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Dining Services & Kitchen Production

Leadership
Guides

Me'a Ho'okipa · Hospitality from the Heart

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

2026 Edition

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Leadership
begins with example

True leadership is rooted in serving others. Service is the foundation of our standard.

As a leader in Dining Services, it is our responsibility to exemplify excellence through consistency, discipline, and humility — even during the busiest and most demanding shifts.

The standard is not defined by what we say, but by what we repeatedly demonstrate. When leaders embody professionalism and accountability, they create clarity, stability, and trust within the team.

What you model each shift becomes the culture others follow.

Arrive prepared for every shift — on time, in full uniform, and ready to serve alongside the team.
Set the tone at the beginning of each shift through professionalism and positive energy.
Follow all food safety and sanitation standards consistently — even during peak hours.
Demonstrate that excellence is not dependent on convenience or workload.
Maintain composure under pressure, especially during rush periods.
Communicate respectfully with team members, guests, and supervisors at all times.
Step in to support operations when needed rather than leading from the sidelines.
Take ownership of mistakes and focus on solutions instead of blame.
Model consistency in attitude, urgency, and quality every day.

Steps to Accountability

Success comes when individuals and teams choose to move above the line — seeing reality clearly, owning their role, solving problems, and taking action.

1

Step One

See It

What is the reality we most need to acknowledge?

2

Step Two

Own It

How are we contributing to close the gap?

3

Step Three

Solve It

What else can we do to close the gap?

4

Step Four

Do It

Who is accountable to do what and by when?

Above the Line

People focus on results, solutions, and what they can control. They take ownership and drive change.

Below the Line

People blame others, make excuses, or avoid responsibility. This mindset stalls growth and hurts the team.

Dining Venues
& Lead Roles

🌸 Front Lead

Opening

  • Check attendance before prayer meeting; report no-shows
  • Verify Dress & Grooming of all workers
  • Brief servers and greeters on announcements
  • Complete Jolt Checklist for Opening

During Operations

  • Help with seating; ensure SOP compliance
  • Guest requests delivered within 3 minutes
  • Smoothies offered during dinner service
  • Decanters must be refilled

Closing

  • All plates & utensils to the back by 6:40 PM
  • Wipe tabletops; collect salt & pepper shakers

🍽️ Line Lead

Opening

  • Check attendance & Dress/Grooming standards
  • Meet with line workers before opening
  • Complete Jolt Checklist

During Operations

  • Check presentation of buffet, fruit & carving stations
  • Food pans refilled timely — not left nearly empty
  • No loose items; workers in complete uniform
  • Interact warmly with guests while directing lines

Closing

  • First buffet line closed after the cultural dance
  • Confirm valves closed; no loose items left

🔥 Back Lead

During Operations

  • Prioritize checking delivered food for quality
  • Check hot food temperature every hour
  • Ensure food is run within 3 minutes
  • Prepare kids' meals and birthday plates

Closing

  • Set up make-plate table at 6:15 PM
  • Remove all food from back units by 6:30 PM
  • Pack food for "Aloha Harvest"
  • Wash and dry floors; ensure drains are clean

🥤 Smoothie Lead

Opening

  • Check assignment board; count pineapple shells
  • Prepare desserts; keep cold to maintain temp
  • All items ready before 4:25 PM

During Operations

  • Pineapple smoothies in front by 4:25 PM
  • Desserts displayed by 4:30 PM
  • Monitor gelato station; order backups before 5:30 PM

Closing

  • Sanitize dessert tables and stands
  • Coffee machines washed and sanitized
  • Do assignment board for tomorrow's schedule

🌸 Front Lead

Opening

  • Check attendance; report no-shows to supervisor
  • Verify Dress & Grooming standards
  • Servers in line at front door ready by 4:29 PM
  • Complete Jolt Checklist

During Operations

  • Assist with seating and ensure smooth table flow
  • Guest requests fulfilled within 3 minutes
  • Stamp and give discount coupons to servers
  • Ensure robots' pathways are clear at all times

Closing

  • Inform guests line closes at 7:00 PM
  • Make plate at 7:05–7:20 PM
  • Clean and store robots; ensure they are charging

🍽️ Line Lead

Opening

  • Check attendance & Dress/Grooming
  • Ensure all food in buffet lines is set up
  • Complete Jolt Checklist

During Operations

  • No phones; workers in complete uniform incl. hats
  • Food pans refilled promptly; check warmer for extra food
  • Follow up to turn off warmers at 6:30 PM
  • Remind workers to pack Ziplock for Aloha Harvest

Closing

  • Train workers needing help — don't do it yourself
  • Confirm Salad Bar valves are closed
  • No food left in warmers, back units, or hot units

🔥 Back Lead

Opening

  • Check runner attendance; report no-shows
  • Check dress/grooming of runners and scrapers
  • Ensure trash & food waste bins are ready
  • Complete Opening Jolt Checklist

During Operations

  • Check food quality and accuracy on all deliveries
  • Ensure food is run within 3 minutes
  • Monitor back units; request refills as needed
  • Ensure robots' pathways are never blocked

Closing

  • Set up make-plate table at 6:15 PM
  • Pack Aloha Harvest food; discard expired items
  • Wash & dry floors; clean back refrigerator

Create Aloha
Moments

😊

Smile Always

Smile at guests even when they are just passing by. A genuine smile is the foundation of every Aloha Moment.

🤝

Greet & Offer

Say "Aloha" or ask "Is there anything I can help you with?" — leads set the example by interacting with guests first.

🌟

Train Your Team

Conduct mini trainings to practice guest interaction. Acknowledge worker efforts with focused recognition cards.

Why body language matters

Guests notice our actions, posture, and facial expressions even before we speak. Good body language creates a welcoming and professional environment.

✓ Smile & Greet Warmly ✓ Maintain Eye Contact ✓ Stand Straight ✓ Stay Approachable ✗ No Crossed Arms ✗ No Eye Rolling ✗ No Slouching

"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude."

— John C. Maxwell

Leading with Confidence

Assignments

Communicate clearly what is expected. Send schedules on Saturday night or before the shift. Support workers who are unsure through training.

Quick Check-In

A quick temp-check with the employee — not coaching or reprimanding. Simply asking: "How are you? How can I help you achieve your goals?"

Team Huddle

Time for workers to gather with leads, discuss performance, brainstorm improvements, and address attendance or compliance matters.

Correction / Coaching · The Sandwich Method

🍞

Top Bun

Start with something positive — what they are good at

🥩

The Meat

Inform them of areas to improve

🍞

Bottom Bun

End with something they are doing great

Standard
Performance Roles

🍍 KSW Smoothie

Oversees pineapple cutting, punching, smoothie blending, and all preparation for guest service. Ensures proper ratios and first-in-first-out rotation.

🫧 Dishwasher

Manages the full dishwashing flow from scraping to shelving. Assigns stations, monitors machine operation, and ensures clean dishes return quickly to service areas.

☀️ Morning Custodian

Supervises cleaning across Main Kitchen, Gateway, Ohana, and Aloha. Oversees restrooms, oil disposal, plate delivery coordination, and brunch setup.

🌙 Night Custodian

Manages evening cleaning across all four areas. Ensures proper waste handling, sanitation standards, and approves clock-out only after all tasks are verified complete.

🚗 LS / Runner System

Coordinates food delivery schedules for cold units, hot units, bakery, and smoothies. Monitors food counts, temperatures, and ensures all venues receive correct items on time.

Smoothie Preparation · Standard Ratios

Smoothie Mix

24 oz piña colada mix + 8 oz ice cream mix per blender jar

Roasted Pineapple

5×3 halved cores + 1 cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon per pan

Transfer (Aloha)

3 full coolers + 1 half cooler

Jolt Checklist

Jolt is the tool we use to manage tasks and assignments as leaders — ensuring we are at our best when we receive guests, and to ensure food and employee safety.

100%

Goal Completion Rate

0%

Missed Items Target

Daily Check Points

Leadership Questionnaire

Rate yourself on each statement using the scale below — with 5 being Almost Always True and 1 being Almost Never True.

5
Almost Always True
4
Frequently True
3
Occasionally True
2
Seldom True
1
Almost Never True
01 I enjoy communicating with others.
02 I am honest and fair.
03 I make decisions with input from others.
04 My actions are consistent.
05 I give others the information they need to do their jobs.
06 I keep focused through follow-up.
07 I listen to feedback and ask questions.
08 I show loyalty to the company and to the team members.
09 I create an atmosphere of growth.
10 I have wide visibility.
11 I give praise and recognition.
12 I criticize constructively and address problems.
13 I develop plans.
14 I have a vision on where we are going and set long term goals.