Restaurant hiring, training, and retaining is the biggest challenge to restaurant success.

 

Communication between managers and employees is so imperative to hire top talent and keep them around. That's why we've developed a new Restaurant Employee Handbook Template for you to download and cater to your staff's needs. 

If you already have a restaurant handbook, but just want to tweak it or make it better, follow along these steps below as we help you organize your restaurant handbook.

 

 

Part 1: The Introduction

Be honest - if you were given an instruction manual, would you read every single word?

 

Yeah, me neither.

 

That's why you have to make this section of your restaurant handbook stellar.  The stronger the introduction, the more likely readers will know the content of this handbook is worthwhile to read throughout.

 

In the intro, consider writing a welcome letter from the founder, owner, and/or GM. Cover the company history and the (too long; didn't read) takeaways you want your new hires to know above all else. 

 

 

 

What to Include in This Section

• A welcoming note or sentiment.

• A brief history of the restaurant business.

• A handful of key takeaways.

• A legal disclaimer explaining this is not a legal contract.

• A reminder that employment is at-will for both parties.

 

Part 2: Restaurant Core Values

What are the core values you want all employees to embody? What's your mission statement?

Your restaurant should exist as more than a place of work where employees show up just to make money. Otherwise, your turnover rate will be much higher than the 73% industry average. 

Highlight your restaurant's passion for food, service, and foodservice. 

 

What to Include in This Section

• A list of your restaurant's core values and why they were chosen.

• Your restaurant mission statement.

 

Part 3: Workplace Professionalism 

Whether you're a dive bar or a fine dining restaurant, a certain level of professionalism should always be expected. This covers everything from how servers dress for work to how they treat other staff members.

In a time where wrongful termination lawsuits are a legitimate threat to businesses, clearly laying these fireable offenses and guidelines for conduct is very important.

 

 

What to Include in This Section

• An overview of expected conduct and behavior.

• Required attire (including grooming and makeup requirements).

• Protocols for staff and guest conflicts.

• Harassment policy and fireable offenses. 

 

Part 4: Staff Procedures

Everything has a procedure, but what's it like in your restaurant?

Even the most experienced industry professionals may have to make major adjustments after joining your staff. Cover how you expect everything done, from dishwashing to handling a health emergency. 

 

What to Include in This Section

• Pre-shift meeting procedure.

• Health, sanitation, and allergy protocols. 

• Scheduling and time off. 

• Opening and closing checklists.

 

Part 5: Employee Pay & Benefits Overview

This is the part most of your readers will skip right to. The benefits package can be one of the best parts of any job. However, since you'll get plenty of questions on health care, time off, and pay stubbs, put all the info here.

What to Include in This Section

• How employees will be paid (pay check, direct deposit, etc.).

• Overtime policy.

• Breaks and meals.

• Holidays, vacations, and time off. 

• Insurance.

 

Part 6: Conclusion & Signature

While this is not a legal document, having employees sign the handbook shows their understanding of the rules and is something you can point to in time of a violation. 

Before you get their John Hancock, remind them once again how excited you are for the new hire to join!

 

 

What to Include in This Section

• A final welcoming sentiment.

• A line for their signature and date.

 

Creating Your Restaurant Handbook

Writing up a restaurant handbook with little or no help is a pain. That's why we've created this template for you! Simply write in the specifics of your restaurant and you're good to go.

Stop losing staff - start things off well with Restaurant Employee Handbook Template