What should a restaurant pre shift meeting template include?
Core sections of the template
Start with the basics: who is on the floor, which section each person covers, and any call-outs or late arrivals. Next, review the expected covers or reservations and any busy windows, so the team knows when to expect pressure. A quick sales or reservation forecast helps servers plan their pace.
Then cover the menu. List specials with a one-line description, flag ingredients that are running low, and name the items that are sold out, often called 86 items in restaurant shorthand. Finish with guest notes, such as birthdays, allergies or VIP visits, and one service focus for the shift, like suggesting a dessert or checking in faster.
- Staffing: who is on, sections and call-outs
- Forecast: expected covers and busy times
- Menu: specials, sold-out items and allergy alerts
- Guest notes: allergies, VIPs and celebrations
- One training point or service goal
Keeping the meeting useful
Use the same order every shift so the team knows what to expect. Keep the meeting short, since long briefings lose attention before the doors open. Post the key points where staff can see them, and rotate who leads so more people build speaking and training skills.
Review what worked after a busy weekend and update the template. If the team keeps asking the same questions, add the answer to the template itself. Make sure allergy and safety information is accurate, and check your local health department rules for anything that must be recorded.
Common mistakes
- Making the meeting too long, which causes staff to tune out before service starts.
- Skipping allergy and sold-out updates, which can create guest safety problems and frustrated servers.
