Posted by u/tired_after_weekend
Should I close on Mondays?
Answered by Ask a Shop Owner ·
Monday is our worst day. Barely breaks even. Close?
u/askashopowner Owner-operator advisor
Top answer
Do the honest math. Pull last 8 Mondays. Revenue minus true variable costs (food, hourly labor). Fixed costs (rent, insurance, salaried staff) hit whether you are open or closed. If Monday's contribution margin is under $300, close.
Also count the second-order effects. Are Monday regulars key to Tuesday/Wednesday traffic? Do you lose your best line cook because they wanted a two-day weekend? Closing Monday often fixes retention as much as it fixes P&L.
Most healthy restaurants either close Mondays entirely or run a small menu with reduced staff. Half-committing to a full Monday menu on 40% traffic is the worst option.
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