Operating a restaurant is an incredibly productive undertaking, with demands changing for every holiday, tourism season, and contextually relevant local event. For many seasonal restaurants staff is the backbone of success with the restaurant business during these peak periods.
Seasonal staffing is a smart, flexible way to meet demand without overcommitting long-term. But hiring and managing these temporary teams takes more than a “Help Wanted” sign and crossed fingers. Let’s walk through exactly how to find, train, and manage the best seasonal restaurant staff without the stress.
Understanding Seasonal Staffing Needs
What Are Seasonal Restaurant Staff?
Seasonal restaurant staff are temporary hires brought on during specific periods of increased customer demand. Think summer patio season, holiday rushes, or big events that spike traffic.
Common Seasonal Peaks in the Restaurant Industry
- Summer (outdoor dining, tourist season)
- Winter holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s)
- Spring Break
- Local festivals and sports events
Types of Roles Typically Needed Seasonally
- Banquet Servers
- Bartenders
- Line Cooks
- Bussers
- Hosts
- Dishwashers
- Delivery Drivers (if applicable)
Key Seasonal Restaurant Positions to Fill
Not all restaurant positions require year-round staffing. Here are the most common roles to fill temporarily:
1. Line Cooks
- Essential for maintaining kitchen efficiency during rushes.
- Skilled in fast-paced food prep and plating.
2. Sous Chef (Temporary)
- Supports the head chef in managing kitchen operations.
- Ideal for high-volume events or seasonal menu changes.
3. Pastry Chef
- Needed for holiday desserts, weddings, and special menus.
- Ensures high-quality baked goods and desserts.
4. Servers & Bartenders
- Critical for handling increased customer volume.
- Bartenders are especially important during festivals and celebrations.
5. Hosts & Bussers
- Manages seating and turnover efficiently.
- Keeps dining areas clean and organized.
6. Event Staff (For Catering & Pop-Ups)
- Temporary servers, coordinators, and setup crews.
- Ensures smooth execution of off-site events.
Partnering with a restaurant staffing agency can help fill these roles quickly with qualified candidates.
Planning Your Seasonal Hiring Strategy
Start Early: The Power of Preparation
Don’t wait until your current staff are drowning in orders. Ideally, start planning your seasonal hiring at least 6–8 weeks in advance.
Estimating the Right Number of Staff
Review past years’ data. Ask yourself:
- What was your busiest day?
- How many tables did you turn per hour?
- How long was the average wait?
Then build your staffing plan backward from those numbers.
Identifying Skill Gaps in Your Existing Team
If your team is strong on the kitchen side but light on customer service, prioritize front-of-house hires—or vice versa.
Where to Find Seasonal Staff
Online Job Boards and Niche Platforms
- Indeed
- Poached
- Snagajob
- Cool Works (great for tourism-based areas)
Partnering with Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies can help you source vetted candidates fast. Just ensure they specialize in hospitality staffing.
Tapping into Local Schools and Colleges
Students are often looking for temporary work during school breaks. Reach out to career centers or post on campus boards.
Referrals and Returning Staff
Last year’s rock stars? Bring them back. Offer a small bonus or raise for returning seasonal workers to increase loyalty.
Writing the Perfect Job Description
Clear Expectations
List duties, shift times, required experience, and any must-haves. The more specific you are, the better the match.
Highlighting Perks and Flexibility
Free meals, flexible hours, tips, and a fun work culture—promote them. Temporary workers care about more than just pay.
Making It Seasonal-Worker Friendly
Be upfront about the seasonal nature of the job. Some candidates are looking for short-term work.
Interviewing and Screening Temporary Workers
What to Look for in a Seasonal Hire
- Fast learner
- Team player
- Good under pressure
- Flexible availability
- Reliable and punctual
Behavioral vs. Skills-Based Interview Questions
Behavioral: “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.”
Skills-based: “Can you carry three plates at once?”
Red Flags to Avoid
- Lack of hospitality experience (unless training is offered)
- Vagueness about availability
- Job-hopping history
Onboarding Seasonal Staff Efficiently
Fast-Track Training Plans
Condense your onboarding into 1–2 days. Focus on the core essentials: service flow, menu, POS system, and safety.
Orientation Day Essentials
Give them
- Uniform or dress code guide
- Employee handbook
- Restaurant walkthrough
Assigning Mentors or Buddies
Pair newbies with experienced team members. It builds confidence and reduces questions during service hours.
Managing and Motivating Your Temporary Team
Setting Expectations Early
Be crystal clear about:
- Scheduling
- Time-off policies
- Job responsibilities
- What happens if they’re late or no-show
Boosting Morale with Recognition
A simple “great job tonight” goes a long way. Consider a “Staff of the Week” board or small gift cards as thank-yous.
Handling Conflicts and Turnover Gracefully
Seasonal roles come with churn. Have a backup list of pre-screened candidates just in case.
Legal Considerations
Employment Contracts for Seasonal Workers
Always give a written contract—even for temp jobs. Outline:
- Duration of employment
- Pay rate
- Job description
Payroll, Overtime, and Compliance
Seasonal workers are still subject to:
- Minimum wage laws
- Overtime regulations
- Fair scheduling acts (in some states)
Health & Safety Regulations
Temporary workers deserve the same safety training as your full-timers. Don’t cut corners here.
Using Technology to Streamline Management
Scheduling Tools and Apps
Use apps like:
- 7shifts
- HotSchedules
- Homebase
- TrueGigs
These make managing fluctuating schedules way less painful.
Time Tracking Made Simple
Digital punch-in/punch-out tools help keep payroll accurate.
Communication Platforms for Teams
Create a team group chat on Slack, WhatsApp, or a staff scheduling app for quick updates and shift coverage.
Evaluating Performance and Feedback
End-of-Season Reviews
Give brief exit interviews or feedback forms. What worked? What didn’t?
Gathering Feedback from Staff
Your seasonal team might offer valuable outsider insight. Ask what training or processes could be improved.
Identifying Potential Rehires
Make a list of people you’d happily rehire next year and keep in touch.
Building a Talent Pipeline for Future Seasons
Keeping in Touch with Good Workers
Add them to an email list or a private social media group so they’re easy to contact for next season.
Creating an Alumni Pool
Maintain a Google Sheet or CRM of previous staff with ratings and notes.
Offering Incentives for Returnees
Offer $100 bonuses or first-pick shifts to returning seasonal rockstars.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Seasonal Staff
Hiring Too Late
By the time you post in June, everyone’s already hired. Plan ahead.
Skipping Background Checks
Short-term doesn’t mean skip safety. Always check references.
Failing to Train Properly
A few rushed hours of training = bad service and stressed teams. Invest time upfront.
Case Study:
Sunny Bites Café, a beachside restaurant in California, started recruiting for summer in early March. They reached out to local colleges, offered a $150 return bonus for last year’s team, and used Homebase to schedule shifts. Result? 30% faster service, 20% more tips, and zero turnover by Labor Day.
Contract Staffing vs. Temp Staffing:
Understanding staffing models ensures you choose the best fit for your needs.
- Temp Staffing: Workers are employed through an agency. Ideal for short-term gaps (e.g., a 3-month summer rush). The TrueGigs agency handles payroll and compliance, saving you time.
- Contract Staffing: Hire independent contractors for specific projects (e.g., a catering event). Offers flexibility but requires careful classification to avoid legal issues.
Key Consideration: Misclassifying employees as contractors can lead to penalties. Always consult labor laws or legal experts when building your restaurant workforce staff.
Why Partner with a Restaurant Staffing Agency?
A specialized restaurant staffing agency like TrueGigs Restaurant Staff offers:
✔ Pre-vetted candidates with industry experience.
✔ Faster hiring cycles to meet urgent demands.
✔ Reduced administrative burden on your HR team.
✔ Access to specialized talent (e.g., sous chef in restaurant, pastry chef).
This ensures you get reliable event staff without the hassle of traditional hiring.
Final Remarks:
It is often said that engaging and overseeing seasonal restaurant employees is a mixture of creative and quantitative work. With proactive hiring, extensive training, and a nurturing environment, you can integrate an experienced team that comprises seasonal workers and functions like a unit. Keep in mind, the goal is to not only get through busy seasons but also have satisfied customers and happy employees.
Hiring and managing seasonal restaurant staffing doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little planning, clear communication, and the right tools, you can build a temporary team that feels just as solid as your full-time crew. Remember—it’s not just about filling spots. It’s about creating an experience that keeps customers (and great employees) coming back year after year.
