In the competitive restaurant industry, operational efficiency and kitchen consistency are critical for long-term success. That’s why Sábalos Marina Grill in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, partnered with Synergy Restaurant Consultants to undergo a two-phase transformation designed to boost performance, cut costs, and improve guest satisfaction.

‍

Phase One: Restaurant Operations Assessment

As a starting point, Synergy conducted a comprehensive operational audit to identify inefficiencies in front- and back-of-house operations. Lacking a clear management structure or reliable systems, the restaurant faced challenges in labor control, food cost management, and delivering consistent service.

‍

Key areas of evaluation included:

• Restaurant cost control systems
• Guest experience and service sequence
• Team training and leadership responsibilities
• SOPs, HR policies, and regulatory compliance
• Kitchen workflow, layout, and equipment usage
• Technology systems and performance reporting

The outcome was a comprehensive roadmap that prioritized short-term improvements and long-term strategies. To support progress, Synergy also offered virtual coaching sessions to help with implementing the changes.

‍

Phase Two: Back-of-House Systems and Kitchen Optimization

‍
Next, Synergy shifted its focus to the core of every restaurant: the kitchen. The goal was to create a structured, disciplined BOH (back-of-house) environment that promotes quality, consistency, and profitability.

Deliverables included:

• Development of prep lists, par levels, portion standards, and shelf-life charts
• Reorganization and labeling of storage areas
• Implementation of receiving logs, temp tracking, and waste reduction processes
• Staff training on kitchen systems, line checks, cleaning schedules, and maintenance procedures
• Digital kitchen buildout in Meez, with integrated recipe costing and inventory management tools

The kitchen systems were designed to work seamlessly with the restaurant's POS and vendor invoicing platforms, improving food cost accuracy and daily operations.

‍

The Results: A Stronger, Smarter Restaurant

‍

Thanks to this collaborative effort, Sábalos Marina Grill now operates with greater consistency, better cost control, and a more empowered team. From streamlined kitchen routines to a more refined guest experience, the restaurant is now well-positioned for sustainable growth.

If your restaurant could benefit from an expert operations audit, kitchen optimization strategy, or hands-on support, Synergy Restaurant Consultants can help.