December 8th QSR Roundup: A Deep Dive into Current Challenges and Strategies

Interviewy Team

Interviewy Team

— 5 min read
December 8th QSR Roundup: A Deep Dive into Current Challenges and Strategies
QSR news for Dec 8th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 13 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 53 minutes. It'll take you only 6 minutes to catch up.

Childcare Crisis in the Restaurant Industry

Access to affordable and reliable childcare remains a significant issue for restaurant workers. According to Salon:

  • 74% of parents report missing work due to unexpected childcare disruptions.
  • 40% of single mothers in the food industry live in poverty.

The Texas Restaurant Association has initiated the Employers for Childcare Task Force to tackle these challenges. Their plans include:

  • Reducing childcare costs and improving access.
  • Advocating for expanded tax credits like the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC).

Nationwide efforts emphasize that addressing childcare is crucial for retaining and supporting the service industry workforce.

Source: Salon

Restaurant owners are discussing effective ways to distribute Christmas bonuses to their staff.

Key Insights:

  • Cash is preferred: Many owners favor giving cash directly to employees in cards or checks to avoid high tax deductions.
  • Fair distribution: Some allocate the bonus pool by giving a percentage to management, who then distribute the rest based on merit and tenure.
  • Personal touches: While cash is king, adding gift cards or personalized gifts can enhance the gesture.

Recommendations:

  • Establish clear policies to manage expectations and avoid conflicts among staff.
  • Bonus amounts vary widely, from $100 to $1,000, based on position and performance.
  • Tax considerations: Some owners handle taxes differently to maximize employee satisfaction.

Sources: /r/restaurantowners

Chicken Takes Center Stage in Fast Food

As beef prices rise, fast-food chains are looking to chicken as a vital alternative to attract customers and boost profits.

Highlights:

  • Suggestions to explore options like boneless chicken thighs instead of processed meats.
  • Calls for more chicken sandwich options at popular chains like In-N-Out.
  • Concerns over a looming poultry crisis and reliance on chicken.
  • Desire for the return of grilled chicken sandwiches and new fried chicken options similar to those in Asia.

These discussions reflect both economic considerations and customer demand for variety in fast-food menus.

Source: /r/fastfood

Addressing Workplace Emotional Abuse

An alarming situation has emerged where a restaurant employee describes their boss as emotionally abusive.

Key Points:

  • Abusive behavior: Incidents include calling a coworker 'dumb' and belittling capabilities.
  • Hostile environment: Colleagues are concerned this behavior will drive employees away.

Advice from the Community:

  • Start job searching: Many suggest finding a new, healthier work environment.
  • Confrontation: Some recommend standing up to the boss to demand respect.
  • Coping strategies: Others advise ignoring negative comments to minimize impact.

There's a consensus that emotional abuse is intolerable in the workplace, and employees shouldn't have to endure such treatment.

Source: /r/restaurant

Strategies for Requesting a Raise as a Host

A host seeks advice on increasing their wage from $16.50 to $18 an hour, especially since they don't receive tips for additional weekend responsibilities.

Tips and Recommendations:

  • Timing is crucial: Consider approaching management after the busy holiday season.
  • Prepare your case: Highlight your contributions and additional responsibilities.
  • Consider growth opportunities: Training as a server could enhance earning potential.
  • Market exploration: If the current employer can't meet expectations, look at other opportunities to assess your market value.

Community Insight:

  • Hosting roles often have a wage ceiling due to high turnover.
  • While $18 is a reasonable request, there may be limitations within the role.

Source: /r/restaurant

The Critical Importance of Restaurant Cleanliness

Concerns about restaurant cleanliness have been raised, focusing on both staff hygiene and facility maintenance.

Major Concerns:

  • Staff hygiene: Kitchen staff with dirty uniforms and questionable hygiene practices.
  • Facility cleanliness: Dirty bathrooms and staff not washing hands after restroom use.

Community Experiences:

  • Proper handwashing is essential, sometimes preferred over gloves in high-quality establishments.
  • Anecdotes of unsanitary practices have deterred customers from returning.
  • Customer perceptions: Cleanliness directly influences dining choices and restaurant impressions.

Key Takeaway:

  • Cleanliness and proper hygiene are crucial for customer satisfaction and business success.

Source: /r/restaurant

A bar employee is concerned about the legality of their owner taking a share from the tip pool while covering a shift.

Discussion Points:

  • Legal standpoint: Generally, the Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits owners or managers from taking from the tip pool.
  • Exceptions: Some state laws may allow it if the owner is directly engaged in customer service.
  • Ethical considerations: Many believe owners should refrain from taking tips to appreciate their staff's efforts.

Consensus:

  • Best practice is for owners to avoid taking tips, fostering goodwill and staff morale.

Source: /r/restaurant

Massive Sting Operation Uncovers Underage Drinking

A sting operation at Sugar House bar resulted in 186 minors being cited for underage drinking, leading to the bar's license suspension.

Reactions:

  • Shock and disbelief at the high number of underage patrons.
  • Debate over drinking age: Some question the logic of the legal drinking age compared to other adult responsibilities.
  • Call for vigilance: Emphasis on the need for bars to enforce age verification strictly.

Broader Impact:

  • The incident sparked discussions on how drinking age laws affect businesses, especially those hosting live music.
  • Frustrations were expressed regarding current restrictions and enforcement practices.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Finding Solutions for Loud Cordless Phones in Bars

Bar owners are seeking recommendations for loud cordless phones suitable for noisy environments.

Suggestions from the Community:

  • Switch to mobile phones: Utilize flexibility and app integration for handling orders.
  • Traditional corded phones: Reliable and cost-effective in loud settings.
  • Noise reduction techniques: Covering the mouthpiece or using technology to minimize background noise.
  • Visual alerts: Implementing strobe lights to signal incoming calls.

Challenges Highlighted:

  • Taking phone orders in a loud bar can be difficult and sometimes avoided by staff.
  • Finding the right solution can enhance efficiency and improve customer service.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Optimizing Beer and Liquor Pricing Strategies

Bar owners discuss effective pricing strategies to maintain profitability in a competitive market.

Key Strategies:

  • Pour cost method: Calculate cost per pour and set prices accordingly.
  • Aim for healthy margins: Typically around 10% profit after costs.
  • Market considerations: Adjust prices based on the type of establishment and competitor pricing.

Additional Insights:

  • Customer relationships and staff training are crucial for driving sales.
  • It's important to balance profitability with customer satisfaction.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Is Trivia Night Worth the Investment?

The costs and benefits of hosting trivia nights are being evaluated by bar owners.

Experiences Shared:

  • Cost range: Typically between $100 and $200 per week.
  • Increased traffic: Many report higher patronage on traditionally slow nights.
  • Quality matters: The success of trivia nights often depends on the provider's quality.
  • Alternative approaches: Some bars host trivia in-house to reduce costs.

Overall Sentiment:

  • When executed well, trivia nights can be a valuable investment, enhancing customer engagement and boosting sales.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Bar owners are facing challenges with rising liquor costs and are seeking ways to manage them effectively.

Discussion Highlights:

  • Rising costs: An increase from 23% to 28% is causing concern.
  • Regional pressures: Competitive markets may require lower pricing, impacting margins.
  • Acceptable ranges: Liquor cost percentages vary, with some aiming for 17-20%, while others reach up to 30%.
  • Operational factors: Issues like theft, over-pouring, and employee consumption can inflate costs.

Recommendations:

  • Monitor for losses: Implement controls to reduce waste and prevent theft.
  • Adjust pricing: Consider slight price increases or promotions on higher-margin items.
  • Balance priorities: Some owners prioritize customer satisfaction over maximum profits.

Source: /r/BarOwners

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