Recipe for Success: Part 1

Crafting Your Daily Plan

Starting your day as a restaurant owner or manager can be a busy task. To make it all work smoothly, you need a well-structured daily plan. Let's explore why having a daily plan is essential and how it can lead to success.

A Solid Start:

Every day, your restaurant team faces various challenges. Some are unexpected, and others are part of the routine. Starting the day by checking in with your team allows you to address any urgent issues they might have. This way, you support your team and ensure they can focus on their tasks while you tackle your responsibilities.

The Power of Structure:

Imagine going into a day without a plan. You'd find yourself rushing to fix problems as they pop up. Having a structured daily plan offers you better control. It means you can allocate your time wisely, reducing frustration and chaos.

Common Challenges:

Daily planning isn't always easy. One common challenge is the transition from being an employee to a manager or owner. Suddenly, there's no one else to rely on to solve problems. However, crafting a daily plan allows you to take control and gradually delegate tasks.

Tangible Benefits:

Structured planning can have a significant impact on your restaurant's operations and productivity. Emergencies can still happen, but you'll have the flexibility to pivot because you've taken control of your week.

Effective Techniques:

Creating a successful daily plan involves more than just writing down your to-dos. It's a process that begins by planning out each week, looking ahead to the following week, and preparing mentally. This approach adds a verification layer to your work.

Balancing Act:

To balance immediate daily tasks with long-term planning and growth, you need efficient systems and well-trained staff. Delegating tasks to your team allows you to focus on strategic matters while they handle daily operations.

The Tech Advantage:

Technology can make daily planning and task management more efficient. Communication tools like Slack help you stay in touch with your team. Costing software such as Piecemeal.io simplifies tracking costs, and simple checklists created in Excel or Google Sheets speed up the planning process.

Pro Tips:

Consider creating checklists that break down tasks by section or position. For example, organize tasks for the meat section, including portion control, butchery, and sauce preparation. Spreading tasks over a week can prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Lessons from the Field:

There was one restaurant that I worked at where my meat and fish fridge broke in the middle of the week. I had spent the entire week prepping for the weekend and when I came in in the morning, everything was spoiled. At first I looked at the owners and said I didn’t know how we could open today. We took a breath, I yelled outside, kicked a couple cardboard boxes, and then came back and looked at my usual prep lists. After about 15 minutes I said “If you can get me everything by 2pm, I can make it happen.” We called our suppliers, got new protein in and the whole team helped knock it out of the park. Without having a clear list, there is no way we could have pulled it off in 6 hours.

In conclusion, crafting a daily plan is the recipe for success in the restaurant world. It empowers you to manage challenges efficiently, allocate your time wisely, and achieve both short-term and long-term goals. In our next article, "The Daily Grind: How Structure Fuels Efficiency," we'll dive deeper into the benefits of structure and how it can fuel efficiency in restaurant management. Stay tuned for more insights on building a successful restaurant operation.