How to stop money leaking out of your restaurant

Where money usually goes missing

A lot of this is simple error rather than dishonesty, so fix the system first and do not start by accusing anyone.

• Orders cancelled after the food has gone out.
• Discounts given without a reason.
• Prices changed and changed back.
• Bills paid in cash that never reach the till.
• Honest mistakes: wrong dish, wrong table, forgotten items.

Five habits that make a difference

1. 1One login per person. Never share a password across a shift.
2. 2Give people only what their job needs. A kitchen does not need to see bills.
3. 3Keep a record of every cancellation, discount and price change.
4. 4At closing, match sales with cash, card and other payments.
5. 5Look at the record often, and let your team know you do.

How Dinebo helps

• An activity log shows who did what and when, in plain words, and nobody can edit it.
• Staff roles limit what each person can see and do.
• A day summary shows sales and how they were paid.
• Guests order for themselves, so what the kitchen receives is what the guest asked for.

Talk to your team first

Tell your staff what you are changing and why before you start. A clear record also protects honest staff, because it shows exactly what happened when a guest or a manager asks. For anything serious, take advice locally before acting on it.