Restaurant General Manager: Your 30/60/90 Day Plan for Success

Stepping into a Restaurant General Manager role is like inheriting a complex ecosystem. To thrive, you need a plan that blends quick wins with long-term strategy. This isn’t about generic management advice; it’s about the specific challenges and opportunities you’ll face in the restaurant industry. This is about setting the stage for success from day one and avoiding common pitfalls that can derail even the most experienced leaders.

Your Promise: A Restaurant General Manager’s 30/60/90-Day Toolkit

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a concrete 30/60/90-day plan, complete with ready-to-use scripts, a performance scorecard, and a checklist for consistent execution. You’ll be able to quickly assess the restaurant’s current state, identify key areas for improvement, and communicate your vision with confidence. Expect to see measurable improvements in employee morale, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency within the first 90 days. This isn’t a theoretical exercise; it’s a practical toolkit you can implement immediately.

• 30/60/90 Day Plan Template: A customizable template to structure your initial focus.
• Restaurant Assessment Checklist: A detailed checklist to evaluate all aspects of the restaurant.
• Employee Onboarding Script: A script for welcoming new team members and setting clear expectations.
• Customer Complaint Resolution Script: A script for handling customer complaints effectively.
• Performance Scorecard Template: A template to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and progress.
• Communication Plan Outline: A plan for keeping stakeholders informed of your progress.
• Quick Wins Checklist: A checklist of actions you can take immediately to improve the restaurant.
• Team Morale Assessment: A tool to gauge the current state of team morale.
• Operational Efficiency Checklist: A checklist to identify areas for streamlining operations.
• Menu Analysis Framework: A framework for evaluating the profitability and popularity of menu items.

What You’ll Focus On: What This Is and Isn’t

• This is: A practical guide with actionable steps tailored for restaurant management.
• This is: A plan to quickly assess, strategize, and implement changes within 90 days.
• This isn’t: A generic management guide applicable to all industries.
• This isn’t: A deep dive into every aspect of restaurant operations.

Day 1-30: Assess, Learn, and Build Relationships

Your primary goal in the first 30 days is to understand the current state of the restaurant. This involves gathering information, building relationships, and identifying quick wins.

Restaurant Assessment Checklist

Use this checklist to evaluate the restaurant’s performance across key areas:

Restaurant Assessment Checklist

• Cleanliness and ambiance
• Customer service standards
• Food quality and consistency
• Inventory management practices
• Staff performance and morale
• Financial performance (sales, costs, profit margins)
• Marketing and promotional activities
• Compliance with health and safety regulations

Building Relationships with Staff

Focus on active listening and demonstrating genuine interest in your team. This helps build trust and open communication channels.

Use this script for initial team meetings:

Initial Team Meeting Script

“Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name], the new General Manager. I’m excited to be here and work with all of you. My first priority is to learn from you and understand what’s working well and what challenges we face. I’m open to your feedback and ideas, and I want to create a positive and supportive work environment. I’ll be scheduling individual meetings with each of you to get to know you better. In the meantime, please feel free to approach me with any questions or concerns.”

Identifying Quick Wins

Look for opportunities to make immediate improvements that boost morale and customer satisfaction. This creates momentum and demonstrates your commitment to positive change.

Quick Wins Checklist:

Quick Wins Checklist

• Improve cleanliness and organization in key areas.
• Address immediate customer service issues.
• Implement a small reward program for staff.
• Enhance the ambiance with minor improvements.
• Optimize inventory management to reduce waste.

Day 31-60: Analyze, Strategize, and Communicate

In the second month, you’ll analyze the data gathered in the first 30 days, develop a strategic plan, and communicate your vision to stakeholders. This involves identifying key areas for improvement and outlining a roadmap for achieving your goals.

Analyzing Performance Data

Review sales reports, customer feedback, and employee performance data to identify trends and opportunities. This provides a data-driven basis for your strategic plan.

Performance Scorecard Template:

Performance Scorecard Template

• Sales growth
• Customer satisfaction score
• Employee retention rate
• Food cost percentage
• Labor cost percentage
• Profit margin

Developing a Strategic Plan

Outline your goals, objectives, and action steps for the next 60 days. This provides a clear direction for your team and ensures alignment with overall business objectives.

Communicating Your Vision

Share your strategic plan with staff, management, and other stakeholders. This builds buy-in and creates a shared sense of purpose.

Communication Plan Outline:

Communication Plan Outline

• Team meetings
• Management briefings
• Stakeholder updates
• Written reports

Day 61-90: Implement, Monitor, and Refine

The final month is focused on implementing your strategic plan, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as needed. This ensures that you’re on track to achieve your goals and maximize your impact.

Implementing Your Plan

Delegate tasks, provide resources, and support your team in executing the action steps outlined in your strategic plan. This requires effective leadership and clear communication.

Monitoring Progress

Track your performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and make adjustments as needed. This ensures that you’re on track to achieve your goals and identify any potential roadblocks.

Refining Your Approach

Based on your observations and data, refine your strategic plan and make adjustments to your approach. This demonstrates your adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement.

What Hiring Managers Scan For in 15 Seconds

Hiring managers are looking for evidence of your ability to quickly assess a situation, develop a plan, and execute it effectively. They want to see that you’re proactive, results-oriented, and capable of building relationships with your team.

• Experience in similar restaurants: This shows you understand the specific challenges of the industry.
• Proven track record of improving performance: This demonstrates your ability to drive results.
• Strong leadership skills: This indicates your ability to motivate and manage a team.
• Excellent communication skills: This shows your ability to communicate your vision effectively.
• Data-driven decision-making: This demonstrates your ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.

The Mistake That Quietly Kills Candidates

Failing to build relationships with your team can undermine your entire 30/60/90-day plan. Without their support, it will be difficult to implement changes and achieve your goals. It is crucial to make a genuine effort to get to know your team and build trust.

Instead of making assumptions, actively listen to your team’s concerns and ideas.

Use this script to address team concerns:

Addressing Team Concerns Script

“I understand that you may have some concerns about the changes I’m implementing. I want to assure you that I’m taking your feedback seriously, and I’m open to discussing any issues you may have. My goal is to create a better working environment for all of us, and I need your help to make that happen.”

Language Bank: Phrases That Show You Get It

Here are some phrases that will help you communicate your vision and build credibility:

• “My priority is to understand the current state of the restaurant and identify key areas for improvement.”
• “I’m committed to building a positive and supportive work environment for our team.”
• “I believe in data-driven decision-making and tracking our progress against key performance indicators.”
• “I’m open to feedback and ideas from all stakeholders, and I want to create a shared sense of purpose.”
• “I’m confident that we can achieve our goals by working together and implementing a strategic plan.”

FAQ

What are the most important KPIs to track in the first 90 days?

Focus on KPIs that provide a comprehensive view of the restaurant’s performance. These include sales growth, customer satisfaction score, employee retention rate, food cost percentage, labor cost percentage, and profit margin. Tracking these KPIs will help you identify areas for improvement and measure your progress.

How can I build trust with my team quickly?

Be transparent, communicate openly, and demonstrate genuine interest in your team’s concerns and ideas. Schedule individual meetings with each team member to get to know them better and listen to their feedback. Actively address any issues they raise and show that you’re committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment.

What should I do if I encounter resistance to change?

Acknowledge the resistance and address the underlying concerns. Communicate the benefits of the changes and involve your team in the implementation process. Be patient and persistent, and demonstrate that you’re committed to making the changes successful. Highlight the positive impact on their work lives and the overall success of the restaurant.

How can I effectively communicate my vision to stakeholders?

Develop a clear and concise communication plan that outlines your goals, objectives, and action steps. Share your plan with staff, management, and other stakeholders through team meetings, management briefings, stakeholder updates, and written reports. Be prepared to answer questions and address any concerns they may have.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in the first 90 days?

Avoid making hasty decisions without gathering sufficient information, neglecting to build relationships with your team, failing to communicate your vision effectively, and not tracking your progress against key performance indicators. These mistakes can undermine your entire 30/60/90-day plan and make it difficult to achieve your goals.

How can I ensure that my strategic plan is aligned with overall business objectives?

Review the restaurant’s mission statement, values, and strategic goals. Ensure that your plan supports these objectives and contributes to the overall success of the business. Communicate with management and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and address any potential conflicts.

What should I do if I’m not meeting my goals?

Analyze the reasons why you’re not meeting your goals and identify any potential roadblocks. Refine your strategic plan and make adjustments to your approach. Seek feedback from your team and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. Be adaptable and persistent, and don’t be afraid to make changes as needed.

How can I create a positive and supportive work environment?

Promote open communication, provide opportunities for professional development, recognize and reward employee achievements, and address any issues or concerns promptly. Create a culture of teamwork and collaboration, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose. Encourage a healthy work-life balance and support employee well-being.

What are some effective ways to improve customer satisfaction?

Provide excellent customer service, consistently deliver high-quality food and beverages, create a welcoming and comfortable ambiance, and address customer complaints promptly and effectively. Seek feedback from customers and use it to improve your operations. Implement a customer loyalty program to reward repeat business.

How can I optimize inventory management to reduce waste?

Implement a robust inventory tracking system, forecast demand accurately, and order supplies efficiently. Rotate stock regularly to prevent spoilage, and minimize waste through proper food handling and preparation techniques. Train staff on inventory management best practices and monitor their performance.

What should I do if I inherit a restaurant with significant challenges?

Prioritize the most pressing issues and develop a plan to address them systematically. Communicate your plan to stakeholders and involve them in the implementation process. Seek support from management and other resources, and be prepared to make tough decisions. Focus on building a strong team and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

How can I stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices?

Attend industry conferences and trade shows, read industry publications and online resources, and network with other restaurant professionals. Join industry associations and participate in online forums and communities. Continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow, and adapt your strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

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