What should I tell my food truck’s part-time staff about a sale?
Tell part-time staff only after you have decided who will hear first and what you can honestly say. Be clear about what is known, what is not, and when you will update them. Silence leaves room for rumours, and a truck can lose its best people quickly.
Part-timers often know the menu, the regulars and the quirks of the truck better than you think. Before you say anything, decide who hears first, usually the lead cook or shift lead, and what you can promise. You will probably want a confidentiality agreement in place with any buyer, and your lawyer can tell you how to handle what staff may see during visits.
When you do talk, keep it short and plain. Say that you are exploring a sale, that nothing is final, and that you will share news as soon as you can. Do not promise jobs, schedules or pay on a buyer’s behalf. Let the buyer meet the crew once the process is far enough along, and give staff a chance to ask questions privately. Ask the buyer what they intend for the team so that your answers are accurate.
Listen to what staff worry about. Hours, tips and who runs the kitchen are usually the questions. Write down their answers so you can pass useful ideas to the buyer. Staff who feel respected tend to stay through a transition. If a buyer plans changes, ask them to say so plainly instead of leaving staff guessing.
Key takeaways
- Decide who hears first and what you can honestly say before you speak.
- Never promise jobs or pay on a buyer’s behalf.
- Share updates on the schedule you gave, even when there is nothing new.
- Tell staff what you do not yet know, as well as what you do.
Related reading
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Due diligence
Selling
- Expert answerHow do I show my parts counter staff’s product knowledge is part of the business?
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- Expert answerHow do I train my part-time bookkeepers on my review checklist before I sell?
Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to reduce employee turnover
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaIndustryHow to sell your business
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