The five-minute briefing that makes a difference

A pre-service briefing works best when it is short enough to happen every day. It is not a meeting to review everything the restaurant does. It is a quick way to share what is different about today’s service.

Cover what has changed

Start with the bookings: busy arrival periods, larger parties, celebrations and anything that may need extra time. Add menu changes, unavailable dishes and practical details such as a blocked table or a new team member on shift.

Give the team space to contribute

The most useful detail often comes from the person who has just answered the phone or prepared the room. Ask what could catch the team out tonight, then decide who owns each follow-up. Five focused minutes can prevent a long chain of interruptions once guests arrive.

Finish with one shared priority. It might be pacing the first seating, keeping handovers clear or making every new guest feel noticed. A simple focus gives the service something to return to when the room gets busy.