Business Glossary

What is front of house in a restaurant?

This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. For specific advice applicable to your business, please contact a professional.

The front of the house (FOH) is the customer-facing portion of a restaurant. The front of the house includes the host/hostess, waitstaff, and bartenders. FOH staff are responsible for greeting guests, taking food and drink orders, and ensuring that guests have a positive dining experience.

The back of the house (BOH) is the kitchen and other behind-the-scenes areas of a restaurant. BOH staff include cooks, dishwashers, and prep cooks. While front of house staff interact directly with guests, back of house staff work to ensure that the food is of high quality and that orders are filled in a timely manner.

What is a front of house position?

A front of house position can be any role that interacts directly with guests, such as a host/hostess, waiter/waitress, or bartender. A front of house position typically requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to work well under pressure.

The front of the house typically includes the following areas:

  • Host/hostess stand
  • Dining room
  • Bar area

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