When you’re pressed for time, training the back-of-house team needs to be quick, effective and focused.
Here are the five strategies focused on in a recent blog by General Mills Foodservice:
- Prioritize important skills
Focus on the key skills that make the biggest impact for your operation — like efficient prep techniques, multitasking and consistency. When everyone is aligned on the basics and follows the same steps every time, you reduce waste, speed up ticket times and make it easier for staff to take on different jobs when needed. - Use products made for consistency
Products like parbaked pizza crusts or puff pastry sheets are great for streamlining workflows. They deliver consistent results, which builds confidence among team members. Because the steps are simplified and repeatable, it’s easier for anyone to jump in with less hands-on guidance. - Learn during service
Training doesn’t have to pull the team off the line. Integrating training into real-time prep ensures that everyone learns while contributing to the day’s production. Have seasoned chefs talk through their steps as they work and assign newer team members simple tasks. This keeps the line moving and builds confidence and camaraderie. - Call quick team huddles
A five-minute pre-shift meeting can work wonders for introducing new techniques or products. It’s an easy way to reinforce training and allows team members to ask questions before the rush and in a low-pressure environment. Use this time to walk through one new skill or product at a time, clarify expectations for the shift and highlight any specials or menu changes. Keep it brief, focused and consistent. - Keep menus simple during training
Focus on items that rely on versatile products to minimize complexity. For instance, parbaked flatbread can be used as a canvas for personal pizzas, topped flatbread appetizers or even dessert-style flatbreads. This allows the team to quickly learn a product while keeping the menu flexible.
Looking for more info on training? Check out this top Martin Bros. blog about Huddle Trainings, a new trend in training that could do wonders for your operation!
