Labour Shortages in Foodservice: How to Adapt and Thrive

The foodservice industry is facing a challenge—labour shortages. Chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff are increasingly hard to come by, and rising wage pressures are adding strain to already tight budgets. With the busy festive season approaching, these challenges are even more pressing for foodservice operators. So, how can venues not only survive but thrive in this environment? By adopting smarter strategies, streamlining operations, and leveraging innovations, operators can maintain quality and efficiency even in the face of labour shortages.

The shortage of chefs and cooks is not a new problem, but it has become more acute in recent years, with many professionals leaving the industry for more stable work or better work-life balance. This has led to an increase in wage costs as businesses compete for a shrinking pool of skilled staff. The challenge is compounded by the fact that kitchen work is labour-intensive, with the need for precision and consistency in food preparation.

ADAPT - Streamline Operations to Ease Labour Costs

One of the most effective ways to counter labour shortages and rising wage pressures is by streamlining operations. Here are a few practical strategies to consider:

1. Optimise Your Menu for EfficiencyA more streamlined menu can significantly reduce the burden on your kitchen team. Focus on offering dishes that are simple to prepare but still deliver on taste and presentation. Ingredients that can be used across multiple dishes help reduce prep time and complexity.
2. Cross-Train Your TeamIn times of staff shortages, having a team that is versatile and capable of handling multiple tasks is invaluable. Cross-training kitchen and front-of-house staff allows you to maintain service standards with even fewer people on the roster. Employees who can step in where needed, whether it’s prepping ingredients or managing orders, will help your operation run smoothly.
3. Embrace Pre-Prepared, High-Quality ProductsWhen labour is short, reducing the amount of hands-on time required to prepare meals can be a game-changer. Pre-prepared, high-quality ingredients, offer consistency without the need for extensive prep work. Ready-to-use products like this allow chefs to focus on presentation and customer service, rather than spending hours on prep.

THRIVE - Leverage the Power of Sous Vide

Sous vide cooking has emerged as one of the most effective innovations for addressing labour shortages in foodservice. This method involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it at a precise, low temperature in a water bath, ensuring perfect results every time. Here’s how it can help ease the pressure:

1. Consistency Without Constant SupervisionSous vide allows chefs to cook food perfectly with minimal attention, reducing the need for highly skilled labour. Once the food is sealed and placed in the water bath, it cooks slowly and evenly, freeing up your team to handle other tasks in the kitchen. This consistency ensures high-quality results, even when you're working with a smaller or less experienced team.
2. Reduced Waste, Increased EfficiencyWith sous vide, there’s minimal risk of overcooking or undercooking food, which can lead to costly waste. This method helps you control portion sizes and avoid unnecessary food costs, which is critical in a labour-short environment where margins are tight.
3. Time-Saving for Large-Scale ProductionFor venues catering to holiday events and large groups, sous vide is a huge time-saver. Dishes like sous vide meatballs or even savoury mince are only improved by a low and slow cook. They can be cooked just before service, reducing the last-minute rush that often overwhelms kitchen staff during busy periods.

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To thrive in this challenging environment, it’s crucial to think strategically about saving time and labour without compromising on quality. Labour shortages and rising wage pressures, while challenging, also present an opportunity for foodservice operators to innovate and adapt.

Simplifying menus, adopting labour-saving products, cross-training staff, and using modern cooking techniques like sous vide can ease the strain on your team while still delivering exceptional service and meals.

If you’re interested in making your cooking more efficient, check out Primo’s Low and Slow range of sous vide products and get in contact here!