Behind the Kitchen Doors: The hospitality problems no one’s talking about

It’s not just the perfectly seared steak or the decadent dessert that defines a dining experience. The real magic—or disaster—happens behind the kitchen doors, where your team is hard at work. In this blog article, we open those doors and shed light on the hospitality problems no one talks about, and how to tackle them.

In a restaurant, orchestrated chaos is the norm, and every shift is a high-stakes performance. The heat of the kitchen, the clatter of dishes, the whirlwind of orders—every moment is a balancing act between precision and mayhem. This isn’t your regular 9-to-5 job; it’s a daily test of endurance and skill.

In the high-octane world of restaurant operations, the secret isn’t just a recipe; it’s the delicate interplay between the front and back of house. This dance of service, communication, and stress management is what separates restaurants that soar from those that sink. 

But how do you keep everyone in sync amidst the chaos? And more importantly, how do you ensure that every team member performs at their best, no matter the pressure?

The Ballet of Service

Let’s stick to the stage metaphor: in the theatre of hospitality, every role is pivotal. The front-of-house staff are the stars of your show, charming guests with their efficiency and grace. They juggle smiles and service with the skill of seasoned performers, all while managing the unspoken expectations of patrons. 

Meanwhile, the back-of-house team is the silent engine, where the heat of the kitchen transforms a bunch of raw ingredients into culinary masterpieces. 

When these two teams sync perfectly, the result is a seamless, unforgettable experience. But when they don’t? The show can quickly turn into a Greek tragedy—complete with overcooked meals and furious customers.

The Struggles are Real

Let’s fire off some relatable scenarios. Orders need to be relayed accurately and swiftly; special requests must be communicated without delay and any lapse in communication can lead to frustrating consequences: incorrect orders, wasted food, and unhappy customers. 

And yes, the stress of poor communication can create a toxic work environment, where mistrust and frustration fester, leading to high turnover rates and low team morale. Effective communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about creating a system where everyone knows their role, responsibilities, and the importance of their part in the bigger picture.

On top of this, you must continually innovate to stay ahead of market changes, deal with rising costs, and navigate the never-ending challenges of the industry. The rules you need to comply with are ever-changing, adding another layer of complexity to an already demanding job.

Enter the Sidekick

Here’s where MobieTrain steps into the spotlight. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes sidekick, second chef or sommelier composing the aspect of your establishment’s internal communication and training.

Our mobile-first platform is designed to tackle the unique challenges – being lack of time and resources – of your industry ensuring that your team performs like a well-rehearsed ensemble, even under pressure.

• Employee App: boost the skills of your employees anytime and anywhere, ensuring every member from kitchen team to floor staff is always ready, even in the heat of the service. Help them to learn more about your restaurant, your procedures, your recipes … to build their own confidence and to deliver the best possible customer experience.
  
  
• AI Assistant: provide your staff with quick answers to those on-the-go questions that keep the show running smoothly, no matter how hectic it gets. Does a customer has a question and a team member is not sure about the answer? Does your kitchen team or barista has some doubts about a recipe or ingredient? (S)he will get the answer within seconds.
  
  
• Communication: seamless chat features keep every team member in sync, from front to back of house, ensuring that miscommunications don’t derail the service.

Tracks That Hit the Right Notes

Our MobieTrain Content Academy offers hours of free industry-based training tracks that give your employees a great taste of different topics. Below you find some of the signature tracks on our menu:

1. Guest Experience & Salesmanship: master the art of making every guest feel like a VIP, turning each visit into an unforgettable experience.
   
   
2. Communication & Collaboration: finetune the dialogue between front and back of house for flawless service, ensuring smooth operations even during peak times.
   
   
3. Time & Stress Management: perfect the balancing act of staying calm while juggling a million tasks, preventing burnout and maintaining high performance.
   
   
4. Food Safety & Preparation: keep your culinary creations safe and scrumptious with the latest guidelines, protecting your reputation and ensuring guest safety.
   
   
5. Problem-Solving & Adaptability: handle surprises with grace, from resolving unexpected issues to adapting to last-minute changes, ensuring every service is a success.

Encore Performance

In the world of hospitality, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the people who bring it to life. Your team is your greatest asset, and behind every successful restaurant is a well-coordinated team that manages stress, communicates effectively, and stays committed to excellence. Investing in their skills and well-being is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for keeping your operation running smoothly and retaining your top talent.

So, ready to take your restaurant from good to legendary? Transform your team’s performance and communication with MobieTrain. In the end, it’s not just about the service—it’s about the show you put on. And every great show deserves an encore.

Let’s have a talk with an excellent coffee to discover how MobieTrain can help your restaurant to tackle your hospitality problems: https://www.mobietrain.com/contact-us/

Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly LinkedIn newsletter, The Champion Chronicles, where we connect the dots between the successes of individuals, series, and events, and the importance of investing in your employees. In our first edition, we stepped into the kitchen of the award-winning series The Bear, exploring some of the restaurant’s biggest challenges and linking them to employee investment.