Restaurant managers oversee restaurant operations. They perform crucial tasks, ensuring the restaurant runs smoothly. Effective restaurant managers can make the difference between success and failure.
Their duties include hiring staff, training employees, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment. There are multiple tasks managers perform on a daily or weekly basis, such as creating work schedules. Still, there are some additional tasks restaurant managers should perform every month. Let’s look at some essential tasks restaurant managers should perform at least once a month.
1. Check on essential systems.
Checking on essential appliances in your restaurant is crucial for running a smooth business. For example, a building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system regulate air temperature and indoor air quality. There are many reasons not to DIY HVAC system repairs. Breaking equipment can lead to costly repairs. It’s time-consuming to figure out what’s wrong with your system and how to fix it, especially if you aren’t an HVAC technician. You may not have the right tools or equipment, and you may invalidate your HVAC warranty if you attempt repairs yourself.
Certified HVAC technicians know what to look for when evaluating HVAC units. They’ll assess your unit’s health and can perform routine maintenance, such as replacing your air filters, cleaning condenser coils, and cleaning your ducts. Toxins and allergens, such as mold and pollen, can build up in your HVAC unit and ductwork, causing your HVAC system to distribute toxins throughout your restaurant. Investing in regular HVAC maintenance can prevent these issues and ensure your HVAC unit’s working correctly.
2. Research new products.
It’s extremely important for restaurants to research new products and be inclusive of a variety of dietary needs. Doing this will attract more customers to your business. For example, vegan mayo from Only Plant Based Foods has revolutionized the food industry, enabling restaurants to add tasty, vegan sauces to their dishes. The absence of animal products makes plant-based foods suitable for anyone on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Working with vegan food companies means that your restaurant can incorporate foods such as mayo that contain no dairy products, making them ideal for lactose intolerant patrons. Restaurant managers who cater to animal welfare advocates will appreciate new products that make it easy to satisfy patrons without compromising food quality.
3. Update your menus.
Each year, approximately 45 million people in the United States start a diet. These numbers may include people embracing long-term diet plans, such as a gluten-free or vegetarian diet. Others may be trying a fad diet or a short-term diet for weight loss. Consequently, restaurant managers should stay informed about all diet trends. Incorporating menu options for people on a popular diet can help you increase your clientele. You might offer veggie burgers to appeal to vegetarians. You could also add seafood and poultry items, increasing the number of alternatives to dishes with red meat.
4. Stay informed about the impact food has on health.
It’s a good idea to add menu options with specific health benefits. Someone who’s struggling with high cholesterol or heart disease may be concerned about eating out. You can increase the number of dishes with whole grains, such as brown rice and whole-wheat cereal, pasta, and bread. Whole grains are high in fiber and vitamin B12. They also help lower your cholesterol. Adding information to your menus about dishes suitable for low cholesterol or heart-healthy diets helps patrons make healthy food selections. You can also note dishes that fit popular diet plans, such as the Mediterranean diet.
5. Touch base with staff.
A monthly staff meeting’s a great way to keep staff informed about changes at the restaurant. You can provide staff with an opportunity to try new food dishes you’re adding to the menu, ensuring your entire staff team’s familiar with the dishes you’re serving. You can also let staff know about new operating protocols or safety regulations they must follow. It’s also a good idea to be available to your staff team, offering them an opportunity to address concerns or make suggestions so your restaurant continues to run effectively.
Restaurant managers oversee restaurant operations and their crucial role can impact a restaurant’s success. In addition to the daily and weekly tasks that restaurant managers perform, it’s a good idea for restaurant managers to perform monthly tasks. These tasks ensure their building’s systems operate correctly, their restaurant has the best menu for patrons, and facilitate staff communication.