Pacing lights will be installed in the dining room, office, host stand, and server station. The expo controls the light color to communicate real-time kitchen status to all staff. This is a simple, visual system that keeps everyone aligned without requiring verbal communication.

The kitchen manager must use this system in real time so it always reflects the current status of the kitchen. If conditions change—even for just 2 minutes—the light should be updated immediately. All staff should be aware of the current status at all times. Servers should be able to adjust their pacing to help relieve pressure on the kitchen and allow the BOH to catch up.

In the perfect world, the lights should not jump statuses since it should build up to being behind. The cases where being behind may jump would be due to over seating the dining room and sending too many tickets too quickly, or system failure in the kitchen that disrupts the flow quickly.

🟢 Green — Normal Operations

Status: All systems running smoothly.

Conditions:

• Ticket times are within standards
• No immediate operational concerns
• Kitchen is keeping pace with seating flow

🟡 Yellow — Pacing Concern

Status: Caution — kitchen pressure building.

Triggered When:

• Average ticket times begin exceeding targets
• Kitchen becoming constrained
• Large volume push occurring
• Recovery actions may soon be needed

Manager Response:

• Monitor ticket flow closely