Table of Contents
- 1 What does FOH Mean?
- 1.1 The Different Types of FOH Staff
- 1.2 The Responsibilities of the FOH Staff
- 1.3 The Importance of Excellent Customer Service
- 1.4 Tips for Delivering Outstanding Customer Service
- 1.5 How to Create a Welcoming Atmosphere for Guests
- 1.6 The Difference Between FOH and BOH Staff
- 1.7 The Importance of Teamwork Between FOH and BOH Staff
- 2 Summary
What does FOH Mean?
FOH stands for “front of house” and refers to all the staff working in a restaurant’s customer-facing areas. This includes servers, bartenders, hosts/hostesses, and busboys/bussers. The FOH staff are responsible for delivering excellent customer service and creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
The Different Types of FOH Staff
A restaurant’s front-of-house (FOH) staff is responsible for providing excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment.
Here are a few of the different types of FOH staff:
1. Host/Hostess
2. Waitstaff
3. Bussers
4. Runners
5. Bar staff
Each type of FOH staff member has a unique role in ensuring that the dining experience is enjoyable for all.
The Responsibilities of the FOH Staff
The front-of-house staff in a restaurant has various responsibilities. For example, servers are responsible for taking orders, bringing food and drinks to the table, and providing general assistance to guests. Bartenders mix and serve drinks while hosts/hostesses greet guests and seat them at tables. Busboys/bussers clear away used dishes and silverware and generally keep the dining area clean.
Sample List of FOH Duties:
1. Greeting guests and seating them
2. Taking orders and serving food and drinks
3. Clearing plates and resetting tables
4. Answering questions and providing information about the menu
5. Handling payments
6. Maintaining a clean and organized dining room
7. Assist with opening and closing duties
8. Helping with special events or catering orders
9. Performing basic housekeeping tasks, such as sweeping floors and resetting silverware
10. Providing excellent customer service at all times
The Importance of Excellent Customer Service
FOH staff members must work well under pressure and provide outstanding customer service. They must be able to multitask and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to stay calm and level-headed in a fast-paced environment.
To measure customer service levels, a restaurant owner may ask guests to complete a survey rating their performance.
Tips for Delivering Outstanding Customer Service
1. excellent customer service starts with a warm and friendly greeting as soon as the customer walks in the door, setting the tone for the entire experience.
2. always be attentive and responsive to guests’ needs, whether seating them promptly or getting them their drink orders quickly.
3. go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels special – little things can make a big difference.
4. have a positive attitude at all times, no matter how busy or challenging the service may be.
5. work as a team with your fellow front-of-house staff members to ensure everyone is on the same page and provides the best possible experience to guests.
How to Create a Welcoming Atmosphere for Guests
Creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests in a restaurant is essential to the business’s success. There are many ways to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but it is vital to consider the overall tone you want to set for your establishment.
One way to create a welcoming atmosphere is to ensure that your front-of-house staff is adequately trained in customer service. This includes greeting guests upon arrival, providing them with prompt and courteous service, and ensuring they are comfortable during their meals.
Another way to create a welcoming atmosphere is to ensure that your restaurant is clean and well-organized. This will give guests the impression that you care about their experience and want them to have a positive one.
Finally, it is essential to remember that your guests are the reason you are in business, so make sure you treat them with the respect and professionalism they deserve.
By following these tips, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will keep guests coming back.
The Difference Between FOH and BOH Staff
The front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) staff are the two main types of employees in a restaurant. FOH staff are responsible for all aspects of customer service, from greeting guests and taking orders to serving food and drinks.
BOH staff are responsible for all aspects of food preparation, from cooking and cleaning to stocking supplies. Both types of employees are essential to the success of a restaurant.
While FOH and BOH staff play essential roles, they have some critical differences. One of the most apparent differences is that FOH staff interact directly with guests, while BOH staff do not.
This means that FOH staff must be outgoing and friendly, and they must be able to handle customer complaints professionally. BOH staff, on the other hand, must be more focused on the task at hand and less concerned with interacting with guests.
Another difference between FOH and BOH staff is that FOH staff are typically responsible for generating sales, while BOH staff are not.
This means that FOH staff need to be aware of the menu and the specials of the day, and they need to be able to upsell guests on items that will increase their bill. BOH staff, however, must focus on preparing the food to the best of their ability.
The Importance of Teamwork Between FOH and BOH Staff
Working as a team is essential for any business, but it is imperative in the restaurant industry. The front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) staff needs to be in constant communication to ensure that the kitchen runs smoothly and that the guests are happy.
There are a few things that FOH staff can do to help make the lives of their BOH colleagues a little easier. For example, they can ensure that all orders are entered into the restaurant POS system correctly and that any special requests are relayed to the kitchen as soon as possible. Additionally, they can keep an eye on the dining room to see if any guests are getting impatient or if any dirty dishes need to be cleared.
In return, the BOH staff can help by ensuring that all food is prepared correctly and promptly. They can also help keep the kitchen clean and organized, making it easier for FOH staff to place orders and find what they need.
Ultimately, teamwork between FOH and BOH staff is essential for any restaurant to run smoothly. By working together and communicating effectively, they can ensure that the guests have a positive experience from start to finish.
Summary
FOH is a restaurant term that means “front of the house.” The front-of-house staff are the face of the restaurant and are responsible for providing an enjoyable experience for guests from when they arrive until they leave. This includes greeting guests, taking orders, serving food and drinks, and handling any concerns or complaints. The front-of-house staff must be professional and courteous to provide outstanding customer service and keep guests coming back.
The back-of-house staff ensures the food is of the highest quality. This includes the cooks, dishwashers, and anyone else who works in the kitchen. The back-of-house team works tirelessly to ensure that each dish is perfectly cooked.
The front-of-house and back-of-house staff are essential to the success of a restaurant. Without them, the business would not be able to function. Each team plays a vital role in providing guests with an enjoyable dining experience.
