If your restaurant isn’t factoring in external signals like weather, local events, and traffic trends, you’re likely missing the mark on staffing. That means too many employees during slow shifts—or not enough hands when the rush hits—costing you money and customer satisfaction.
Why External Data Makes Restaurant Staffing Smarter
By integrating third-party data like local foot traffic trends, weather forecasts, and event calendars with internal sales and labor metrics, restaurants can make smarter, real-time scheduling decisions. The result?
✅ Lower labor costs with more efficient shift coverage
✅ Faster service and shorter wait times during peak periods
✅ Happier staff who are neither overwhelmed nor underutilized
✅ Improved guest satisfaction through better team readiness
How It Works
🔹 Predictive analytics uses historical sales and external event data to forecast demand
🔹 Scheduling algorithms automatically adjust staff levels based on updated weather or event changes
🔹 Real-time integrations help restaurants call in backup or release staff as conditions evolve
🔹 External traffic patterns help identify neighborhood-wide busy times
Real-World Impact
At Torch & Crown, GM Bill Brooks saved 6 hours a week with SquareShifts, an automated scheduling and payroll platform. By syncing real-time shift data with tip pooling and labor costs, they reduced manual errors and optimized operations—all while improving staff satisfaction.
Tired of Overstaffing Slow Days and Scrambling on Busy Ones?
With external data, you can stop relying on gut instinct and start creating schedules that actually match demand—down to the hour.
📩 Want to unlock smarter staffing and happier teams? Let’s talk.