What are front-of-house duties in a restaurant?
Key roles and responsibilities
FOH encompasses everyone who interacts with guests: hosts, servers, bussers, bartenders, and sometimes baristas or cashiers. Hosts manage reservations and seating. Servers guide guests through the menu, take orders, deliver food, and check back. Bussers clear tables and reset them. Bartenders make drinks and often serve guests at the bar.
All FOH staff share duties like keeping the dining room tidy, restocking supplies, and communicating with the kitchen. They also handle complaints and special requests to ensure a smooth experience.
Skills and expectations
Good FOH staff need strong communication, teamwork, and multitasking skills. They must know the menu, including ingredients and allergens, and be able to make recommendations. Speed and accuracy matter, especially during rushes.
FOH duties can vary by restaurant type. Fine dining may require more formal service and wine knowledge, while fast-casual might focus on speed and order accuracy.
- Greet and seat guests promptly.
- Take food and drink orders accurately.
- Deliver orders and check for satisfaction.
- Process payments and handle cash or cards.
- Clear and reset tables.
- Maintain cleanliness in the dining area and restrooms.
Common mistakes
- Thinking FOH is only about serving food—it also includes hosting, bussing, and bar service.
- Ignoring the importance of menu knowledge, which leads to poor recommendations and guest dissatisfaction.
- Assuming FOH and back-of-house duties are interchangeable; they require different skills and training.
