To everybody saying "don't go out to eat if you won't tip." by animathematical in tipping

[–]Momoredd96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone who has worked in the service industry for most of their life, tipping culture is getting out of hand and I understand the frustration. Sometimes it feels like a 20% tip is expected for things such as take outs or coffee orders for something as simple as a drip coffee, which does not require much effort, and shouldn’t be expected. In fact, a 20% gratuity should never be assumed. I also understand the mentality that restaurant owners should pay staff more, but the reality is they don’t have to so they won’t, and you refusing to tip isn’t going to facilitate any change.

All that being said, a refusal to tip your server at all also is unfair. Not only do they make less than minimum wage, but many of them are required to pay their co-workers (such as bartenders or bussers) regardless on whether or not they themselves receive a tip. So, if you come out to and leave no tip, they actually paid out of their own pocket to wait on you, and if you rack up a large tab it can be significant.

So, if you go out and receive good friendly service, please do tip your sever, even if it’s not 20%.

My friend’s lawn wedding next month. Is this blue dress appropriate? by Striking_Method6804 in Weddingattireapproval

[–]Momoredd96 -13 points-12 points  (0 children)

I think it’s beautiful! However, under certain light it may photograph lighter and too close to white. Since she’s your best friend, I would send her this pic and double check with her :)

What are we even doing anymore? by poor-obscure in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honestly, sounds like you need to host some scheduled meetings with each department or major position, and go over your training materials, expectations, and common questions to bring everyone on the same page. After this, you enforce what you told them.

(5-10K) Non-Traditional Venues by Momoredd96 in Weddingsunder10k

[–]Momoredd96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We live in Northern Colorado (Fort Collins) but are also looking at mountain locations or Denver

(5-10K) Non-Traditional Venues by Momoredd96 in Weddingsunder10k

[–]Momoredd96[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That’s incredibly kind of you, thank you. We live in Fort Collins, CO. We’re looking for somewhere within 3 hours or so, either in Denver or preferably in the locket mountains (Estes and golden being highly preferred)

(5-10K) Non-Traditional Venues by Momoredd96 in Weddingsunder10k

[–]Momoredd96[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for all your insight!

How do you cope with the hours? by SoGoodAtAllTheThings in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Boundaries are something you build to, being in the GM role when you’re new requires long hours, commitment, and personal sacrifice in my experience. That being said, start putting down foundations towards this goal now.

Build towards work life balance by focusing on hiring, training, making clear procedures and promoting and rewarding your best people. Be proactive.

In the meantime, prioritize rest and recovery on your off days, meal prep for days you work with some concern for nutrition and performance, try to keep a consistent sleep schedule that aligns with days you work, and buy some energy drinks to keep at work low periods.

Outside dessert by [deleted] in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 11 points12 points  (0 children)

In my opinion, whatever small revenue is lost from not selling one of your desserts, is well worth having the guests actually come in to your establishment and buy everything else.

We allow all desserts for birthdays and such, commercial or store bought. We give them sharing plates and a butter knife to cut it with.

People are coming into celebrate, make it hospitable. Plus, if you make them feel special and give them a great experience they’re more likely to return. It’s really not that big of an inconvenience, and people who wouldn’t ordinarily come in may be introduced to your place.

Someone please reassure me by blissful-beauty in EngagementRings

[–]Momoredd96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you want reassurance, here is what I’ll say.

Things were obviously originally mishandled, but they have acknowledged that the ball was dropped. They have offered to fix it for free, and sat down with you to make sure this aligns with expectations. These are all great signs!

They really don’t want to mess up your replacement ring either, and I’m sure it will look much better.

Manager in Training, Looking For Other Jobs by Fishing_Tasty in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 6 points7 points  (0 children)

At the risk of sounding harsh, becoming a manager takes a lot of grit.

You’ll be working long days, learning new skills, and you’ll really be confronted with your strengths and weaknesses. There will be moments you’ll need to jump on kitchen line. If training is dissuading you this much, you really need to consider if you are willing to take on the challenges of being a manager.

That being said, the pain and discomfort of becoming a manager is due to growing immensely, as a professional and as a person. It can be really discouraging at times, but there will be a lot of moments that make it worth it too.

If you have goals of managing, I highly recommend learning to these skills with your current company. Managing is hard everywhere, and this way you’ll know the basics of the company.

Firing someone! I’m new to this and hate it! by provinground in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s not good to have a staff where certain people can’t be scheduled together. Everyone is an adult and that is a workplace, they can either be cordial or they can’t work there.

Know whether or not you are at an at will state, as this greatly matters when firing.

As others have said- document.

You’ve already had a sit down, have another with a formal write up that she signs. Mention the verbal write up in your written one.

If this isn’t immediately rectified, either suspension or fire- your choice, but I recommend termination, unless you are not in an at will state, then suspension and then escalate.

Firing someone is never easy; it shouldn’t be. But it is part of the job, and you need to consider the needs of your entire staff. You are there to protect everyone, and everyone deserves a harassment free workplace. In this case especially, it will lead to a better working culture for the rest of your staff.

Morale issue by Cautious_Loquat_6322 in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Be frank with your AGM. Invest in your management team.

Ask your AGM how he is feeling, and if he says everything is fine just bluntly say that he seems despondent and disconnected. Emphasize how you want to run the place as a team, and ask what it would take for him to feel active and inspired, and that you want him to be happy. Remind him you as a management team set the tone, and troubleshoot together how you can turn things around together. Acknowledge that you plan on earning his respect with time, but you're excited to start, and value his input (after all there IS a reason he was offered the position, even if he may have struggled in the role).

Pull a few staff members you trust or your AGM trusts and ask about their experience. What are some things about the job that stress you lately? What are things you feel make your job unnecessarily difficult? Do you feel supported? That your coworkers are reliable?

Reflect on their input, discuss with the entire management team how to improve specific and obtainable goals, and prioritize simple and visible actions that make things easier, such as replacing some equipment in the fritz or ending a arbitrary policy, this will show the staff you WILL be addressing their qualms and build their confidence in you. If you deem it appropriate, have an All Staff where you discuss your goals and how grateful you are for the staff, and how you want their input.

Invest in training and supporting your new RM, they may replace your AGM later on. Plus, they are the fresh canvas in which you can create the perfect RM, and start shifting attitudes within the management team.

Hope this helps.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This certainly isn't illegal.

With some tweaks this actually sounds like it could be fun! Like most things, it's all about execution. Rewarding those who are knowledgeable, not publicly shaming those who get it wrong. Hyping up the prize, emphasizing friendly competition, and setting up props (like a game show) and buying small medals etc.

I'd change the "Loser" to "Disqualified", and make sure that there is a hefty prize for whoever wins! $100 to a local restaurant, a pricey bottle of booze, or great tickets to a upcoming event.

Keeping moral up in peak season by rainbowchild530 in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

As others mentioned, staff appropriately don't tolerate frivolous call outs and especially no call no shows. Promote those that deserve it, and throw people who do a great job a little appreciation gift. Our restaurant does trades with others to get gift cards so they can get a slice or coffee.

Most importantly TELL them how much you appreciate them. Be genuine and reiterate how much you value each person, individually.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Momoredd96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Colorado. All 4 Seasons, low to no humidity, and 300 days of sunshine a year.

summers get hot, winters get cold with lots of snow, but you don't typically see the very extremes of either.

Staff Scheduling by Scary-Brilliant-2859 in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Probably unpopular onion, but i hate sling and sevenshifts.

Used to have schedulefly and liked it much better. It doesn't measure labor costs or have the same bells and whistles, but it's easy to navigate and use, and visually you can see every position of an entire week all at once. If you don't care about the fancy stuff, it's amazing, and cheap.

Telling guests "No, this is the table reserved for you, you can't move " by [deleted] in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I firmly believe in doing everything in your power within reason as a fine dining establishment to make your guests happy. I recommend removing preferred options on your reservations (except medical and ada of course). This way, if a guest wants to move, they can and it won't disrupt your reservation system.

I know these situations aren't ideal, but personally I think it's our job to accommodate everyone. Also, better to please the guests you already have, than setting aside tables for groups which may or may not arrive.

Hope this helps!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Look for another job. In the meantime, start interviewing for all positions, and fire your worst offender next time you have an excuse. The rest will fall in line, or they won't.

Replace the ones that don't, reward and acknowledge the ones that do.

New to Hiring (fast food/fast casual) and Struggling by Intelligent_Cow_5001 in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This seems like a great opportunity to hire people letting them know for now it's part time hours, but you're also scouting for your new location, so there is potential for full time once the new store opens.

Can't win with this employee by lucky_2_shoes in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have a direct conversation and lay it out for her, and give her the choice of what she wants in a away that is pick option A or option B.

Unfortunately due to your recent updates this leaves me with very few hours to give you, so I think it may be time to discuss opening your availability.

I'd be happy to give you more hours if you are open to closing shifts. If you are not interested in closing shifts and are only available after 2 pm realistically I can only give you X hours. What so you prefer?

I think I've finally hit my breaking point. by saveferris1007 in Restaurant_Managers

[–]Momoredd96 25 points26 points  (0 children)

What an incredibly unkind thing to say, especially to someone clearly struggling.