make your team’s jobs easier, reduce errors, and increase profits? You can optimize restaurant or bar operations by upgrading to reliable management software, such as a restaurant POS system. Restaurant technology effectively supports you and your team. 

Here are some Total Touch POS features and system highlights:

• Web Ordering: Increase sales, reduce phone wait times, and simplify the process with Total Touch web ordering system. Web ordering creates the ultimate convenience for customers, while your staff can accept orders online even when busy. 
• Employee management: High-quality POS systems specialize in work schedules, monitoring employee in/out timings, and payroll hours. These capabilities allow you to focus on your priorities while the software organizes the details.
• Inventory management tracking: Avoid a time-consuming manual approach by utilizing the Total Touch POS software to keep track of available ingredients and menu items running low. Inventory tracking is an effective way to combat food waste and over-budgeting your kitchen.

Hiring the Right People Means Adapting to Change

Hiring strong workers to propel your restaurant to success is essential for all restaurant and bar owners. However, you must acknowledge that the hiring process isn't as simple as it used to be. The best leaders are ready to adapt to changes in the market and workplace culture.

With the economy and workforce expectations transforming attitudes and values, this is your opportunity to adjust to the new wave and scope out the best people for your team. Before beginning the hiring process, consider your values and keep them in mind as you conduct interviews. 

In addition, think about the areas of your business that require support. For example, you may be looking for an extra server or host, a back-of-house helper such as a sous chef, or a manager to oversee operations.

As you begin the hiring process, highlight the following standout qualities:

• Team player
• Integrity
• Good communication 
• Positive attitude
• Authenticity and personality
• Caring and considerate

Bonus traits to look for include:

• Punctuality
• Multitasker
• Going the extra mile

Ultimately, the success of your business depends on you providing your team with direction, support, and feedback that will allow them to grow. You can step into your leadership role by:

• Administering thorough training 
• Cultivating a healthy working environment
• Promoting clear communications
• Showing empathy and kindness
• Valuing your staff 
• Improving as a leader
• Using a POS system to streamline work 

With these tips, you’re one step closer to adding ideal candidates to your team.

When you combine these factors with a powerful and easy-to-use POS and restaurant management system, you can streamline your workflow and provide the best environment for your staff and customers!