How to Find and Retain Great Restaurant Employees

Michael Owens • February 18, 2025

Are You Retaining Your Employees? Here Are Some Tips

How to Find and Retain Great Restaurant Employees


Finding and keeping great employees is one of the biggest challenges in the restaurant industry. With high turnover rates and a competitive job market, restaurant owners must take proactive steps to attract, train, and retain top talent. A strong team not only ensures smooth operations but also enhances the customer experience, leading to better reviews and higher profits. 


If you're struggling with hiring or keeping employees, these strategies will help you build a dedicated and reliable restaurant team. 


1. Create a Positive Work Culture 

A great restaurant starts with a great work environment. Employees stay longer when they feel valued and respected. To foster a positive workplace: 

- Treat all staff with respect and fairness. 

- Encourage teamwork and open communication. 

- Recognize and reward hard work with bonuses, employee-of-the-month programs, or incentives. 

- Create an inclusive and harassment-free environment. 


A strong culture keeps employees engaged and less likely to leave. 


2. Hire the Right People from the Start

Hiring the right employees reduces turnover and ensures better service. When recruiting: 

- Look for people with great attitudes, not just experience. Skills can be trained, but attitude is harder to change. 

- Ask behavioral interview questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer"). 

- Offer working interviews to see how a candidate fits into your team. 

- Prioritize candidates who are passionate about food and hospitality. 


A careful hiring process helps build a strong team from the start. 


3. Offer Competitive Pay and Benefits 

Compensation is a major factor in employee retention. While raising wages isn't always possible, you can offer: 

- Performance-based bonuses 

- Tip-sharing programs (fairly distributed) 

- Employee meal discounts 

- Healthcare or wellness benefits (even a small contribution can help) 

- Flexible scheduling to accommodate work-life balance 


Employees who feel well-compensated are more likely to stay loyal to your restaurant. 


4. Provide Ongoing Training and Growth Opportunities 

People stay where they see growth. Help employees build their careers by: 

- Offering cross-training so they can learn new skills (e.g., front-of-house staff learning kitchen basics). 

- Providing mentorship and leadership training for those interested in management roles. 

- Encouraging certifications in food safety, mixology, or culinary skills. 

- Conducting regular training sessions on customer service, menu knowledge, and operational efficiency. 


When employees see a future in your restaurant, they're more likely to stay. 



5. Create a Strong Onboarding Process 

The first few weeks on the job set the tone for long-term retention. A structured onboarding process should include: 

- A welcome meeting to introduce new hires to the team. 

- A training schedule with clear expectations. 

- A mentor or buddy system to help new employees adjust. 

- A trial period with feedback so employees feel supported. 


Good onboarding reduces stress and improves job satisfaction. 


6. Make Scheduling Fair and Flexible 

Poor scheduling is one of the top reasons restaurant employees quit. To keep staff happy: 

- Post schedules at least two weeks in advance. 

- Use scheduling software to allow easy shift swaps. 

- Offer consistent hours so employees can plan their finances. 

- Be mindful of burnout—avoid back-to-back closing and opening shifts. 


Happy employees stay longer when they have a work-life balance. 



7. Encourage Employee Feedback

Employees want to feel heard. Create an open-door policy where they can voice concerns without fear. Ways to encourage feedback: 

- Monthly team meetings to discuss challenges and ideas. 

- Anonymous surveys to gauge employee satisfaction. 

- One-on-one check-ins to address concerns before they become major issues. 


Listening and responding to feedback shows employees that their opinions matter. 



8. Recognize and Reward Employees

A simple "thank you" can go a long way. Recognizing employees for their hard work boosts morale and motivation. Some ways to show appreciation: 

- Employee-of-the-month awards with a bonus or gift card. 

- Team outings or staff appreciation events. 

- Personalized recognition (e.g., celebrating work anniversaries). 

- Performance-based raises or promotions. 


When employees feel valued, they are more likely to stay committed to your restaurant. 



9. Build a Team-Oriented Environment

Employees are more likely to stay when they feel like part of a team. Foster a team-oriented workplace by: 

- Encouraging collaboration instead of competition. 

- Hosting staff events like team dinners or outings. 

- Setting shared goals with rewards (e.g., hitting a monthly sales target). 

- Leading by example—managers should be involved and supportive. 


A strong team dynamic makes the work environment more enjoyable and productive. 


10. Exit Interviews: Learn from Departing Employees

If employees do leave, find out why. Conduct exit interviews to: 

- Identify patterns in turnover. 

- Get honest feedback on management and operations. 

- Improve policies to prevent future resignations. 


Use this information to strengthen your restaurant for future hires. 


Final Thoughts

Hiring great employees is only half the battle—keeping them is just as important. By fostering a positive work culture, offering growth opportunities, and recognizing hard work, you can build a loyal team that stays with your restaurant long-term. 


A happy staff leads to better customer service, smoother operations, and ultimately, a more profitable restaurant. 


What strategies have worked for you in hiring and retaining employees? Share your thoughts in the comments! 



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