— and How to Prevent Them

When you think about restaurant safety, your mind might go straight to slips, cuts, or burns. But did you know robberies cause more homicides and violent workplace injuries in restaurants than any other threat?

The truth is, restaurants, bars, and fast-food chains are prime targets for robbers. And while we’d all like to believe “that could never happen here,” robberies happen every day, in every country. The impact is devastating — not only financially, but also emotionally and reputationally.

Why Restaurants Are Targeted

Restaurants are especially attractive to robbers for several reasons:

• Many fast-food restaurants are open 24 hours a day.

• Bars stay open into the early morning hours.

• Full-service restaurants often operate until midnight on weekends.

• Cash-heavy businesses are always a target.

• Fire codes mean doors must stay unlocked during business hours.

• Back doors are often left open during cleanup, even after closing.

• Late-night shifts may have only a skeleton crew on site.

These conditions combine to create the “perfect storm” for criminal opportunity.

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The Real Costs of a Robbery

The financial loss of stolen cash or damaged property is just the beginning. Robberies carry far-reaching costs:

• Employee Trauma: Experiencing a robbery firsthand can leave lasting emotional scars, leading to absenteeism, resignations, and lowered morale.

• Operational Disruption: A police investigation or temporary closure means lost revenue and downtime.

• Insurance Premiums: After a robbery, insurance rates often climb, adding long-term expense.

• Reputation Damage: Customers may view your restaurant as unsafe, costing you future business.

In short, a robbery can shake the foundation of your restaurant in ways that last far beyond the incident itself.

Prevention Is Protection

The good news? Robbery risks can be managed. Training your team to follow clear safety rules and stay alert is one of the most effective steps you can take. Surveillance systems, secure cash handling, and locked-back-door policies all matter — but employee awareness is your strongest line of defense.

Take the First Step

You don’t have to face robbery risks unprepared. The Restaurant Employee Safety Training (REST) program gives your employees engaging, OSHA-compliant training on robbery prevention — plus 12 other crucial safety topics.

Train your first employee for free with lifetime access
Or protect your entire team for just $5 per person: scroll down for offer. 

Safety isn’t an expense — it’s an investment in your people, your reputation, and your business’s future.