Operational efficiency is essential in operating a successful small business. The restaurant industry has so many moving parts so improving efficiency can be a monumental task. Here are five ways to make your restaurant operate more efficiently.

Restaurant POS System

A POS system provides many benefits including better sales tracking, inventory management, business reporting, continuity with your kitchen staff and managing your staff. A POS system also makes things easier for your waitstaff, which can help you to retain employees and improve service.  There are many different options when it comes to POS systems, so consulting an expert and choosing a solution built for your industry is a must.

Additional Staff And Training

Being understaffed can have a tremendous impact on your ability to satisfy your customers. Additionally, with the amount of turnover in the service industry, under-trained staff can cause inefficiencies and a lack of upsells. Ensuring you are properly staffed and your team is well-trained on all of your processes is essential in operating a successful restaurant.

Equipment Upgrades

Outdated equipment can cause headaches for your staff and costly downtime. Properly maintaining your equipment and purchasing updated machinery can greatly increase the efficiency of your kitchen, which can help servers to turn over tables more quickly. In most cases you want to purchase new equipment instead of used as there are usually warranties and even tax breaks involved with doing so.

Streamlined Menu

Many restaurants make the mistake of trying to have something for everyone on their menu. This can cause waste when it comes to inventory and slow down your kitchen. Periodically auditing your menu and choosing dishes that use similar ingredients can help you to better use your inventory and allow your kitchen staff to produce fewer dishes that are not prepared correctly.

Customer And Employee Surveys

Your customers can be a great resource for improving your restaurant. Putting out survey cards on each of your tables with a few questions and area for additional comments can help you better serve your guests and increase sales. On that same note, your staff can also provide valuable insights into your operations as they are on the front line of your business.