Start with the facts. The good news is, many cases of chronic absenteeism can be cured simply by alerting the employee in question to the problem. Often employees may not realize how much time they have taken off until you show them your records. Ask if they are experiencing any problems that they would like to talk about. . . . It allows them to see you are aware of the matter.
Communication can also work wonders before an employee falls into chronic absenteeism.
As part of your restaurant's attendance policy, require that anyone arriving late, or missing a day or a shift, file a statement describing the reason. This accountability can help remind employees of the importance you place on their attendance. You should also educate employees about the importance of good attendance. Employees may not recognize either the value of their work or the costs involved when they don't come to work. Communicate your seriousness about the issue, and your staff will respect the need for good attendance.