Staffing Your Pizzeria

Your business could close its doors sooner rather than later if your pizzeria isn't staffed properly. Having too little or too much staff, or a staff that is poorly trained can sink your establishment faster than you can say "pepperoni".





The trick to finding the perfect staff for your pizzeria lies in understanding your business model, your objectives, and your employment pool. Interviewing the candidates correctly is also key, as is doing thorough background checks. Try to find individuals with pizzeria and/or restaurant experience, and outline the job duties clearly. Managers especially need to know what roll they will play in staffing, ordering pizza restaurant supplies, and any marketing they would be required to do.





What is the Right Amount of Staff?





Having too little staff may save on payroll, but can lead to big problems. An understaffed pizzeria leaves itself vulnerable if an employee doesn't show up for work, or calls in sick. Many times the manager or owner has to cover any shortages on the schedule, and this can wear on even the most dedicated employee. An understaffed pizzeria can also leave customers frustrated at long wait times, incomplete orders, and sub-standard products.





Having both enough staff, product, and


pizza equipment supplies on hand ensures that the customer receives the best experience possible. Having too much staff will put a drain on your business, as too many people on your payroll can bleed payroll dry. Hiring everyone who walks through the door will lead to not enough hours to go around, and eventually people will quit. The best thing you can do to aid in the success of your pizzeria is to hire, train, and most importantly, retain good dedicated employees.





Your Staff Reflects Your Brand





You can have the best pizza in town, use the highest quality pizza baking pans, and the freshest ingredients, but if your staff is improperly trained, or outright rude your customers will not return. Interview and screen each and every employee to ensure the highest quality staff for your pizzeria. The application process for new employees consists of the paper application, the in-person interview, and the screening process. Remember that you always have to accept an application, even if you are not currently hiring. It is also advised that you do not write comments on anyone's application, whether positive or negative. The paper application will tell you about the applicant's work history, but the interview will give you a glimpse of the person themselves. When meeting a potential employee remember that they will be representing your brand. Make sure they are groomed properly, professional, and courteous. Remember, this is how they presented themselves for a job interview, so it is most likely that person at their best.





The interview is the best time to outline your pizzeria's grooming policy with prospective employees to ensure that they are comfortable with your standards. If you are running a neighborhood pizza place, with a casual atmosphere, then you may not mind your employees being a little more experimental with their appearance, especially if it blends in with local culture. If you are running a higher-end concept, a more conventional look for your employees would be necessary. The best thing that could happen for your business would be for your staff to interact as a team, maintain professionalism, and foster a positive attitude. Be careful to hire applicants with at least some experience using pizza restaurant equipment, as well as customer service, to ensure a seamless transition from new-hire to permanent employee. A mix of personalities helps maintain balance and keep your workplace fun and profitable.





Gianna Romano is a blogger and contributor for Writerspire.com.