Like most chefs, I started in the dish pit. My first job was at a mom-and-pop pizza/Italian restaurant without a dish machine, requiring everything to be washed by hand. At fourteen, I never thought this was the beginning of a career that would span nearly five decades, working in eight states, allowing me to travel the world, impact others’ careers, and have them impact mine even more.
As many know, the dish/pot sinks are the true heart of a kitchen operation. The individuals working in these areas are by far the most crucial and hardest to staff. An underperforming stewarding staff can bring the entire operation to a grinding halt, either from malfunctioning equipment, overloading on a busy night, or being understaffed. Poor morale will bring this crucial area to a standstill faster than all the other stated reasons. Not only will this affect your stewarding staff’s production, but I contend there is a direct correlation to the productivity and morale of your cooks and FOH staff and, ultimately, the dining experience for your members and guests.
As the leader of the club’s culinary department, it is our duty to prevent this from happening.
The kitchen stewarding team is the backbone of any restaurant, ensuring that the culinary journey of the guests remains uninterrupted and delightful. One of the key aspects of their responsibility is maintaining impeccable cleanliness in the kitchen, safeguarding clean, sanitary cooking equipment and small wares, and sanitary tableware—a huge responsibility for generally the lowest-paid members of the team. A spotless environment not only reflects positively on the establishment but also contributes significantly to the members’ perception of the overall dining experience. Their role goes beyond washing dishes; it involves creating an environment that enhances the culinary journey.
To improve morale and foster a sense of pride among kitchen stewarding staff, recognition of their efforts is crucial. Acknowledging the impact of their work on the overall dining experience can significantly boost morale. Establishing a culture of appreciation, where hard work is recognized and rewarded, creates a positive feedback loop. Paying a wage above the living standard is certainly the first link in promoting a positive work environment; however, there are many other ways to boost morale and show appreciation. Regular team meetings, shout-outs during staff briefings, or even a simple ‘Employee of the Month’ program. Ensuring the stewarding staff gets a fresh, hot meal before closing down the line shows you truly care for their wellbeing. Jumping in the pit with them during extremely busy times, making sure dishes are scraped and stacked properly and not just thrown at them, shows respect. I have found that offering a small gift card to a local coffee shop, gas station, or public transportation is an easy way to build trust, loyalty, and respect.
Furthermore, involving kitchen stewarding staff in the larger narrative of the restaurant can be empowering. Educating them about the menu, the chef’s vision and the importance of their role in creating a seamless dining experience instills a sense of purpose. When the team understands the significance of their contributions, they are more likely to take pride in their work and approach their responsibilities enthusiastically.
Team-building activities can also play a pivotal role in fostering camaraderie among kitchen stewarding staff. Bonding outside the work environment can create a positive and collaborative atmosphere within it. Simple initiatives like regular team lunches, outings, or even team-building exercises can go a long way in building a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Ultimately, the relationship between kitchen stewarding staff and the members’ dining experience is intricate and influential. Recognizing the significance of their role, acknowledging their efforts, and fostering a positive work environment can significantly enhance morale. By investing in the well-being and motivation of the kitchen stewarding team, clubs can create a harmonious atmosphere that elevates the overall dining experience for every member and guest.
