People, Food, Success? Human Resources for Your Restaurant Business

You’re ready to launch your newest restaurant! You have the money! You have the know-how! You even recruited your entire family and all your children to be the first customers! You have a menu ready, you know where to buy all your ingredients, and you’re dead set on that special restaurant theme. And then, you remember:


You need help!


This is where human resources come in: where you have to pick your staff and the people to help you make your dream of a classy restaurant a reality. Who are these people?


• Accountants – Sure, you have all the money, but do you know how to allot funds to build the restaurant, buy your raw materials, and keep the restaurant clean – not to mention the taxes you have to pay, the menus you have to have printed, the contracts you have to sign?


Remember: money has to pour in before you make it, so you have to make sure that you pour in just the right amount without you going bankrupt (or crazy, whichever comes first). An accountant can help you keep your records straight.


• Nutritionists – It’s a diet-obsessed culture you’ll soon be serving, so make sure you hire a nutritionist. A nutritionist won't necessarily dictate what the restaurant should serve, but will provide or help you get information on how many calories, protein, carbohydrates, and what-not your dishes have. A customer may ask, and you wouldn’t want to give them a blank stare, now would you?


• The All Around Staff – Since you’re starting out with the restaurant, you can’t afford to hire a dozen waiters and a dozen cleaners all at once. When recruiting staff, look for people who can serve during the day and help clean up at night. You also need someone honest to man the cashier, so make sure you can find someone you trust to do the job.


• Trainee Cooks – Whether you’ll be at the head of the kitchen or just watching, look for rookie cooks to help you prepare the dishes. Not only will you have fewer worries, you’ll contribute to the education of the next generation of chefs! Go to your local cooking school, or to the nearest university restaurant management department, and post a job offer.


• Security – You’re starting out, and you can’t afford to be robbed! Ask for good security guards from your local agency.


Ready to put up that restaurant? Don’t be afraid to get all the help you can. It takes a village to make any business a success.