The art of the pre-service pep talk - how top head chefs motivate their teams before the rush

In every great kitchen, there’s a moment of calm before the storm — a sacred space between prep and service, where knives are sharp, stations are set, and hearts beat with anticipation.

This is where the pre-service pep talk lives.

It’s not just about calling tickets or reminding the team not to burn the fish. It’s about uniting the crew, setting the tone, and getting every hand — from the commis to the sous — pulling in the same direction.

So how do top chefs do it? Here’s what makes a pre-service pep talk powerful — and how you can make yours count.

Keep It Tight. Make It Count.

You’ve got 2–3 minutes tops. A pep talk isn’t a TED Talk. Keep it clear, focused, and relevant to the shift ahead.

• What’s on special?

• What’s the booking load?

• Any VIPs or allergies?

• Are there new dishes that need special attention?

Chefs who respect their team’s time get respect in return.

Set the Standard

A pep talk is your chance to reaffirm what ‘great' looks like.

Remind the team of non-negotiables:

• Consistency on plating

• Clean downs between turns

• Fast, clear comms on the pass

Repetition isn’t boring — it’s leadership.

Motivate Like a Human, Not a Boss

Your brigade isn’t made of robots. They’ve got sore feet, lives outside of work, and pride in what they do.

Take 30 seconds to lift the mood:

• Celebrate a win from yesterday

• Shout out someone who nailed it

• Share a quick, ridiculous kitchen story that gets a laugh

Connection before correction always lands better.

Open the Floor

Give your team a voice. Ask:

• “Anything you’re not clear on?”

• “Any curveballs coming our way?”

When people feel heard, they perform harder.

Leave Them with Focus, Not Fear

High-pressure kitchens don’t need more anxiety — they need direction.

Don’t rant. Don’t threaten. Leave your team with belief.

Say things like:

• “Let’s run clean and communicate tight — we’ve got this.”

• “You know what to do. Let’s execute hard and finish proud.”

These are the final words ringing in their ears when the first docket drops. Make them count.

A good pre-service pep talk isn’t about volume — it’s about vision.

It’s the quiet art of leadership that separates chaos from cohesion.

So the next time the burners are lit and the orders are looming, don’t skip the moment.Use it. Shape it. Lead it.