The 5-Minute Pre-Shift Meeting That Changes Service
A well-run pre-shift meeting aligns the team, sets priorities, and prevents problems before the first guest arrives. Here's how to make five minutes matter.
Why pre-shift meetings matter
The pre-shift meeting is the single most underused leadership tool in restaurants. Five focused minutes before service can prevent hours of recovery later.
A simple structure
- The numbers — covers, reservations, VIPs
- The focus — one service priority for the shift
- The team — assignments and station coverage
- The ask — what each person is responsible for tonight
Avoid these mistakes
Reading a checklist at people is not a meeting. A pre-shift is a conversation, not a briefing.
Keep it short. Keep it human. End with a clear ask.
Key Takeaways
- 1.Five focused minutes before service can prevent hours of recovery later.
- 2.Cover four things: the numbers, the focus, the team, and the ask.
- 3.A pre-shift is a conversation, not a checklist read aloud.
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