Recognizing Restaurant Embezzlement

Braden Perry, a former federal enforcement attorney who is now a regulatory and government investigations attorney with Kennyhertz Perry, discussed identifying the signs of restaurant embezzlement with Restaurant Hospitality, a publication designed for independent restaurateurs.

“In order to identify potential white collar crime, a company must systematically look at each of the areas that most often cause problems and implement practices that are designed to avoid motivating individuals to prey on you,” Perry said.

A key problem area he identified was Accounting.

“Simply monitoring employees and ensuring a system of oversight will lessen the likelihood that a normally compliant employee will be tempted into a crime of opportunity,” Perry said. “Check cash drawers and audit tips regularly, indicating to the staff that management is overseeing accounting, and question any shortages immediately.”

“Internally, food and liquor theft is also problematic,” said Perry. “Run a transparent inventory to ensure employees know you are tracking usage. Beware of employees wearing large coats or clothing out of season and suspicious behavior.”

Finally, practicing vigilance and consistency among your staff is the first step on the road toward a theft-free workplace.

“A company must be consistent. Treat everyone the same,” said Perry. “Don’t allow biases or alliances to shape the way you implement or monitor the fraud-monitoring program. Being non-tolerant of questionable actions can provide the consistency necessary to protect the business.”

To view the entire article, please visit Restaurant Hospitality.

About Braden Perry

Braden Perry is a litigation, regulatory and government investigations attorney with Kennyhertz Perry, LLC. Mr. Perry has the unique tripartite experience of a white collar criminal defense and government compliance, investigations, and litigation attorney at a national law firm; a senior enforcement attorney at a federal regulatory agency; and the Chief Compliance Officer/Chief Regulatory Attorney of a global financial institution. Mr. Perry has extensive experience advising clients in government inquiries and investigations, particularly in enforcement matters involving emerging or novel issues. He couples his technical knowledge and experience defending clients in front of federal agencies with a broad-based understanding of compliance from an institutional and regulatory perspective.

About Kennyhertz Perry, LLC

Kennyhertz Perry, LLC is a business and litigation law firm representing clients in highly regulated industries. The firm was founded by two veteran Kansas City attorneys, John Kennyhertz and Braden Perry. To learn more about the firm, visit kennyhertzperry.com.