Adapt and Thrive: A Guide for Restaurant Owners in Change Management

A 3 min read.

After developing a couple of new systems for his locations, my client contacted me, expressing frustration over his team's lack of follow-through in implementing these changes. To address this challenge, we dedicated time to delve into the intricacies of the change management process. Together, we meticulously reviewed each step to pinpoint where the breakdown occurred and formulated a strategic plan to ensure a successful and sustainable rollout of the new systems.

In this blog, we'll delve into the Change Management Process, underscore its importance for restaurant owners, and showcase real-world case studies that highlight its transformative impact.

To streamline new system rollouts, let’s connect.

Understanding Change Management:

Change Management is a structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from their current state to a desired future state. In the context of the restaurant industry, this could involve anything from implementing new technology and menu changes to restructuring operations or adopting sustainable practices.

Why Use Change Management in Your Restaurant:

Minimizing Resistance:

   Change often meets resistance, especially when you are growing your business, and the success of any change initiative depends on how well this resistance is managed. Change Management helps identify potential sources of resistance and provides strategies to address them, ensuring a smoother transition.

Maintaining Operational Continuity:

   Implementing changes in a restaurant without a proper plan can disrupt operations and impact the guest experience. Change Management ensures that changes are integrated seamlessly, minimizing disruptions and maintaining a positive guest experience.

Enhancing Employee Engagement:

   Employees are the backbone of any successful restaurant. Change Management involves communicating effectively with your staff, involving them in the process, and providing the necessary training and support to ensure they can adapt to the changes successfully.

To start a conversation about how to increase your employee retention, let’s connect.

The Change Management Process: The steps of the change management process are as follows:

Assessment and Planning:

Begin by evaluating the need for change in your restaurant. Identify specific areas for improvement, such as menu updates, operational enhancements, or customer service improvements. Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the goals, timelines, and potential challenges associated with the proposed changes.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Engage your restaurant staff at all levels in the change process. Communicate openly about the upcoming changes, and encourage their input and feedback. In a restaurant setting, involving chefs, servers, and kitchen staff is crucial for a successful transition.

Communication and Training:

Craft clear and concise messages to communicate the changes to both staff and customers. Provide comprehensive training to ensure that your restaurant team is well-prepared to implement the new procedures or offerings. This step is essential for a seamless adaptation to the changes, whether they involve a new menu or updated service protocols.

Implementation:

Roll out the changes gradually, allowing your team to adjust without feeling overwhelmed. For example, if you're introducing a new point-of-sale system, implement it during a less busy period to minimize disruptions or start by testing the new product in 1 location before rolling out to all locations. This step ensures a smoother transition and reduces the likelihood of operational hiccups.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Regularly assess how well the changes are being integrated into your restaurant operations. Monitor feedback from both customers and staff. This step is vital for identifying any issues early on and making necessary adjustments to enhance the overall effectiveness of the changes.

Adaptation and Continuous Improvement:

Recognize that the restaurant industry is dynamic, and ongoing adaptation is essential. Continuously seek feedback, make data-driven decisions, and be open to refining your strategies. This step ensures that your restaurant remains agile and responsive to evolving market trends and customer preferences.

Celebration and Recognition:

Acknowledge and celebrate the successful implementation of changes. Recognize the efforts of your staff and highlight positive outcomes. This step not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture of adaptability within your restaurant, encouraging future positive transformations.

After going through these steps, my client and I easily spotted where the communication hiccup went down. We cooked up a game plan together to make sure his team was on board, supported during the rollout, and that we could high-five each other for pulling off the changes. The teams got why these changes mattered and joined forces to make sure everything rolled out like a well-oiled kitchen – smooth and successful.

Change is inevitable in the restaurant industry, and how you manage it can determine the success or failure of your business. The Change Management Process is a powerful tool that empowers restaurant owners to proactively navigate and capitalize on changes, ensuring a positive impact on operations, staff morale, and customer satisfaction.

For more powerful tools that will grow your leadership and your business, let’s connect.

P.S.

Whenever you are ready, here are several additional ways I provide daily support to hospitality leaders.

• Calling all restaurant owners and operators!!! The No Hesitations Restaurant Leadership Podcast is here. There is no time like the present to listen in and level up your leadership. Click here to subscribe or follow.

• If you are a restaurant owner looking for a strategic partner to scale your business, retain and develop your managers, let's connect. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com or you can even text me at 719-494-6074.

(Rest assured, I won't attempt to sell you anything.)

• If you are a hospitality leader looking to level up and position yourself for career advancement without sacrificing work-life balance, let’s start a conversation. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

• Each week, I provide hospitality leaders with valuable tools and resources to shift from surviving to thriving by embracing mental fitness. Subscribe to my newsletter below to receive these helpful tips directly in your inbox.

Love, Christin

Flavors of Change: Mastering Healthy Eating Following Two Decades in Hospitality

A 2 min read.

In my two decades navigating the hospitality hustle, one of the standout perks was the beloved shift meal. Picture this: a chance to grab a bite once or twice a day, depending on how wild the day gets. Now, imagine a menu boasting over 20 items, a mix of your all-time favorites and some seasonal surprises—it's a true foodie's dream.

Back in my fine dining days, we had this awesome pre-service tradition we lovingly called "family meal." The heart of the house team would whip up a feast for the entire restaurant crew, turning our workplace into a food-loving family gathering.

Working the restaurant grind for so long taught me a ton about flavors, seasonal vibes and different cooking methods. But here's the kicker—it didn't teach me how to eat healthy, focus on nutrition, and actually sit down for a proper meal.

To start a conversation about how we can design a strategic partnership to foster your growth, let’s connect.

In the whirlwind of the restaurant business, predicting your next meal or snagging a leisurely 20 to 30-minute break is rarer than a unicorn sighting. Breaks are at the mercy of the ever-changing business volume, making it a challenge to plan any extended downtime. Most days, after a home-cooked breakfast, I'd power through the lunch shift, grabbing a quick 10 to 15-minute break to order from the menu and wolf it down at my desk. But that “break” wasn't just about lunch—it was a chance to juggle emails, schedules, guest issues, weekly planning, staff interviews, and map out reservations.

In the fine dining scene, the meal schedule gets a bit more structure. The heart of house team pulls off a meal for the whole staff about 30 to 60 minutes before the evening service kicks in. This gig is standard in restaurants exclusively open for dinner, but it comes with a catch—customization for the 20 to 30 people chowing down is a no-go. These family meals, while cherished, often lack a specific focus on health and nutrition.

Throughout the hustle in bustling establishments, my eating routine swayed towards a robust breakfast—scrambled eggs, spinach, kale, oatmeal—the works. However, faced with the tempting options during lunch or dinner service, flavor often trumped nutritional value.

The struggle of choosing healthy items was just the tip of the iceberg. The logistics of where and how to consume these meals added complexity. Eating in the office or at a table was the norm, but sitting at the bar? Not cool, as the unspoken rule in the industry was to keep staff eating away from guests' eyes.

During meal breaks, the game plan was efficiency—eat fast, get back on the floor pronto. No leisurely 20 or 30-minute breaks to savor the meal and relax; it was about shoveling food in and diving back into the whirlwind.

To start a conversation about how to level up your success as a leader, let’s connect.

Portion size wasn't even on my radar during the hustle, tackling those 10 to 12-hour shifts daily. In my twenties, devouring an entire pizza or half a rotisserie chicken during lunch with espresso on the side was standard before diving back into work. The goal? Maximize calorie intake to fuel the demanding schedule.

Now, in my forties, prioritizing nutrition is a game-changer. It's mind-blowing that 60 to 80% of my meals for years were restaurant-sized portions. Shift meals weren’t the only time I would order off restaurant menus. For Tyler and I, dining out was a sport—it was a ritual, averaging four to five times a week, indulging in restaurant-sized portions during happy hours, dinners, and brunches.

The transition to a regional manager brought a shift in focus, neglecting adjustments to my eating habits and resulting in a gradual 15-pound weight gain over the initial years due to lack of activity on the floor. This is a common theme I hear from friends and clients who have transitioned to larger roles or remote work—unexpected weight gains around 15 to 20 pounds are par for the course.

As the desire for a healthier lifestyle and increased energy kicked in, committing to shedding those extra 40-plus pounds became a mission. Research and guidance from nutrition coaches became key in this wellness quest.

This exploration dove deep into nutrition intricacies, understanding how foods contribute to bodily functions. Insights into the digestion process, mindful eating, optimal water intake, refueling after physical activity, and balanced meals became crucial lessons.

Reflecting on this transformative journey, rewinding the clock would mean packing lunches and consciously opting for more protein and veggies while dining out. Let's be honest—weight loss isn't a walk in the park, but the long-term benefits make it worth the effort.

This holistic approach to nutrition has empowered me to take charge of my health, translating into tangible improvements in overall well-being and productivity. in every aspect of my life and business. The lessons learned underscore the significance of mindful eating, creating a profound connection between nutrition and a vibrant, fulfilling life.

If you are ready to take the first step in accelerating your growth, let’s connect.

P.S.

Whenever you are ready, here are several additional ways I provide daily support to hospitality leaders.

• Calling all restaurant owners and operators!!! The No Hesitations Restaurant Leadership Podcast is here. There is no time like the present to listen in and level up your leadership. Click here to subscribe or follow.

• If you are a restaurant owner looking for a strategic partner to scale your business, retain and develop your managers, let's connect. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com or you can even text me at 719-494-6074.

(Rest assured, I won't attempt to sell you anything.)

• If you are a hospitality leader looking to level up and position yourself for career advancement without sacrificing work-life balance, let’s start a conversation. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

• Each week, I provide hospitality leaders with valuable tools and resources to shift from surviving to thriving by embracing mental fitness. Subscribe to my newsletter below to receive these helpful tips directly in your inbox.

Love, Christin

Elevate Your Leadership and Business: The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Success

A 2 min read.

In the journey of personal and professional growth, the company you keep can be a powerful determinant of your success. When it comes to leadership and business, surrounding yourself with individuals who are more successful than you can be a game-changer. This principle is not about comparison, but rather about creating an environment that fosters learning, inspiration, and strategic development.

To start a conversation about how we can design a strategic partnership to foster your growth, let’s connect.

The Power of Positive Influence

Tony Robbins famously said, "To reach new heights of success, you must surround yourself with people who not only inspire you, but challenge you." This concept doubles down on the idea that the people around you influence your mindset, behaviors, and, ultimately, your success. In the realm of leadership and business, this influence becomes even more critical. Being surrounded by successful individuals provides a unique opportunity to observe, learn, and absorb the habits and strategies that have led to their success.

Learning from the Best: Podcasts and Books

One practical way to surround yourself with success is through podcasts and books authored by accomplished leaders. Podcasts offer a convenient way to consume valuable insights while on the go. Podcasts such as my podcast, “No Hesitations,” “Turning the Table,”  “Hospitality Leadership” and “The Burnt Chef," feature interviews with hospitality entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses.

Books, on the other hand, provide in-depth exploration of concepts and strategies. "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek and "Atomic Habits" by James Clear are excellent choices for leadership and personal development.

To start a conversation about how to strengthen your mindset and level up your success and happiness, let’s connect.

Board Membership: Strategic Involvement

Another way to immerse yourself in a circle of success is by joining a board. Serving on the board of a nonprofit or a business association not only allows you to contribute your expertise but also exposes you to the strategic decision-making processes of successful leaders. This firsthand experience can be a unique learning opportunity, providing insights that go beyond traditional mentorship.

Investing in Your Success

Surrounding yourself with people who are more successful than you isn't about ego; it's a strategic investment in your personal and professional development. By absorbing the wisdom and experiences of accomplished individuals, you can accelerate your own growth and make informed decisions in your leadership journey. Whether through podcasts, books, networking groups, or board memberships, the avenues to surround yourself with success are diverse and rich. Take the initiative to immerse yourself in these opportunities, and watch as your leadership and business thrive in the positive influence of those who have paved the way to success.

Here are some of my favorite resources for further reading:

Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

by Danny Meyer

Renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer shares insights into the importance of hospitality in the restaurant business. Drawing from his experiences founding and managing successful restaurants, Meyer offers valuable lessons on creating exceptional dining experiences.

Unreasonable Hospitality

by Will Guidara

In this book, Will Guidara, co-founder of the acclaimed Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York City, explores the concept of hospitality and how it can be taken to extraordinary levels. Drawing on his experiences in the hospitality industry, Guidara shares insights into creating memorable and unparalleled guest experiences.

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change Your Leadership Approach

by Michael Bungay Stanier

Description: In this insightful guide, Michael Bungay Stanier introduces a game-changing coaching habit centered on asking powerful questions. With a focus on seven essential queries, the book empowers leaders to transform their approach, fostering more engaged teams and enhancing problem-solving skills. Packed with real-world examples and practical wisdom, it's a must-read for anyone looking to revolutionize their leadership style.

If you are ready to accelerate your growth, let’s connect.

P.S.

Whenever you are ready, here are several additional ways I provide daily support to hospitality leaders.

• Calling all restaurant owners and operators!!! The No Hesitations Leadership Podcast is here. There is no time like the present to listen in and level up your leadership. Click here to subscribe or follow.

• If you are a restaurant owner looking for a strategic partner to scale your business, retain and develop your managers, let's connect. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com or you can even text me at 719-494-6074.

(Rest assured, I won't attempt to sell you anything.)

• If you are a hospitality leader looking to level up and position yourself for career advancement without sacrificing work-life balance, let’s start a conversation. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

• Each week, I provide hospitality leaders with valuable tools and resources to shift from surviving to thriving by embracing mental fitness. Subscribe to my newsletter below to receive these helpful tips directly in your inbox.

Love, Christin

The Secret Sauce to Scoring More Free Time from your Restaurant

A 3 min read.

I’ve always said that the true test of a successful business and leader is whether it can run without you.

My client had a hard time unplugging from running his restaurants because his team constantly reached out with questions. He was experiencing burnout and desired more days off to spend with his family, but the constant interruptions were hindering that.

We decided to review the communication from his team to him via email and text over the last 30 days. We identified common threads and then pinpointed items that might require a standard operating procedure (SOP) to address the root cause of the issue. Subsequently, we held a meeting with the managers to discuss their pain points and understand how those aligned with their constant questions.

What we discovered was that the managers had similar questions across locations and needed support to streamline inventory, item delivery, and training from one location to another. After strategic conversations with my client and his managers, we created the necessary systems, gained buy-in from the management team and staff, and implemented these systems.

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This streamlined operations, allowing my client to focus more of his time and energy where he wanted, rather than being pulled in many different directions. In this article, I will teach you how creating SOPs can benefit you and your business as well as give you tips on how to create and implement those SOPs.

Here are 5 ways creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your business can enable you to step away from your business for days off, vacations, expansion, etc.:

1. Delegating tasks: SOPs provide clear instructions, making it easier for team members to carry out tasks without constant oversight. SOPs also turn your team into problem solvers once they know where to go for answers.

2. Consistency: Regardless of who is completing the task, with SOPs in place, the quality remains consistent, resulting in fewer mistakes and fewer fires to put out.

3. Training: SOPs serve as an excellent training manual for new employees, reducing onboarding time and increasing preparedness for the role, which reduces turnover.

4. Efficiency: With clear procedures, employees can work efficiently, increasing productivity and giving you more time and energy to focus on developing your team and growing your business.

5. Accountability: SOPs help track performance and hold individuals accountable for their work.

With SOPs in place, your restaurant breathes, operates, and delights your customers even in your absence. It's just what you had envisioned when you started. SOPs may take time to create, but you don’t need to do all the work yourself. Reach out to your community for shared resources and tap into the experts on your team, asking them to collaborate with you on creating these systems. The more buy-in you have from your team, the better the implementation process will be.

To start a conversation about how to create SOPs for your business, let’s connect.

So, once these systems have been created, how do you implement them? I’ll show you how now:

1. Communication is key: Announce the new procedures and explain their benefits to your team. Everyone should understand WHY this change is happening.

2. Train your team: Walk them through the SOPs. Ensure they comprehend their individual roles and responsibilities. Make training an ongoing process.

3. Attend to feedback: Your team, being on the frontline, might notice potential improvements. Be open to suggestions and make necessary adjustments.

4. Monitor and review: Set a review period. Analyze the effectiveness of the SOPs and tweak where needed.

5. Patience and persistence: Remember, it's okay to take baby steps and make gradual progress.

So, here's the deal: kicking off those SOPs is like starting a journey to make your restaurant hum even more. Put in the time and effort now, and you're basically investing in a better experience – think top-notch performance, higher profits, and an environment where everyone's on the same page.

SOPs are the secret sauce to scoring more free time. Instead of grinding harder, switch to a smarter game plan. Take a breather, not by hustling more, but by doing things cleverly. Your restaurant and your sanity will thank you.

If you want help strategizing how to implement your SOPs, let’s connect.

P.S.

Whenever you are ready, here are several additional ways I provide daily support to hospitality leaders.

• Calling all restaurant owners and operators!!! The No Hesitations Leadership Podcast is here. There is no time like the present to listen in and level up your leadership. Click here to subscribe or follow.

• If you are a restaurant owner looking for a strategic partner to scale your business, retain and develop your managers, let's connect. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com or you can even text me at 719-494-6074.

(Rest assured, I won't attempt to sell you anything.)

• If you are a hospitality leader looking to level up and position yourself for career advancement without sacrificing work-life balance, let’s start a conversation. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

• Each week, I provide hospitality leaders with valuable tools and resources to shift from surviving to thriving by embracing mental fitness. Subscribe to my newsletter below to receive these helpful tips directly in your inbox.

Love, Christin