If the word implementation makes your stomach turn, you’re not alone.
I love questions from restauranteurs. Recently, a prospect emailed me this:
“I like everything about the app, but I’m sitting here thinking how am I going to feel to see the staff always with their phone out? And then I’m wondering, are they really looking at the Shifty app or are they playing on their phones? Help me through this.”
It’s a fair concern — and honestly, one I’ve had myself.
Back when we opened Hazel’s, we had a strict “no phones on the floor” rule. It was about professionalism. About presence. About respecting the guest. But then things got more complicated.
A guest asks about allergens. A new hire isn’t sure if the dressing is dairy-free.
Do we send them to the back to dig through a binder? Or do we allow them to discreetly pull out a phone and reference a trusted source?
Shifty was built with this moment in mind.
We’ve seen time and time again that guests appreciate confidence.
When a server can answer a menu question right at the table — without running off — it builds trust. As long as it’s done respectfully and with clear boundaries, a well-timed reference on the floor can elevate the guest experience, not detract from it.
That said, every restaurant is different — and some of our customers still prefer that all training and app use happens off the floor. That works too. In fact, many use Scheduled Pre-Shift Announcements or Training Checklists during lineup — so phones come out before the doors open, not during service.
The point is: Shifty gives you options, not rules.
Related: Why Restaurant Employee Turnover Is So High And What Operators Can Do About It
The truth is, we’re all navigating the rise of technology in hospitality. Whether it’s mobile POS, digital training, or AI-generated schedules — tech is here, and it’s not going away. The operators who embrace it thoughtfully are the ones who thrive.
Ask yourself this:
How are you delivering this info today? Paper printouts? Outdated binders? Staff word of mouth? Whiteboards?
That’s the alternative — and it’s a whole lot harder to scale, track, or trust.
Related: Implementation Doesn’t Have to Be a Heavy Lift
At Shifty, we designed the app for real restaurants — where appearances matter, guest confidence is key, and managers are already carrying more than their share.
We get it. And we’re right there with you.
Want to see how other operators are balancing tradition and tech? Let's take a tour, together.
