Which practice should managers encourage to maintain efficiency during busy hours?

Encouraging the cross-training of team members for various stations is a highly effective strategy for maintaining efficiency during busy hours. When team members are trained to handle multiple roles within the restaurant, it provides greater flexibility and adaptability in staffing. This means that, during peak times, employees can seamlessly transition between different duties as needed, ensuring that all stations are adequately covered.

Cross-training enhances teamwork and allows for faster service, as employees can jump in where they're needed most, whether it's taking orders, preparing food, or managing front-of-house tasks. This versatility not only reduces downtime but also boosts morale, as staff members gain new skills and a deeper understanding of the entire operation.

In contrast, reducing staff to save costs can lead to overwork and errors during busy shifts, limiting service quality. Limiting guest interactions might speed up service in the short term but can negatively affect customer satisfaction and repeat business. Lastly, using only one cooking method for all items restricts menu diversity and may compromise the quality of certain dishes, ultimately affecting customer experience and operational efficiency.