What should a Team Leader do before launching a new menu item?

Before launching a new menu item, it is crucial for a Team Leader to ensure that the team is adequately trained and that there are sufficient supplies. This preparation is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, effective training equips team members with the necessary knowledge about the new item, including its ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation. This understanding allows team members to deliver the product confidently and accurately to customers. When staff are well-prepared, they can provide excellent customer service, answer questions, and promote the new item effectively, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.

Secondly, having adequate supplies is vital to avoid running out of the item shortly after its launch, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction. If a new menu item has been anticipated by customers and is not available, it can harm the brand's reputation and reduce sales momentum.

In contrast, the other approaches would not yield the same beneficial results. Surprising the team with a new item could lead to confusion and insufficient knowledge about the product, hindering its successful launch. Asking customers for their opinion beforehand might provide some useful insights but is typically too late for implementation as it may delay the launch process. Ignoring training and focusing solely on sales compromises the quality of service and undermines the potential success of the new item