1. Where did things feel smooth tonight?

Why it matters: Identifying what went well helps you turn wins into repeatable systems.

• Maybe the floor plan change made service flow easier.
• Maybe a staff pairing just clicked.
• Maybe a prep tweak shaved minutes off ticket times.

Call it out. Celebrate it. Repeat it. Teams that hear what worked are more likely to double down on it.

2. Where did we feel the most friction?

Why it matters: Small points of friction—left unaddressed—can quietly cost you speed, energy, and guest satisfaction.

• Were drinks backing up?
• Did orders bottleneck at the pass?
• Was there confusion over table assignments?

Keep the tone constructive. You’re not assigning blame—you’re identifying blockers so they can be removed before the next shift.

3. Was there a guest interaction that stood out?

Why it matters: Real guest moments tell you what’s landing—and what isn’t.

• A compliment that shows something’s working.
• A complaint that signals a missed opportunity.
• A small gesture from staff that left a lasting impression.

Stories stick. Use one example to reinforce what great hospitality looks like on the floor.

How to Make This a Habit

• Keep it brief: 5–7 minutes, max.
• Be consistent: Same three questions after every shift.
• Log the insights: Whether it’s a group chat or a whiteboard, trends will emerge fast.

Operators who build in daily huddles often see:

• Smoother team communication
• Faster fixes to recurring issues
• Higher staff engagement and accountability
• More repeat guests thanks to a tighter experience
• Better decision-making powered by real feedback, not guesswork

Try it tonight. Ask these three questions after your next shift. You’ll be surprised how quickly small insights lead to big improvements—and how a few minutes of reflection can make every shift sharper than the last.

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