In this Running Restaurants Podcast episode, Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars shares practical strategies for training restaurant staff. The discussion covers mentoring and shadowing multiple top performers, cross-training for versatility, and the value of daily pre-shift huddles focused on sales and guest experience. Roger also describes engaging role-playing exercises, like "How to Turn $100 into $1000," to sharpen sales skills. The episode emphasizes empowering staff, using creative sales props, and identifying unique "hooks" to boost revenue and set restaurants apart, offering actionable tips for operators to elevate team performance and guest satisfaction.
Highlights include:
Mentoring and shadowing strategies for restaurant staff.
Importance of learning from multiple top-performing employees ("A players").
Cross-training staff to enhance versatility and understanding of various roles.
Daily pre-shift huddles as a strategy for improving guest experience and sales.
Key topics for discussion during pre-shift huddles, including guest needs and sales strategies.
Role-playing training exercises to develop sales skills and team engagement.
The impact of effective sales training on restaurant revenue.
Use of props and unique selling points to enhance sales and differentiate the restaurant.
Identifying and promoting profitable items or experiences ("hooks") to drive sales.
Jaime is the Owner & Founder of RunningRestaurants.com, a comprehensive web site for restaurant owners & managers filled with marketing, operations, service, people & tech tips to help restaurants profit and succeed.
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