Operational Disciplines, Part Two

Last week I introduced 5 of the 10 of what I believe are core operational disciplines of a hospitality leader. Being successful at executing these disciplines is what the climb is about. The day-to-day climb is what will get you and your team to the mountaintop.

Operational disciplines are the repeatable management practices that ensure the restaurant delivers a consistent guest experience, controls costs, develops people, and makes money.

Here are the remaining 5 operational disciplines.

6. Inventory & Cost Control

• Maintain accurate inventory 

• Control receiving and storage 

• Monitor food usage and waste 

• Investigate variances 

• Control portions 

• Prevent theft and unnecessary product loss 

• Understand food cost and its relationship to profitability 

7. Sales & Financial Management

A strong leader doesn't simply "run the restaurant." They run the business. They should understand:

• Sales versus budget 

• Average check 

• Guest counts 

• Product mix 

• Labor cost 

• Food cost 

• Controllable expenses 

• Profitability 

The leader should know why the numbers moved, not simply report what happened.

8. Cleanliness, Safety & Maintenance

• Maintain sanitation standards 

• Complete opening and closing inspections 

• Ensure equipment is functioning properly 

• Report and follow up on repairs 

• Maintain dining room, restrooms, kitchen, and exterior standards 

• Enforce employee and guest safety procedures 

9. Communication & Accountability

The manager establishes a culture where expectations are clear, and performance is measurable.

This includes:

• Daily priorities 

• Pre-shift communication 

• Performance feedback 

• Documenting issues 

• Following up on commitments 

• Holding people accountable consistently 

• Communicating with ownership and corporate leadership

10. Continuous Improvement

The best restaurant managers don't simply maintain standards—they improve the operation.

They constantly ask:

• Where are we losing time? 

• Where are we losing money? 

• Where are guests becoming dissatisfied? 

• Where are employees struggling? 

• What process could be simplified? 

• What can we do better tomorrow? 

Embrace the 10 operational disciplines every day, relish in bonding with your team executing the hard work, enjoy the climb and you will arrive at the mountaintop!

To learn more, please reach out to me at david@therestaurantclinic.com.