How do you hire restaurant staff?
Step-by-Step Hiring Process
Start by writing a specific job description that lists duties, required experience, availability, and physical demands. Post it on job boards, social media, and industry-specific sites. Screen applicants with a short phone call or text to confirm interest, availability, and pay expectations. Then schedule in-person interviews with the most promising candidates.
During the interview, ask behavioral questions and, for server or cook roles, consider a paid working interview or tasting. Check references from previous managers. Once you decide, make an offer quickly and set a start date. A structured onboarding with paperwork, training, and a mentor helps new hires become productive faster.
- Write a clear job description with duties and requirements.
- Post on multiple channels: job boards, social media, referrals.
- Screen by phone or text to confirm basics.
- Interview with behavioral questions and a working tryout.
- Check references and make an offer fast.
- Onboard with paperwork, training, and a buddy shift.
Timing and Legal Basics
Restaurant hiring often happens in cycles: before busy seasons, after turnover spikes, or when expanding hours. Keep a pipeline of candidates even when fully staffed. Be aware of employment laws: in the U.S., you generally need to verify work eligibility (Form I-9), pay at least minimum wage (which varies by state), and follow overtime rules. Some states require paid sick leave or predictable scheduling.
For tipped positions, check your state's tip credit rules. Some states allow a lower cash wage with tips making up the difference; others require full minimum wage before tips. Always provide a written offer or offer letter that states pay rate, schedule expectations, and any tip pooling policy. When hiring minors, follow federal and state rules on hours and tasks.
Common mistakes
- Hiring too slowly and losing good candidates to competitors who move faster.
- Skipping reference checks and ending up with reliability or theft issues.
- Ignoring legal requirements like work eligibility verification or tip credit rules.
