Understanding Front and Back of the House Restaurant

"In the restaurant, the front of the house sets the stage, and the back of the house creates the magic." One is incomplete without another. When the front of house and back of house are in perfect combination, magic happens in the hospitality industry.

There is a strong bond between the front house and back house and they build on communication and trust. Every hospitality industry, especially the restaurant, needs a proper understanding of front and back of the house restaurants. 

Here, we will provide brief and detailed information on that term. So, walk with us and make the teamwork as a dreamwork.

What is the Front of the House Restaurant (FOH)

What is the meaning of foh? FOH stands for the front of the house. It is an area visible and accessible to guests in a restaurant or hotel. Moreover, the front house represents the face of your restaurant to the customers or the general public. 

It refers to all the areas involved in providing the best customer experience. As a restaurant business owner, you must remember that FOH is where the first impression is created. 

Remember that good front house sets can change the entire restaurant's reputation. The front of the house includes a lot of stations in a restaurant. It depends on the restaurant types and sizes. 

Suppose you have a candle light dinner restaurant; the setting and stations will be different. On the other hand, if you have a fine dining or fast-casual restaurant, the setting and themes will vary. 

It is important to manage a strong communication system among the FOH staff. It helps to maintain the restaurant standard. So, a standard front of the house is important for a restaurant to succeed.

Restaurant Front of House Areas

As we know, the front of the house is the first visible area of a restaurant that customers face. When all the staff and regions of an FOH work together, it is possible to deliver a memorable customer experience. 

Every restaurant staff should know functional areas for restaurant details to get the best output. Here, we will discuss the front-of-the-house areas for more information. 

List of common areas found in Front Of House(FOH)

1. Entryway

As we know, the first impression is the best. So, when customers enter your restaurant, the first impression is formed. To create the best impression, you must create a unique restaurant entrance theme to attract customers. 

Moreover, make sure the entrance of your restaurants is neat and clean. And the outlook of your restaurant is attractive enough to the customer's eye.

2. Dining Room

The dining section is the most critical area of a restaurant. It is the area where the magic happens. Customers spend most of their time in the dining areas when they visit a restaurant. 

So, the staff must ensure the dining area is well organized. The table arrangement, customers, and staff movement should also be managed nicely in a restaurant. 

3. Waiting Room

The restaurant waiting area is another important part of the FOH. Suppose customers visit your restaurant and no other seats are available. Then, the customers wait in the waiting rooms for seat availability. 

Waiting in the room can be a boring task. The restaurant can arrange some entertainment or a comfortable seating system so that customers can enjoy the waiting rooms. 

It is a crucial part of the front of the house that needs to be managed carefully. Creating restaurant party rooms can be a good option to make the customers feel comfortable. 

4. Outdoor Seating

Outdoor seating allows customers to have their meals outside the traditional dining areas. It is a bonus for the customers and drives more sales. Most of the time, outdoor seating is decorated nicely to attract customers. 

The outdoor dining spot is very popular in summer to enjoy the weather. So, creating an amazing outdoor dining establishment is a great business strategy. 

5. Restroom

The restroom is one of the most important areas of restaurants. Most of the customers who visit your restaurant have used the restroom. It plays a crucial role in providing an outstanding customer experience. 

Sometimes, it represents the restaurant's reputation. So, the staff must ensure the restroom is clean and hygienic. 

Moreover, it is also important to note that the restroom is well enough with the necessary products.

6. Welcoming Area/Host Station

Welcoming or hosting stations are the areas where the host or hostess welcomes the customers. It is the first visible area when any customers enter any restaurant. 

So, restaurants must ensure that their hosts welcome guests with good manners. It helps positively impact guests and encourages them to visit your restaurant again. 

7. Bar

A bar is a place where different types of alcohol and other drinks are served. So, if any restaurant has a bar, they must ensure the bar sections are perfectly visible to the customers when they dine. 

Moreover, the bar area should be neat and clean and have some entertainment system to make customers comfortable.

Front of House Positions in a Restaurant 

In restaurants, you will find different types of staff and they are assigned for front of house jobs. Front of the house duties and responsibilities are also different according to their positions. 

Here is a list of some common front of the house positions.

1. General Manager

A general manager is the most important front of house team members. A front of house restaurant manager must supervise all restaurant sections, including FOH and BOH. However, the general manager spends most of the time at the dining area to oversee the dining services. 

In addition, the general manager continuously ensures the restaurant is running smoothly. Another important duty of the GM is to make an overall report and keep updating the owner about the restaurant's business.

2. FOH Manager

One of the most important staff members in a restaurant is the front-of-house manager. They are responsible for overseeing the other staff of FOH and reporting it to the general manager. 

Moreover, they have also hired new restaurant employees. Along with these, they schedule staff duties and resolve customers' queries. 

3. Servers

In a restaurant, the server is the person who interacts most with the customers. They should be very polite while dealing with guests. It helps to enrich the customer experience. 

In addition, servers should have enough knowledge about menus to suggest to customers about the food and taste. The server should be dressed well to create positivity among the customers and increase the restaurant's reputation. 

4. Bartender

The bartender is a position who makes drinks for customers. It is the main bartender responsibilites. They take orders directly from customers and serve them. Moreover, a bartender is also responsible for making and selling other soft drinks.

5. Hosts

Hosts or hostesses are the first staff customers face while visiting any restaurant. Their position is just at the beginning of the front of the house. 

Generally, their main responsibility is to greet customers. Moreover, they also receive phone calls, provide information, take reservations, and solve customers queries.

6. Bussers

Busser are the position in a front house as a helping hand of a server. They help the server to provide food to customers. In restaurants, bussers have multiple responsibilities. 

They are responsible for cleaning the tables, filling water glasses, polishing, etc. Working in the front area, they should wear clean clothes and maintain a positive attitude.

Restaurant Front of House Technology

In restaurants, you will find different types of advanced technology. These technologies are being used to manage or improve restaurant operations. Here, we will discuss those technologies in detail.

1. Point of Sale(POS)

A point-of-sale system is a combination of hardware and software used to simplify the restaurant's operation. It can successfully perform all the restaurant managemental activities.

The Pos system has made a revisionary change to the accounting or billing system. A pos system is equally important for all types of restaurants. It includes full-service restaurants, fine dining, quick service, fast food, and food trucks. 

So, we can say that the restaurant POS software is the most advanced technology every restaurant should use to increase productivity.

2. Kiosks and Table Ordering System

Kiosks and table ordering systems are very popular technology. Now, most restaurants use this technology and are involved in online systems. The kiosk system allows the guest to see the menu and place their order. 

On the other hand, table reservation or ordering is a technology that helps customers order at the table using their devices.

3. Customer Relationship Management(CRM)

Customer relationship management is a system widely used in the restaurant business. It helps to improve your business operations and services. 

CRM software collects and analyzes customers' data. By analyzing customer data, restaurants take initial steps to improve customer loyalty and sales. 

4. Digital Payment System

The digital payment system is another popular technology widely used in restaurants. It reduces the difficulties of handling cash payments and ensures a smooth transaction. 

There are multiple digital payment systems, including e-wallet and mobile payments. These payment systems are very secure and fast.

What is the Back of the House Restaurant (BOH)

What is the meaning of boh? BOH stands for the back of the house. The restaurant back of the house is where the actual work is done. It includes storage, food preparation, cooking, processing, serving, washing, and other tasks. 

The kitchen or back of the house is not visible to the customers. However, the BOH's hard work can be felt through the taste of the food. The main task of BOH is to convert ordinary ingredients into extraordinary menus or meals. 

One of the most important responsibilities of the back of the house is to maintain the food quality, food safety and hygiene. The restaurant owner admires the great back of the house meaning as the backbone of a restaurant. 

No matter how attractive the exterior of a restaurant is, if the food is different from what is expected, the restaurant will be shut today or tomorrow. 

So, every restaurant staff should have clear concepts of the back of a house. Otherwise, they can not maintain consistency and creativity while preparing food.

Restaurant Back of House Areas

As we know, the back of the house includes the kitchen, washing, storing, and other sections. It is the heart of any food business. Good food comes from a good kitchen. 

The BOH represents the front-of-the-house services. So, knowing the definition of back of the house before opening your restaurant is necessary. 

List of common areas found in Back Of House(BOH)

1. Kitchen

The kitchen is the main area of the backside of the house. It is the section where the actual magic happens. A kitchen is not only used for cooking. It is also used for food preparation and serving. 

The kitchen must be very clean and hygienic. It will take a lot of work to maintain food quality. The kitchen should follow the food safety rules while preparing, cooking, and serving the food. 

Moreover, the kitchen should be large enough for the chef and other members to move around smoothly. 

2. Storage Room 

A restaurant is where customers visit and try different food and beverages. So, restaurants have to store a variety of food ingredients and raw materials. It makes it possible to deliver food according to their menus. 

The storage area is a section where restaurants store their ingredients. In addition, the storage area should be kept clean and dry, and the inventory should be regularly checked. So, it is important to know how to organize restaurant storage. 

3. Washing Station 

A washing station is an area where the washing process is done. It is another important section of the back house. Different types of plates, glasses, spoons, and other utensils are used in restaurants. 

As a result, the constant washing process is continued in the restaurant. Restaurant staff must focus on the utensils they use for food serving, which are properly clean and hygienic.  

4. Administrative Areas

An administrative area is where all the official or administrative work is done. Most of the time, this job is done by the restaurant managers. But in big restaurants, you will find specific staff for administrative tasks. In general, administrative areas are located in calm and quiet places.

5. Staffs Room 

The staff's room is also known as a break area. It is commonly found in the BOH. This area is used for staff to rest or keep their belongings while on duty. Most of the restaurant staff room also contains an attached bathroom for freshening. It creates a positive working environment.

Back of House Positions in a Restaurant

In restaurants, back of house jobs are the most challenging jobs. If someone looks for back of house careers, they have to know the back house position and their responsibility.  

Here is a list of some common back of the house positions.

1. Kitchen Manager

A kitchen manager is a position that manages and oversees all the back-of-house activities. They have lots of responsibility in the kitchen or back house area. 

It includes maintaining food safety standards, fire safety standards, ensuring food quality, helping the kitchen staff, hiring staff, etc. So, kitchen manager positions should be chosen smartly for the best output. It is considered the most important back of house duties and back of house manager jobs. 

2. Head Chef

The back of the house includes many staff members with different job positions. Executive chef or head chef is one of the positions considered to be the most senior kitchen staff and heart of house. Head chef plays a vital role in back of house operations.

An executive chef's responsibility is creating good menus, providing special offers, determining the cost, etc. An executive or head chef looks after all the administrative tasks.

3. Sous Chef

Sous chef is another important position in a restaurant kitchen. They assist the head chef in supervising the kitchen and other activities. Moreover, the sous chef supervises the other kitchen staff and trains new employees.

4. Line Cook

In the restaurant kitchen, line cooks work in various cooking stations. It includes grill, fry, salad, and other stations. However, you will find a line cook in every station, and they do their work diligently.

5. Expeditor

Expeditors are the important staff at the back of the house in restaurants. They help maintain the workflow in restaurants. Regarding communication between the FOH and BOH, expeditors are the ones. They also support the server in serving food and organizing the orders and tables. 

6. Dishwasher

Another important back-of-house staff is the dishwasher. They wash all the dishes, including plates, bowls, glasses, pans, and other utensils. While doing their duties, they must ensure all the utensils are washed properly. The dishwasher plays an important role in maintaining hygiene while serving food. 

Restaurant Back of House Technology

A restaurant's back-of-house activities involve cooking, storing, serving, and many other things. It needs to be very effective and updated. When any back of the house is well equipped with advanced technology, it becomes more able to provide services. 

Here, we will find those technologies in the back of the house.

1. Inventory Management Software

If you are involved in a restaurant or food business, you know the importance of inventory management. A restaurant inventory software can track all the inventory. 

It includes monitoring ingredients' stock level, supply and purchase, waste calculation, food cost calculation, etc. An effective inventory management software can reduce your restaurant's operating costs and increase profits. 

2. Kitchen Display System(KDS)

The kitchen display system is a digital screen. It has replaced the traditional tickets, which are used on paper. The KDS system displays the orders in the kitchen and provides kitchen updates to customers. It is a great system that balances the back house and front house.  

3. Recipe Management System

Recipe management software is an essential part of any restaurant. It helps to calculate the recipe cost and set the menu prices. With an advanced recipe calculator, you can accurately calculate the recipe cost and set the price. 

It helps in restaurant business growth. Moreover, recipe management software also helps with cost control. The recipe cost calculator provides food preparation plans, menus, and others. 

So, you must ensure your back house has effective recipe management software for better performance.

4. Employee Scheduling Software

Employee or staff scheduling is a task that should be managed smartly. In that case, using advanced employee scheduling software is a wise decision. 

Employee schedules help the staff roaster manage their duties. Employee management software can reduce labor costs and determine the staff's availability.  It helps to reduce the restaurant's overall operational cost. 

How to Improve the Front and Back of the House Restaurant?

Restaurant businesses are continuously changing. As the front and back of the house represents your business reputation, you must improve your restaurant operation. You may apply different strategies to enhance your front and back of the house restaurant operation.  

Here, we will discuss how to improve the front of the house. 

1. Online Reservation

Now, people are comfortable with online systems. So, it is important to have a strong online reservation system. Suppose customers visit your restaurant and have to wait for dinner. It seems very frustrating for both customers and staff. 

However, customers do not have to wait for dinner using online table reservations. They come and sit at their reserved table. It is a great way to make your customers happy. Additionally, online ordering systems help organize restaurant activity. 

When a table is reserved, staff can decorate and prepare it before the customers arrive. As a result, customers find an organized and decorated table, which enhances customer loyalty. So, it is a great way to improve the restaurant's front-house performance.

2. Welcoming The Guest

Properly welcoming your guests is a great way to make your customers comfortable. It is the first thing you can do to improve your front house services. In that case, you must train your staff to welcome guests properly. 

When customers enter the restaurant door, your host or hostess has to greet them warmly. After that, customers have to provide a guide to where they can comfortably sit. 

But remember that while talking with customers, your staff should use a soft tone. Moreover, the staff should properly dress, have an attitude, and maintain eye contact while dealing with customers.

3. Organization

Organization is important in any business. A restaurant business is not out of these. When the front of the house is well organized, it is much easier to manage the restaurant's operation. 

So, you must hire a well-fit-out conductor while designing your restaurant interior. A well-fit-out conductor can create an awesome restaurant front-house design by making the best out of your space.

Here, we will discuss how to improve the back of the house. 

☛ Be Transparent

A restaurant's success starts from the back house. So, the BOH staff should be very careful about their duties. Most of the time, back house staff spend their time on specific areas. Transparency is important for business success. 

The restaurant owner has ensured that BOH staff knows the FOH's duty to manage the situation in an emergency. Moreover, arranging monthly meetings also helps to make business more productive. 

You can arrange regular meetings for a transparent working environment as a restaurant owner or manager. It helps to improve the back house restaurant activity. 

☛ Staff Check In

Staff check-in is important. In a restaurant, a head chef or kitchen manager checks how the back of the house is working. It should be checked more frequently during busy hours. 

So, the kitchen manager should focus more on busy shifts to see how the staff handles the situation. Moreover, along with the staff's working activity, it is important to check their health. 

It helps to create a good bonding atmosphere with the staff. Staff check-in also helps to know that staff have everything necessary for their work. It boosts kitchen and BOH service. 

So, every restaurant manager should make a regular schedule for checking the staff's performance. 

☛ Rewards Employee

The employee reward program is a great way to improve restaurant back-house activity. As we know, the back of the house is a busy area where all the food preparation, cooking, and other work is done. 

The back of the house is a hard area where the staff works in heat and high temperature. So, if you arrange for rewards for your BOH staff, it will motivate them. 

You can use this strategy to cheer up your kitchen employees. It will positively impact your restaurant's overall activity.

Final Thought

An unforgettable dining experience in the restaurant begins at the back of the house and ends at the front. Both are equally important for any restaurant's success. So, understanding the boh and foh meaning,  contribution and duties of the front and back of the house restaurant is key. To produce the best output, the restaurant owner has to create strong communication between the staff members.