Front of house staff refers to employees who interact with customers in a restaurant, bar, or other hospitality venue. They are responsible for ensuring a seamless and quality customer experience, managing bookings, greeting guests, escorting them to tables, and conveying their requests to kitchen staff. Front of house staff may include hosts, waiters, bartenders, shift supervisors, busser/food runners, and barbacks. The duties and responsibilities of front of house staff can vary based on the venue, but some of the most important roles include:
- Greeting guests and escorting them to their tables
- Taking food and beverage orders and conveying them to kitchen staff
- Mixing and pouring beverages, as needed
- Transporting food orders from the kitchen to each pertinent table
- Clearing glassware, silverware, and crockery from each table once guests have completed their meals, or upon request
- Providing guests with their checks after the meal sitting
- Managing bookings and walk-ins
- Providing guests with concierge services, including setting up transportation, making restaurant reservations, scheduling tee times, and recreational activities
To be successful as front of house staff, one should be outgoing, personable, and adept at stress management. They should also possess certain skills and qualities, such as being friendly, efficient, and customer service-oriented. The requirements for front of house staff may include a high school diploma or equivalent experience, proven experience in the position of interest, professional hair and make-up with no large, visible tattoos, and wearing appropriate attire. The salary for front of house staff can vary based on the venue, with fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels paying higher salaries for “silver service” front of house staff than more casual pubs and bars.
