Bar Operations Made Easy: Training for Success

Effective hospitality training for your staff is paramount to the success of any bar or restaurant. Proper training ensures that staff is equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide the best service to your guests. To ensure that training efforts are effective, bars can focus on the three categories of training: training for performance, training for knowledge, and training for culture. Combined, these three elements encompass training for success.

Training for performance involves hands-on training that replicates day-to-day service situations. It aims to improve specific functions or actions during service, such as how to pour the perfect pint or make a classic old-fashioned. This type of training is essential to ensure that staff can consistently deliver high-quality service.

Training for knowledge centers around product knowledge and effectively selling the products carried, as well as being able to answer guest questions. Staff that is knowledgeable about products can lead guests on a tailored experience and stay engaged in interactions. This type of training helps to improve guest satisfaction, which can lead to increased sales and repeat business.

Training for culture reinforces a business's mission, values, and connection with the community. It can include inclusivity and sensitivity training to ensure that staff members are respectful and understanding of all guests. This type of training helps to build a positive culture within the business and can lead to a more engaged and satisfied workforce.

To determine where to focus their beverage training efforts, businesses can establish metrics that make decisions easier. Online reviews are a good place to start, as they are free feedback that tells businesses what they are doing well and where they have had problems in the past. By regularly monitoring reviews, businesses can identify trends and areas for improvement.

Having a regular training rhythm that includes daily pre-shifts to address minor or specific issues, recurring monthly or bi-weekly scheduled training or staff meetings for more in-depth performance and cultural training, and investing in building training manuals can also help businesses to determine where to focus their training efforts. By regularly assessing and adjusting training efforts, businesses can ensure that their staff is equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to provide outstanding service to their guests.