How to Run a 15-Minute Pre-Shift Huddle That Actually Works
By Harbor Hospitality Group Team
Most restaurants know they should do pre-shift meetings. But in reality, they're often boring, rushed, or skipped when you're slammed.
Here's the problem: without a pre-shift huddle, your team starts service misaligned. Servers don't know about 86'd items, specials get described inconsistently, and everyone's just... winging it.
The 15-Minute Framework
A great pre-shift huddle has exactly five components, in this order:
1. Win of the Day (2 minutes)
Start with something positive. Share a great guest review, celebrate a team member's win, or highlight yesterday's sales. This sets the tone and reminds everyone why we're here.
Example: "Before we dive in—huge shout-out to Maria. A guest emailed yesterday saying her recommendations made their anniversary perfect. Let's keep that energy going."
2. Today's Numbers (1 minute)
Quick snapshot: reservations, expected covers, private events, special requests.
Example: "We're at 75% booked for dinner. 6-top at 6:30 is celebrating a birthday. Two gluten-free guests at 7:00."
3. 86 List & Specials (3 minutes)
What's out, what's new, what's limited. Have the kitchen lead this. Taste the special if possible.
Example: "We're 86 halibut and duck. Special tonight is locally-foraged mushroom risotto—earthy, creamy, finished with truffle oil. Try it now."
4. Service Focus (2 minutes)
Pick ONE thing to focus on today. Not ten things. One.
Example: "Today's focus: prebussing. Let's not let dirty plates sit. If you see it, grab it. Help each other."
5. Questions & Breakout (2 minutes)
Open floor for quick questions, then break with energy.
Example: "Questions? No? Alright, hands in—let's have a great night. One, two, three... TEAM!"
Why It Works
Consistency beats perfection. The same structure every shift creates a rhythm. Your team knows what to expect.
15 minutes is doable. Any longer and you lose attention. Any shorter and you skip important stuff.
It builds culture. Starting with a win and ending with a team cheer creates connection. That connection shows up in how your team treats each other—and guests.
Common Mistakes
❌ Going too long. Respect people's time. Stick to 15 minutes.
❌ Manager monologues. It's a huddle, not a lecture. Keep it interactive.
❌ Skipping it when busy. That's exactly when you need it most.
❌ No structure. Winging it leads to rambling. Use the framework.
The Template
Print this and post it in your manager station:
PRE-SHIFT HUDDLE (15 MIN)
1. Win of the Day (2 min)
2. Today's Numbers (1 min)
3. 86 List & Specials (3 min)
4. Service Focus - ONE thing (2 min)
5. Questions & Breakout (2 min)
Make It Yours
This framework is a starting point. Adapt it to your restaurant. Maybe you add a quick safety reminder. Maybe you do a daily "guest spotlight" instead of win of the day.
The point is: have a structure, run it daily, and keep it tight.
Your team will show up more aligned. Service will be more consistent. And you'll actually enjoy pre-shift instead of dreading it.
Want our full pre-shift huddle toolkit? It includes fill-in-the-blank templates, sample scripts for new managers, and a training video. Book a discovery meeting and we'll send it over.