How Many Staff Do You Actually Need?
Calculate the right number of employees for your cafe or restaurant. No overstaffing, no understaffing.
1 Your Business
2 Operating Hours
3 Preferences
4 Recommended Staffing
Total Employees Needed
0
Shift Coverage Breakdown
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How to Calculate Restaurant Staffing Needs
Getting staffing right is a balancing act. Too many employees and you're bleeding money on payroll. Too few and service suffers, guests leave unhappy, and they don't come back.
Basic Staffing Formulas
For front-of-house (servers, baristas):
FOH Staff = Seats ÷ Guests per Staff Member
Industry standard: 1 server per 4-6 tables in full-service, 1 barista per 30-40 orders/hour in cafes.
Typical Ratios by Business Type
| Type | FOH (guests/staff) | BOH (% of FOH) | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee shop | 25-35 | 30-40% | 1 per shift |
| Fast casual | 20-30 | 50-60% | 1 per shift |
| Full-service | 12-18 | 60-80% | 1-2 per shift |
| Bar / Pub | 20-30 | 20-30% | 1 per shift |
Don't Forget to Account For
- Sick days and PTO — typically add 15-20% to your headcount
- Peak vs. slow hours — Friday dinner needs twice the staff as Tuesday morning
- Prep time — kitchen arrives 1-2 hours before opening
Automate your shift planning
Shifty helps you build shift schedules based on employee availability. Assign shifts and manage your team in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many servers do I need for 50 seats?
For a full-service restaurant with 50 seats, you typically need 3-4 servers during peak hours and 2 during slow periods. Total roster: 6-8 servers to cover days off and shift rotation.
How do I calculate kitchen staff needs?
Kitchen staff is typically 60-80% of FOH count in full-service restaurants, and 30-40% in cafes. For a 50-seat restaurant, expect 2-3 cooks per shift.
Should I hire extra staff as a buffer?
Yes, a 15-20% buffer above your calculated needs is recommended to cover sick days, vacations, and unexpected rushes. Apps like Shifty help manage swap requests and last-minute coverage in real time.