In hospitality, the collaboration between chefs and managers is essential for balancing quality and financial goals. Improvement sessions provide a structured approach for the chef and manager to review past performance, ensure accountability, and set actionable goals for the upcoming week. Using the PERI (Plan, Execute, Results, Improve) framework, these sessions focus on analysing key metrics, using data to assess profitability, and driving continuous operational improvements.
1. Reviewing Action Items to Ensure Accountability
- Starting with Accountability
Each improvement session begins by reviewing the previous week’s action items, ensuring that both chef and manager follow through on their commitments. This initial review reinforces accountability, allowing them to discuss whether goals were met and to address any challenges encountered. - Reflecting on Successes and Challenges Together
For example, if an action item involved creating specials to reduce wastage, they assess how effectively it was implemented. Reflecting on both successes and challenges helps the team identify areas for improvement and build a solid foundation for setting the next week’s goal
2. Results: Analysing Previous Week’s Sales, COGS, Wages, and Profitability
- Focusing on Key Performance Metrics with Profitability Data
After reviewing action items, the chef and manager analyse the previous week’s sales, COGS, and wages data, using actual data and estimates to indicate profitability. This detailed review provides a clear, data-driven understanding of the venue’s financial health and highlights areas that may need adjustment for the venue to stay on track. - Using Data to Guide Profitability Improvements
For instance, if COGS were higher than expected, they can discuss specific actions to reduce waste or adjust purchasing practices. By reviewing wage and sales data alongside profitability estimates, both chef and manager gain actionable insights on how to enhance financial performance effectively.
3. Improvement: Setting Goals for the Upcoming Week
- Tailoring Financial Targets for Chef and Manager
Based on the analysis of the previous week’s data, the chef and manager set targeted goals for the week ahead. Food sales are measured against food wages, which fall under the chef’s influence, while management and front-of-house wages are compared against total sales, given their impact on all revenue streams. These specific financial targets keep each role focused on goals that are realistic and directly aligned with their areas of responsibility. - Encouraging Mutual Accountability and Peer Support
Improvement sessions, reinforced by coaching, create a positive peer-driven environment. Both chef and manager are motivated to meet their individual targets and support each other, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that promotes accountability and commitment.
4. Continuous Communication for Effective Execution
- Staying Aligned on Goals Throughout the Week
Ongoing communication during the week keeps the chef and manager aligned on their targets for sales, COGS, wages, and profitability. As the chef prepares specials or makes adjustments, they inform the manager, who then promotes these items. This teamwork ensures that quality and financial goals are consistently met. - Maintaining Accountability with Real-Time Feedback
The accountability established in improvement sessions extends into daily operations, with both chef and manager maintaining open communication. This feedback loop allows them to address issues immediately, supporting a cohesive workflow that enhances financial and operational performance.
Conclusion
Improvement sessions provide chefs and managers with a structured way to review the previous week’s sales, COGS, wages, and profitability data. By using actual data and estimates to assess profitability, setting focused goals, and fostering accountability, they create a culture of continuous improvement. This collaboration ensures that both chef and manager are committed to financial targets, which improves profitability and makes success more achievable.
