Crunchtime Blog

How Challenges with Restaurant Labor and Scheduling Can Slow Growth

Written by Dana Farese | Sep 26, 2024 6:59:34 PM

As part of this multi-part series, we’re highlighting four focus areas of operational excellence that, if executed well, pave the way for confident growth:

1. Inventory, purchasing, and food costs 

 

2. Employee scheduling and labor costs

 

3. Operating procedures and task management

 

4. Employee training and development 

 

In this next part, we’ll dive into employee scheduling and labor costs. 

Balancing labor and scheduling across multiple locations is not easy, especially as your brand expands. Under/over-scheduling happens more often, labor rules and compliance become more of a liability, and managers/employees might work in multiple stores in different roles. 

Here are some common scheduling and labor-related challenges that stifle growth:

  •  Keeping labor costs under your target percentage of sales e.g. 30%
  •  Avoiding under- or over-scheduling employees when creating and managing schedules
  •  Staying compliant with labor laws at local, state, and federal level

What if you could simplify these challenges yourself, and focus on what really matters—supporting your teams, making customers happy, and growing your brand with confidence? 

Founded in 1988 in Lexington, Kentucky, Fazoli’s owns and operates over 208 restaurants across 28 states, making it the largest QSR Italian chain in America. Fazoli’s is on track to add 500+ locations in coming years, and a key part of its growth strategy is tackling labor and scheduling challenges: less over- or under-scheduling, cutting down on overtime costs, and keeping its teams happy and motivated. 

With a harmonious blend of efficiency and excellence in every aspect of its operations, Fazoli's is setting the benchmark for success in the restaurant industry.

Watch the video to learn how Fazoli’s reduces labor costs with accurate forecasting:

Click here to learn what other brands are doing to reach their location growth goals, and look for the next installment of this multi-part series.