
Important! Here's the Definition of SOP and Examples for Restaurants So They Don't Get Chaotic
Brian
For those of you who are starting a culinary business, you must have heard the word SOP very often. However, do you know it yet? Understanding SOP and examples which are suitable for restaurants? If not, then coincidentally, we will discuss it, you know!
So, many business people feel that SOPs are complicated, even though they are actually the main foundation to keep operations from going awry.
Well, in this article, we will discuss the matter simply.restaurant soup, complete with an example of work SOP. Come on, watch until the end!
What is the Definition of Restaurant SOP?
Before we discuss further, let's get to know the basic definition first.Understanding SOP and examples in the context of a restaurant are standard rules or procedures that help all work teams know what to do.
This SOP covers everything, from how to greet customers to the process of cleaning tables.Without SOP, operations are like a ship without a captain.
Employees are confused, service is messy, customers are running away. So, make restaurant soupThe goal is for all processes to run neatly and uniformly.
Read Also: How to Calculate Labor Costs so that Business Does Not Make a Loss
Why is SOP so important for restaurants?
Not all business people realize that SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) can be the key to their business success, especially in the food and beverage industry. In fact, the benefits of SOP can help your restaurant survive and even thrive.
SOP is like a road map, without it, your crew can be confused about the direction. Well, here are the reasons why you really need to have SOP for your restaurant business, see more below!
1. Make All Work More Structured
Have you ever seen employees asking each other questions about how to work? For example, how to plate food, how to greet customers, or steps to clean the kitchen area.
If everything is impromptu and depends on mood, the end result will be different too. Well, SOP really helps here, because every job has a clear flow. Starting from preparing ingredients, processing food, to serving customers.
There is a guide for everything. So, whoever does it, the results are consistent and up to standard. Of course, this is very important to maintain the quality of your restaurant in the eyes of customers.
2. Reduce the Potential for Miscommunication
Miscommunication is a common occurrence in a busy restaurant kitchen. Especially if there are no standard rules or clear work systems. SOPs help reduce miscommunication, because all teams know their respective roles.
For example, SOP can explain who is responsible for checking stock, who handles customer complaints, or how communication flows between shifts. As a result, there is no more drama of shifting responsibilities or misunderstandings.
3. Improve Service Quality
Service quality is one of the important factors that make customers want to come back. Well, through SOP, you can standardize how to greet guests, serve food, and respond to complaints.
Your team will also have clear guidelines on attitude and how to interact with customers. Not only that, SOPs can also cover cleanliness standards, presentation, and service times.
All this makes customer experience more positive and make them feel satisfied. Because remember, customers don't just buy food, but also buy experience and service from your restaurant.
4. Increase Employee Productivity
Now try to imagineIf everyone works carelessly, it will be chaotic, right? However, if they know exactly what to do and how to do it, work becomes more efficient.
SOPs really help to increase team productivity because they don't have to waste time thinking about the next step. For example, SOPs can help kitchen crews prepare ingredients with an efficient system.
Or for cashiers, SOPs can organize transaction processes to be faster and more accurate. The result? More customers can be served in less time and with minimal errors.
5. Help Onboard New Teams Faster
The onboarding process or training of new employees can take a long time if there is no system. However, with a neatly written SOP, the learning process becomes faster.
New employees just need to read and practice according to the guide. SOPs help them adapt to the work environment, understand the work culture, and know the expectations that must be met.
Oh yeah, one thing that is sometimes forgotten, making SOP is not a waste of time. In fact, it is a long-term investment, it may seem complicated at first, but the effects can be felt continuously.
SOP makes the work system scalable, meaning easy to expand. If one day you want to open a branch, just copy the system. No need to start from scratch, everything is documented and tested.
So, you can control the quality between branches more easily. So, Understanding SOP and examplesIt's not just theory, you have to apply it directly to your restaurant business.
Read Also: Prevent Financial Report Fraud with This Technology
Examples of Work SOPs That Must Be in Your Restaurant
Source: Freepik
So, after knowing the reasons why work SOPs are important, bIar is getting more and more imaginable, here are some example of work SOPwhich is often used in many restaurants:
-
SOP for welcoming guests
Employees should greet with a smile, use a greeting, and offer a seat.
-
SOP for taking orders
Record the order clearly, repeat it for confirmation, and send it to the kitchen via the POS system.
-
SOP for food serving
Serve food from the customer's right side, making sure the order is correct and looks attractive.
-
SOP for handling complaints
Listen first to the customer's complaint, apologize, and offer an immediate solution.
-
SOP for kitchen and dining room cleanliness
Clean the work area at each shift change and before closing operations.
All examples of work SOP you can adjust this to your restaurant concept. You also need to know, restaurant soupIt doesn't stop at the customer's table. There are special SOPs for the kitchen, inventory, and finance. For example:
-
SOP for receiving raw materials: Check quality, weigh, and record in the system.
-
SOP for stock management: Monitor incoming and outgoing stock, and keep daily records.
-
Cashier management SOP: Perform daily transaction recaps, deposits, and reporting.
Now, Understanding SOP and examples this is often forgotten, even though it is very important for operational control.
How to Make Restaurant SOPs That Are Easy to Practice
You don't have to be good at writing to create an SOP. What's important is that it's clear and can be practiced. Want to know the steps? Listen carefully, okay!
-
Write down your daily activities that you do regularly
From opening the restaurant to closing.
-
Detail the steps in order
Don't jump around, so it's easy to understand.
-
Use easy to understand language
Avoid confusing technical terms.
-
Test the SOP first
See if the SOP is easy for your team to follow.
-
Review periodically
Evaluate and update according to the latest operational needs.
Well, with this way,restaurant soup, you will be more effective and can be run by all employees.
Challenges When Implementing SOPs and How to Overcome Them
Source: Freepik
However, there are several challenges that you may face when compiling this work SOP. Not a few fail when starting to implement SOP. The problem is usually because:
-
Employees are not used to it
-
SOP is too complicated
-
There is no support system yet
The solution, you can start slowly. Apply it as the first example of work SOP. Then, use a digital system to make it easier to implement.Well, if you want a neater and more modern restaurant, combine them, restaurant SOP with a digital system.
Conclusion
If you still think that SOP is complicated, now you understand why you should have SOP in your restaurant, right? Remember, understanding SOP and examples that's the goal so that your restaurant's foundation runs smoothly.
Starting from example of work SOP simple to support systems like ESB POSLite, ESB POS, until ESB Order, all of which can help you make restaurant operations more organized.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's start compiling your SOP now. So that your restaurant is neat and professional!
If you need a system that can help your restaurant's SOP run automatically, just check it out. ESB POSLite, ESB POS, And ESB Order. Guaranteed, operations will be more efficient, sales will increase!
