Small rituals that keep your team sane
Does this sound familiar? You have a winning dish—customers are crazy about it, but when the new cook prepares it, the sauce comes out a bit different, or the portion size on the plate suddenly changes. When you ask the chef for the exact cost of the dish, you usually get a quick calculation on a napkin or a something like: "Around 18 shekels, give or take."
A profitable restaurant has no "around". This is where the most important concept in a professional kitchen comes in: the bill of materials (BOM).
1. Staff meals—a routine, not a luxury
Not leftovers. Not "take whatever there is."
A real staff meal, sitting down—even if it's just for 7 minutes. It’s a set time when everyone is a human being, not just an employee.
2. A set opening playlist
Before the doors open—a moment of music.
The same list of songs again and again, every morning or evening.
It’s a psychological marker that the day has started and sets the atmosphere.
Tip: Let the staff choose the songs together. It makes everyone feel they belong.
3. A small surprise during closing time once a week
Wednesday? Dessert. Thursday? A chaser.
Something small, without advance notice.
Staff that know someone is looking out for them will give their best even when it's hard.
4. A two-sentence Sunday routine
Sunday is always tough.
Start every week with the same two sentences in the staff WhatsApp group:
one about what's coming up, the other with a compliment about the previous week.
Low-key, simple, smart.
Ultimately, what keeps a restaurant staff together over time isn't just professionalism—it's the feeling that there's someone keeping things organized, paying attention, and can be relied upon. Small rituals create stability within daily chaos, and fortifies the staff from within. They won't solve every problem, but it's a good place to start.