When it comes to restaurant safety, many owners think first about food safety, slips, trips, and falls. But one of the biggest risks — and often overlooked — is robbery. Restaurants, bars, and fast-food chains are frequently targeted, not by chance, but because their design and operations can make them appealing to robbers.

Understanding the potential situations that make your restaurant a target is the first step in protecting your employees, your customers, and your livelihood.

Why Restaurants Are Attractive Targets for Robbers

Studies on workplace violence in the restaurant industry reveal some common environmental and operational factors that robbers exploit:

• Low or subdued lighting that makes it easy to approach unnoticed.

• Registers and counters located at the back of the store, away from street view.

• Windows covered with blinds or signs, obscuring visibility from outside.

• Late-night or early morning hours when there are fewer staff on shift.

• Cash-heavy operations that make robberies worthwhile.

• Unlocked back doors during cleanup or after hours, providing easy access.

Robbers don’t just strike at random. They pre-select their targets based on these vulnerabilities, often choosing establishments that promise quick entry, fast access to cash, and minimal witnesses.

Watch the Video

Want to see how robbers think? Watch this short training video to learn more about what makes restaurants attractive targets and how to spot potential risks in your own workplace.

The Cost of Robbery-Related Risks

Failing to address these vulnerabilities can have devastating consequences:

• Employee safety risks — Robbery is one of the leading causes of workplace homicides and violent injuries in restaurants.

• Financial losses — Beyond stolen cash, property damage, higher insurance premiums, and operational shutdowns all add up.

• Reputational damage — News of a violent robbery can deter customers and harm your brand.

Prevention Starts with Training

The good news? You can take control. Environmental improvements like better lighting, secured back doors, and clear window visibility help. But ongoing employee training is the most powerful tool in your safety toolbox.

With Restaurant Employee Safety Training (REST), your team learns not only how to recognize risks, but also how to respond safely if a robbery does occur.

Restaurants are attractive targets for robbers, but by recognizing the risks and preparing your team, you can turn a vulnerable workplace into a safer one. Don’t wait until an incident happens — prevention starts now.