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Restaurant Service & Store Operations Management (Alcohol Knowledge, Halal & Vegan, 8 Mandatory Allergens, Food Cost & FL Ratio)

Accommodation (SSW 2) · 宿泊分野(2号) · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Role of the Restaurant Manager, Advance Table Assignment, and Observing Tables

A restaurant manager at the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) level is responsible not only for advanced on-site service, but also for store operations including 'employee training (coaching staff)', 'customer management', 'sales and cost control', and 'hygiene and safety management'.

During pre-opening preparation, perform 'advance table assignment (Jizen no table assign)'—allocating the optimal tables in advance based on each reservation's party size, purpose (anniversary, business entertaining, etc.), and whether children or elderly guests are present.

When guiding guests to their table, support them in seating by 'pulling out the chair quietly' without making noise. Also, when holding water or beverage glasses, always hold 'below the halfway point of the glass'.

During meals, constantly watch for changes across the dining room and on tables; if a guest drops a knife, fork, chopsticks, or napkin on the floor, notice before being called and 'immediately bring a fresh replacement'.

Role of the Restaurant Manager, Advance Table Assignment, and Observing Tables

Key points


  • The restaurant manager performs 'employee training and customer management' and conducts 'advance table assignment' before opening.

  • When seating guests, 'pull out the chair quietly', and hold glasses 'below the halfway point' when serving.

  • Observe table changes during meals, and if a guest drops cutlery or chopsticks, 'immediately bring a fresh replacement'.
WordMeaning
store manager's role (employee training & customer management)
advance table assignment (seating allocation)
pulling out chairs quietly
immediately replacing dropped tableware

Specialized Knowledge of Alcoholic Beverages (Sake Ingredients & Temperatures; Red & White Wine Grapes)

To recommend drinks that pair well with dishes, foundational knowledge of alcoholic beverages is required. 'Japanese Sake (Nihonshu / Seishu)', a traditional Japanese brewed beverage, is made from three main ingredients: 'rice (mainly sake-brewing rice / Sakamai), koji (rice malt), and water'.

A distinctive feature of Japanese sake is that its aroma and flavor change with serving temperature, enjoyed across three temperature ranges: chilled ('Reishu'), room temperature ('Joon / Hiya'), and warmed ('Kanzake', such as lukewarm Nurukan or hot Atsukan).

For wine, distinguishing representative grape varieties for 'red wine' and 'white wine' is frequently tested. 'Black grape varieties for red wine' include 'Cabernet Sauvignon', 'Merlot', 'Pinot Noir', and 'Syrah'.

On the other hand, 'white grape varieties for white wine' include 'Chardonnay', 'Sauvignon Blanc', and 'Riesling' (as well as Japan's indigenous 'Koshu'). Famous wine-producing regions include France ('Bordeaux and Burgundy / Bourgogne') and the United States ('California').

Specialized Knowledge of Alcoholic Beverages (Sake Ingredients & Temperatures; Red & White Wine Grapes)

Key points


  • 'Japanese Sake (Nihonshu)' is made from 'rice (mainly Sakamai), koji, and water', and is enjoyed as 'Reishu (chilled), Joon (room temp), or Kanzake (warmed)'.

  • 'Red wine grape varieties' are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

  • 'White wine grape varieties' are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling; famous regions include France (Bordeaux, Burgundy) and California.
WordMeaning
Japanese sake ingredients (rice, koji, water)
Reishu (chilled), Joon (room temp), and Kanzake (warmed)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling

Japanese Cuisine (Shun, Ichiju-Sansai, Chisan-Chisho) and 9-Step Kaiseki Serving Order

Japanese cuisine (Washoku) expresses the changing of Japan's four seasons ('Shiki') through tableware and presentation, prizing 'peak seasonal ingredients (Shun)' and 'local production for local consumption (Chisan-chisho)'.

In the basic 'Ichiju-sansai (One soup, three dishes)' table layout from the guest's perspective, place 'rice at the front left', 'soup at the front right', 'side dish at the rear left', 'main dish at the rear right', and chopsticks horizontally at the very front.

The 9-step serving sequence for 'Kaiseki ryori' served at ryokan dinners begins with: '(1) Zensai (Appetizer) -> (2) Wanmori (Suimono: Clear soup) -> (3) O-tsukuri (Sashimi)'.

It continues with: '(4) Yakimono (Grilled dish) -> (5) Nimono (Simmered dish) -> (6) Agemono (Deep-fried dish) -> (7) Su-no-mono (Vinegared dish)', followed by '(8) Rice, Ko-no-mono (pickles), and miso soup', and concluding with '(9) Mizugashi (seasonal fruit / dessert)'.

Key points


  • Key concepts of Washoku are 'four seasons (Shiki)', 'peak season (Shun)', 'Chisan-chisho', and 'Ichiju-sansai (front left = rice, front right = soup)'.

  • First and middle Kaiseki dishes: '(1) Zensai -> (2) Wanmori (Suimono) -> (3) O-tsukuri -> (4) Yakimono -> (5) Nimono -> (6) Agemono -> (7) Su-no-mono'.

  • Final Kaiseki dishes: '(8) Rice & Ko-no-mono (pickles) -> (9) Mizugashi (fruit / dessert)'.
WordMeaning
Shun (peak season), Chisan-chisho, and Shiki (four seasons)
Ichiju-sansai serving arrangement
Wanmori (clear soup) and O-tsukuri (sashimi)
Ko-no-mono (pickles) and Mizugashi (fruit dessert)

Western Full Course Serving Order and Silverware (Butter Spreader, etc.)

The basic serving order of a Western full course meal is: '(1) Hors d'oeuvre (Appetizer) -> (2) Soup -> (3) Fish dish (Poisson) -> (4) Sorbet (palate-cleansing sherbet) -> (5) Meat dish (Main dish) -> (6) Dessert & Coffee (or black tea)'.

In Western table service, plated dishes are served from the customer's 'left side', while beverages poured into glasses (wine, water) and soups are served from the customer's 'right side'.

Silverware (knives, forks, spoons) set on the table is arranged so guests 'use them in order from the outside inward'. Additionally, the spatula-shaped utensil placed on the bread plate 'used for spreading butter on bread' is called a 'Butter spreader'.

For knife and fork signals during a meal, placing them in an inverted V ('Ha no ji') on the plate means 'still eating', while placing them parallel at the 'bottom right of the plate' signals 'finished eating'; confirm this signal and ask permission before clearing.

Key points


  • Western full course order: '(1) Hors d'oeuvre -> (2) Soup -> (3) Fish dish -> (4) (Sorbet) -> (5) Meat dish -> (6) Dessert & Coffee'.

  • Silverware is used from the outside inward, and the utensil used to spread butter on bread is called a 'Butter spreader'.

  • Serve food from the left and drinks from the right; knife and fork in a 'Ha no ji' (inverted V) means still eating, and parallel at bottom right means finished.
WordMeaning
Hors d'oeuvre, Sorbet, and Main dish
Butter spreader (utensil for spreading butter)
Silver (metal cutlery / flatware)
Caster set (tabletop seasoning containers)

Religious & Dietary Considerations (Halal Certification Standards and Vegetarian vs. Vegan)

With increasing inbound guests, accurate knowledge of dietary restrictions based on religion and beliefs is essential. In 'Halal food' following Islamic law, pork, pork-derived ingredients (lard, gelatin, pork extract, etc.), and alcohol (including mirin and cooking sake) are strictly prohibited.

Furthermore, as a crucial standard tested on the 2go exam, 'animal ingredients other than pork (such as beef and chicken) must also hold Halal certification (processed in accordance with Islamic law)—with the exception of eggs and milk'.

While 'Vegetarians' do not eat meat or fish, some types of vegetarians do consume eggs and dairy products (milk, cheese, butter).

In contrast, 'Vegans (strict / complete vegetarians)' are distinguished from general vegetarians in that, in addition to avoiding meat and seafood (including fish dashi stock such as bonito flakes), they 'consume no animal-derived products whatsoever, including eggs, dairy products, and honey'.

Key points


  • In Halal food, besides banning pork and alcohol, 'non-pork animal ingredients (beef, chicken, etc.) must also have Halal certification (excluding eggs and milk)'.

  • 'Vegetarians' do not eat meat or fish, though some may consume eggs or dairy products.

  • 'Vegans (complete vegetarians)' avoid not only meat and fish, but 'all animal-derived foods including eggs, dairy products, and honey'.
WordMeaning
Halal certification (compliance with Islamic law)
non-pork animal ingredients (excluding eggs and milk)
Vegetarian (plant-based dieter)
Vegan (complete / strict vegetarian)

Food Allergies: 'Eight Specific Mandatory Allergens' and Common Foods Containing Wheat

Because food allergies can trigger life-threatening 'anaphylaxis shock', Japan's Food Labeling Act mandates labeling for 8 allergens with the highest incidence and severity, known as the 'Eight Specific Raw Materials (Tokutei genzairyo 8-hinmoku)'.

The '8 mandatory allergens' are: '(1) Egg (Tamago), (2) Milk / Dairy (Chichi / Gyunyu), (3) Wheat (Komugi), (4) Buckwheat (Soba), (5) Peanut (Rakkasei), (6) Shrimp/Prawn (Ebi), (7) Crab (Kani), and (8) Walnut (Kurumi)'. You must memorize all 8 items.

The 2go textbook specifically emphasizes 'foods containing wheat (Komugi)'. In addition to bread, breadcrumbs (panko), udon, spaghetti, macaroni, Chinese noodles (ramen), cakes, and cookies, wheat is also contained in 'gyoza and spring roll wrappers, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, tempura batter, and wheat gluten (fu)'.

Moreover, an easily overlooked point is that seasonings and processed items such as 'soy sauce (Shoyu), Worcestershire/tonkatsu sauce, miso (barley miso, etc.), salad dressings, and curry/stew roux' also frequently contain wheat, requiring careful verification with ingredient labels and the kitchen.

Key points


  • The '8 mandatory specific allergens' are 'Egg, Milk (Dairy), Wheat, Buckwheat (Soba), Peanut, Shrimp, Crab, and Walnut'.

  • Wheat is found in bread, udon, pasta, and Chinese noodles, as well as tempura, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and gyoza/spring roll wrappers.

  • Seasonings such as 'soy sauce, sauce, miso, and dressings' also often contain wheat and require close attention.
WordMeaning
Eight Specific Raw Materials (mandatory allergen labeling)
Egg, Milk, Wheat, Buckwheat (Soba), and Peanut
Shrimp, Crab, and Walnut
seasonings containing wheat (soy sauce, sauce, dressing)

Causes of Food Poisoning (Norovirus, Campylobacter, Salmonella) and Preventing 'Drip'

Alongside the 3 principles of food poisoning prevention (Do not attach, Do not multiply, Destroy), understand the major causative pathogens. 'Norovirus' occurs frequently in 'winter (November to February)' and is transmitted via raw or undercooked 'bivalve shellfish (such as oysters)' or an infected person's vomit and fingers.

'Campylobacter' is a bacterium mainly found on 'chicken (as well as beef and pork)', caused by eating undercooked meat or cross-contamination from knives and cutting boards. 'Salmonella bacteria' are mainly caused by 'chicken eggs (raw eggs) and meat'.

To prevent food poisoning, store raw meat and fish separately in the refrigerator/freezer and cook thoroughly to the center. Furthermore, when thawing frozen meat or fish, the red liquid that seeps out from the ingredients is called 'Drip'.

When drip comes out, not only are umami flavor and nutrients lost, but the moisture also serves as a nutrient source for rapid bacterial growth. To prevent drip, 'avoid leaving frozen ingredients at room temperature to thaw; instead, thaw them at a low temperature inside the refrigerator'.

Key points


  • 'Norovirus' peaks in winter (Nov–Feb) from bivalves (oysters); 'Campylobacter' is mainly from chicken; 'Salmonella' is mainly from eggs and meat.

  • The red liquid that comes out when thawing frozen meat or fish is called 'Drip', which degrades quality and promotes bacterial growth.

  • To prevent drip and bacterial growth, avoid room-temperature thawing and 'thaw at low temperature inside the refrigerator'.
WordMeaning
Norovirus (winter Nov–Feb, bivalve shellfish)
Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria
Drip (red liquid exuded during thawing)
low-temperature thawing inside the refrigerator

Restaurant Store Operations Management (4 Major Expenses, 30% Food Cost Ratio, ≤60% FL Ratio & ABC Analysis)

In restaurant store operations management, the 'four major expenses (costs)' to control in order to generate profit are: '(1) Food cost (Shokuzai genka / cost of ingredients)', '(2) Labor cost (Jinkenhi)', '(3) Selling and administrative expenses (consumables, advertising, etc.)', and '(4) Utilities (water, gas, and electricity)'.

The first key metric is the 'Food Cost Ratio (Shokuzai genkaritsu)', calculated as: '(1) Food Cost Ratio (%) = Food Cost / Sales Revenue x 100'. The standard target benchmark for a general restaurant is 'approximately 30%'.

Second, '(2) F&B (Food & Beverage) Control' is managing purchasing, inventory, and standardized recipes to 'reduce food loss (food waste)' and control costs. Third, '(3) ABC Analysis' is a 'sales analysis method' that ranks menu items into A, B, and C groups by sales revenue or quantity sold to identify best-sellers and underperforming dishes.

Fourth, the '(4) FL Ratio (FL Cost Ratio)' indicates the combined share of Food cost and Labor cost relative to total sales: 'FL Ratio (%) = (Food Cost + Labor Cost) / Sales Revenue x 100'. The benchmark for healthy restaurant operations is '60% or less'.

Restaurant Store Operations Management (4 Major Expenses, 30% Food Cost Ratio, ≤60% FL Ratio & ABC Analysis)

Key points


  • The 4 major restaurant expenses are 'Food cost, Labor cost, Selling/administrative expenses, and Utilities (water/gas/electricity)'.

  • 'Food Cost Ratio = Food Cost / Sales x 100 (target 30%)', and 'FL Ratio = (Food Cost + Labor Cost) / Sales x 100 (benchmark 60% or less)'.

  • Cost management to reduce food loss is called 'F&B Control', and the method of ranking menu sales is called 'ABC Analysis'.

  • Example: When monthly sales are 5,000,000 yen and food cost is 1,400,000 yen → Food Cost Percentage = 140 ÷ 500 × 100 = 28%

  • Example: Against sales of 5,000,000 yen, with food cost of 1,400,000 yen and labor cost of 1,500,000 yen → FL cost = 140 + 150 = 290 (in 10,000 yen), FL Ratio = 290 ÷ 500 × 100 = 58%
WordMeaning
Food Cost Ratio (Shokuzai genkaritsu — target 30%)
FL Ratio (Food + Labor cost ratio — benchmark 60% or less)
F&B Control (reducing food loss)
ABC Analysis (menu sales analysis method)

Frequently Tested Points and Memory Tips

The formulas and benchmarks in Store Operations Management (textbook p. 55) are guaranteed exam items: 'Food Cost Ratio = Food Cost / Sales x 100 (target 30%)', 'FL Ratio = (Food Cost + Labor Cost) / Sales x 100 (benchmark 60% or less)', 'F&B Control = Reducing food loss', and 'ABC Analysis = Sales analysis method'.

For allergies, memorize the '8 mandatory specific allergens = Egg, Milk, Wheat, Buckwheat (Soba), Peanut, Shrimp, Crab, Walnut' and 'Foods containing wheat (bread, udon, pasta, Chinese noodles, tempura, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, gyoza/spring roll wrappers, soy sauce, sauce, miso, dressing)'.

For religious and vegetarian diets, distinguish: 'Halal = Non-pork animal ingredients must also hold Halal certification (excluding eggs and milk)' and 'Vegan = Complete vegetarian who consumes no animal products, including eggs and dairy'.

For alcohol and hygiene, remember: 'Japanese Sake = Rice, Koji, Water (Reishu, Joon, Kanzake)', 'Red wine grapes = Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah / White wine grapes = Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling', 'Norovirus = Nov–Feb, bivalves', and 'Red liquid during thawing = Drip'.

Key points


  • Food Cost Ratio = Food Cost / Sales x 100 (target 30%); FL Ratio = (Food + Labor) / Sales x 100 (benchmark ≤ 60%).

  • 8 mandatory allergens: Egg, Milk, Wheat, Buckwheat, Peanut, Shrimp, Crab, Walnut (soy sauce, sauce, and dressings also contain wheat).

  • Halal requires Halal certification for non-pork animal ingredients too (except eggs & milk). Vegans eat no animal products (no eggs/dairy).

  • Sake ingredients: 'Rice, Koji, Water'. Red wine = Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, etc.; White wine = Chardonnay, Riesling, etc.

  • Norovirus peaks in winter (Nov–Feb) from bivalves. Thaw frozen meat/fish in the refrigerator to prevent red liquid 'Drip'.
WordMeaning
Food Cost Ratio (30%) and FL Ratio (60% or less)
Eight Specific Mandatory Allergens and wheat-containing foods
Halal certification and Vegan diet
red/white wine grape varieties, Sake, and Drip

Restaurant Service & Outlet Operations

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