How to Spot Burnout and Kick It to the Curb: A Guide for Restaurant Managers

Burnout in the restaurant industry? It’s real, and it’s brutal. The long hours, demanding customers, and endless to-do lists—it’s enough to push anyone to their limit.

But here’s the deal: burnout doesn’t have to be the norm. If you feel like the weight of the world (or your restaurant) is crushing you, it’s time to take action.

Let’s break down the warning signs of burnout and, more importantly, how you can combat each one like the boss you are.

Sign: You’re Physically Exhausted and Running on E

Your body is begging for a break. Fatigue, body aches, headaches—it’s like you’ve been hit by a truck after every shift.

How to Combat It

Set Strict Work Boundaries

Stop pulling marathon shifts every day. Just say no to clopens. Schedule time off and stick to it.

When your shift ends, clock out mentally and physically.

Sneak in Some Movement

You don’t have to hit the gym for hours, but quick stretches or a brisk walk between shifts can do wonders for your body and energy levels.

Try stretching before and after work too to alleviate some of the aches and pains.

Fuel Properly

Stop running on coffee and energy drinks alone. FOOD IS FUEL!

Plan small, healthy snacks or meals throughout the day, even if it means scheduling 10 minutes for a break. Set an alarm if you have to!

Sign: Your Patience is Gone—You’re Snapping at Everyone

Your fuse is short. Every little thing sets you off, and your team is starting to walk on eggshells around you.

How to Combat It

Learn to Delegate

You can’t do it all. Pass off some of your tasks to trusted team members.

It’ll lighten your load and show them you trust them to handle more responsibility.

Take Mindful Breaks

Do not spend your entire day trapped in the 4 walls of the restaurant. Take 5-10 minutes to step outside or to a quiet spot and breathe.

These micro-breaks can reset your mood and prevent you from snapping at your team.

BONUS: You can also use this time to walk your parking lot and spot any potential cleaning.

Shift Your Focus to Gratitude

End each day by listing three things that went right or that you’re grateful for.

This practice can pull you out of that negative spiral and keep you grounded.

Sign: Your Brain Feels Like It’s Running on Fumes

You’re mentally checked out. You’re forgetting things, making mistakes, and just can’t seem to focus.

How to Combat It

Work in Time Blocks

Instead of juggling a million things, break your day into focused time blocks.

Tackle one task at a time. Multitasking is your burnout’s best friend—ditch it.

I’m a huge fan of the Pomodoro technique. I set a timer for 25 minutes and work on 1 task, schedules or whatever. When the time is up, I get up and do a lap around the restaurant and check in on things. Once I know operations are running smooth, I return and do another 25 minutes.

If you keep getting interrupted, it’s a sign you need to be on the floor. Schedule your time blocks for non-peak hours!

Prioritize Sleep

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Get enough sleep, and set boundaries with late-night calls or emails. When your brain is rested, your performance improves.

Start Each Day with a Brain Dump

Grab a notebook and jot down everything on your mind—tasks, worries, reminders.

This clears mental clutter and lets you focus on what’s important.

Sign: You’ve Lost All Motivation

You’re just going through the motions. The passion that once fueled you feels long gone, and you’re counting down the hours until you can clock out.

How to Combat It:

Reconnect with Your Why

Remind yourself why you got into this industry in the first place. What about restaurant leadership excites you?

Write it down and keep it where you’ll see it daily.

Shake Things Up

Sometimes, burnout is a sign that you’re bored. Try new strategies, update your processes, or take on a fresh project to get that spark back.

Celebrate Small Wins

Start recognizing and celebrating your daily victories, no matter how small.

You covered a call out and the shift went off without a hitch? Great!

Start stacking those wins to regain momentum.

Sign: You’re Avoiding Your Team and Isolating Yourself

You’re pulling back, hiding in your office, or avoiding interactions altogether. You’ve gone from team player to lone wolf, and it’s not helping.

How to Combat It:

Communicate Openly

Be real with your team about how you’re feeling. Let them know if you’re overwhelmed—they’ll appreciate the honesty, and it can ease some of the pressure.

Invest in Team Building

Plan a casual team outing or low-pressure meeting where you can reconnect. Sometimes you just need a reminder that your team has your back.

Delegate People Management

If you’re feeling socially drained, delegate some interactions to your assistant managers or shift leaders for a bit. Ease back in when you’re ready.

Sign: Work Has Taken Over Your Life

Your work-life balance is non-existent. You’re always thinking about work, always on-call, and personal time is nothing but a dream.

How to Combat It:

Time Block Personal Time

Schedule non-negotiable “me time.”

Whether it’s a yoga class, dinner with friends, or just watching your favorite show, make sure it’s on the calendar.

Learn to Say No

You don’t have to be available 24/7. Set clear boundaries, and stop saying yes to everything.

Your restaurant can survive without you for a few hours.

Unplug

Seriously, put the phone down after your shift. Turn off notifications if you need to.

Protect your personal time like your life depends on it—because it does.

Final Thoughts

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak or bad at your job—it’s just a sign that something’s got to change.

Recognizing these signs early and taking action can save you from long-term exhaustion and help you get back to being the badass leader you truly are.

So, here’s the deal: don’t just power through it.

Take control, implement these tips, and start running your business (and your life) like the strong, confident restaurant rebel you are.