Smart Moves to Slash Restaurant Labor Costs Without Sacrificing Service

With wages climbing to $15 an hour (and beyond) in many states and new requirements in some markets like on-site security adding to the financial strain, restaurants are facing a labor cost crunch like never before. The pressure is real, but cutting labor costs doesn’t mean sacrificing guest satisfaction. Smart operators are getting creative, trimming expenses, and staying efficient without missing a beat. Let’s break down how you can do the same.

Deploy Kiosks Where They Make the Most Impact

Self-service kiosks are more than just a novelty, they’re a workforce multiplier. Chains like El Pollo Loco are turning to self-service kiosks to offset some labor costs in the wake of minimum wage hikes. By cutting down on cashier hours and freeing up staff to deliver better guest interactions, kiosks lower overhead and they sharpen your entire operation. Place them in high-traffic areas where they’ll take the pressure off your staff during peak times.

Optimize Staffing with Data-Driven Scheduling

Guesswork has no place in scheduling. Predictive tools like 7shifts or HotSchedules analyze historical sales, weather patterns, and even local events to help you staff smarter. Instead of scrambling to cover a Friday lunch rush or overscheduling on a slow Tuesday, you’ll know exactly how many people you need and when. This precision cuts costs and keeps your team happy by giving them predictable schedules and reducing burnout. And, since poor scheduling is one of the top reasons restaurant workers quit, this is a win for retention too. 

Empower Staff Through Cross-Training

Cross-train your FOH and BOH teams to step into different tasks during peak hours or when short-staffed. It’s a win-win: employees get valuable skills (and a boost in engagement), while you get more flexibility without hiring more people. Imagine a cashier seamlessly jumping in to prep during a rush, or a line cook helping with drive-thru orders.

Automate the Grind with Smart, AI-Driven Tools

AI-powered systems are already transforming the way orders are taken and processed. Think voice recognition technology at the drive-thru or kiosks that adapt based on customer behavior, like upselling combos that match frequent orders. Beyond the front of the house, AI is stepping in with dynamic inventory management that predicts demand and minimizes waste. These tools reduce mistakes, cut training time, and keep lines moving even when staffing is tight. 

Want to see how Breez kiosks can help minimize your labor costs? Learn more today and take the first step toward a leaner, more efficient operation.