Restaurant insights by 7shifts

In this edition, we’re talking culture. Because when employees are happy and healthy at work, they’re more productive and stay around longer. That means a more successful business for you.

Your restaurant has a culture, whether it’s intentional or not. 

It’s in your systems and in the behaviors you encourage. It’s who you hire—who you fire. It’s how you talk to guests and how you talk to each other. Simply put, it’s how you do the things in your restaurant, and why you do them that way. 

At &pizza, culture looks like a Lyft credit for those working late nights so they can get home safe. Former President, Andy Hooper said:

At Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, they offer real-time pay the younger, part-time workers. For working parents, flexible schedules for childcare and retirement benefits. For First-Generation Americans, English language lessons. CEO Dan Simpson added:

What do the world’s best operators look for when hiring?

We asked prolific restaurateur Danny Meyer, the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, for his secret. 

Using all the culture boosting tools at your disposal? Get to know them 👇

️🗣 Shift Feedback: Build a culture of honesty by asking employees for their opinions

💸 Tip Payouts: Build a culture of efficiency by get your team their tips faster (available in US only)

✅ Task Management: Build a culture of accountability by holding everyone to the same standards of completion

😊 Shout-outs: Build a culture of appreciation by creating a positive work environment where everyone feels valued

👍 Shift Pool: Build a culture of understanding by offering flexible schedules with shift swaps

7 Leaves Cafe is a brand on the rise. And they’ve built a strong foundation with their “culture of care” that extends to all aspects of their business.

Newton Hoang, their Director of Marketing and IT, shared countless insights with us about how and why they’ve done it (hint: it’s an evolving process).

The key? Listening to employees needs. And their team wants to feel like they’re connected to something bigger, so 7 Leaves puts an onus on giving back. Across their 42 locations, managers and staff work with customers to give back to organizations like Toys for Tots, Humane Societies, and food drives.

You don’t have time for pointless articles. These aren’t those.