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3 Easy Steps for Transitioning to a New Payroll Provider
Every business has one-of-a-kind payroll needs. A local coffee shop doesn’t require the same payroll schedule, timekeeping system or HR support as a...
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4 min read
Horizon Payroll Solutions
:
January 29, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Running a restaurant is tough. It’s long hours, unpredictable rushes, and constant problem-solving. But while you’re handling front-of-house service and managing kitchen chaos, there’s one thing that has to be flawless behind the scenes—payroll.
Messed-up paychecks lead to unhappy employees, compliance issues, and potential legal trouble. If you’ve ever scrambled to correct a missing tip allocation or explain why overtime calculations were off, you know how much of a headache payroll can be. The good news? With the right system in place, payroll doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about restaurant payroll management—from navigating tipped wages to staying compliant with tax laws—so you can focus on running your restaurant, not chasing payroll problems.
Running payroll for a restaurant isn’t like other industries. Here’s what makes it so tricky:
The restaurant industry is notorious for its revolving door of employees. Servers jump from one establishment to another seeking better wages, back-of-house staff test new kitchens for different culinary experiences, and seasonal employees come and go. This churn can drain your resources and complicate your payroll process.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re always filling positions, you’re not alone. Restaurants often see staff turnover rates soar to levels that would shock other industries. By using a system that automates onboarding tasks—like collecting direct deposit info and issuing tax forms—you can at least remove some of the stress from this merry-go-round.
Most restaurant employees don’t just get a paycheck—they earn tips, too. The IRS requires tips over $20 per month to be reported. But here’s the kicker:
The restaurant workforce is a mix of full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff. Each classification affects payroll taxes, benefits eligibility, and overtime calculations. If you misclassify employees, you could owe back wages and fines.
Restaurants often require staff to stay late when it’s busy. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires time-and-a-half pay for hours worked over 40 per week. Missed overtime pay is a huge lawsuit risk.
Key areas to watch:
If you’re scanning through this guide, nodding at every pitfall and thinking, “I really need help,” you’re not alone. Many restaurant owners realize they’d rather rely on a team that specializes in payroll for the hospitality world. That’s precisely what Horizon Payroll Solutions brings to the table.
What sets Horizon Payroll Solutions apart?
With Horizon, tracking employee hours directly from a standalone timeclock is easy. That data syncs into our payroll platform, reducing manual errors and simplifying wage calculations. You can also run advanced timekeeping reports to monitor labor costs in real-time.
Beyond payroll, Horizon offers HR support that includes new-hire onboarding, employee handbooks, and advice on regulatory compliance. When you bring a new line cook onto your team or promote a server to a floor manager position, our HR tools ensure you’re handling it correctly from a documentation standpoint.
Managing benefits can be a labyrinth of paperwork and deadlines. Our system helps you keep track of employee enrollment in health plans, 401(k) contributions, and even those lesser-known perks that keep morale high. We make sure each deduction is accurate and reported correctly.
Restaurants often come to us after battling generic payroll software that never quite fits, or wrestling with a large payroll company that didn't pay attention them or serve their needs. Our goal is to eliminate those headaches while delivering consistent, reliable service.
Picture a pizzeria that constantly shifts employees between the kitchen and the front counter. Each role might carry a different pay rate. With Horizon Payroll Solutions, switching roles mid-shift isn’t a fiasco. Our system captures every hour at the correct rate, ensuring nobody gets shorted.
If you’re ready to shift gears and upgrade your payroll experience, consider connecting with Horizon Payroll Solutions. We’ve helped countless restaurants replace cumbersome processes with practical solutions that keep everyone—from line cooks to servers—happy and compliant. After all, your focus should be on delivering fantastic meals and welcoming hospitality, not wading through wage calculations or worrying about tax penalties.
Take the step toward simpler, more reliable payroll—plus integrated timekeeping, comprehensive HR support, and benefit administration. Your staff—and your peace of mind—will thank you.
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