The Pre-Shift Huddle Sheet: Aligning Teams Before the First Ticket Drops
Before the first guest walks in, the battle for a great shift is either won or lost. The pre-shift huddle isn’t just a quick cha - it’s a strategic tool to unite your team, communicate priorities, and set the tone for service.
Using a Pre-Shift Huddle Sheet ensures consistency, clarity, and connection across all your shifts.
Why Pre-Shift Huddles Work
Think of a pre-shift huddle as a team’s locker room moment before game time. When done right, it builds:
- Focus - Everyone knows the day’s goals and specials.
- Energy - Sets a positive tone and urgency.
- Accountability - Assigns roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Consistency - Keeps standards tight from shift to shift.
And most importantly - it prevents misfires before they happen.
What to Include on Your Huddle Sheet
Your sheet should cover the essentials in a fast, efficient format (5–8 minutes max).
Core Sections:
- Date / Shift Time
- Manager or Shift Lead
- Weather / Reservations / Events Forecast
- Sales Goal or Focus Metric (e.g., avg. check, dessert sales)
- Featured Menu Items or 86’d Items
- Upsell Target or Contest Reminder
- Team Shoutouts / Recognition
- Shift Roles / Station Assignments
- Training Tip or Service Reminder
- Open Q&A / Team Questions
Sample Huddle Sheet Snapshot:
| Date | Shift Goal | Upsell Focus | Special | 86’d Items | Shoutouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/28 | $2,800 | Desserts | Salmon BLT | None | Jess for 3 five-star reviews! |
Huddle Tips for Maximum Impact
- Keep it brief - No more than 8–10 minutes.
- Keep it interactive - Ask questions, get feedback.
- Keep it positive - Start with praise, end with a challenge.
- Keep it actionable - Tie everything to what happens on the floor.
Coaching with the Huddle Sheet
Post-shift, use the sheet to review:
- Did the upsell focus work?
- Who hit or missed goals?
- What issues were prevented by setting expectations early?
This becomes a record of leadership consistency - and a culture of communication.
Final Word: Lead the Shift, Don’t Just Staff It
Every great service starts before the doors open. The Pre-Shift Huddle Sheet isn’t paperwork - it’s your playbook for execution.
One sheet. Ten minutes. Huge results.
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Jaime Oikle 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.