Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Front of House Worker

🎯 Role Definition

As a vital member of our Front of House (FOH) team, you are the primary ambassador of our brand and the architect of the guest experience. You will be responsible for creating a warm, welcoming, and efficient environment for every patron. This role involves a blend of customer interaction, operational execution, and team collaboration, ensuring that service standards are not just met, but exceeded. Your energy, professionalism, and attention to detail will directly contribute to our reputation and success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Retail Sales Associate
Barista or Cafe Worker
Customer Service Representative

Advancement To:

Shift Lead or FOH Supervisor
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Restaurant General Manager

Lateral Moves:

Bartender
Events Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Act as the first point of contact, offering a warm and genuine welcome to all guests upon their arrival to set a positive and inviting tone for their entire visit.
Manage the flow of guests by proficiently using our reservation and waitlist system, providing accurate wait time estimates, and seating guests in a timely and organized manner.
Present menus, provide detailed information on food and beverage options, and enthusiastically describe daily specials to guide and enhance the guest's dining selection.
Accurately take food and beverage orders from guests, ensuring special requests and dietary restrictions are clearly documented and communicated to the kitchen and bar staff.
Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of our menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and potential allergens, to confidently answer any and all guest questions.
Anticipate guest needs and proactively address them throughout their meal, from refilling beverages to checking on their satisfaction with each course.
Process guest payments accurately and efficiently using our Point of Sale (POS) system, handling cash, credit cards, and gift cards with the utmost integrity.
Serve as the central communication hub by professionally answering phone calls, taking reservations, and handling inquiries about the establishment's hours, location, and offerings.
Gracefully handle guest complaints and service recovery situations with empathy and professionalism, escalating issues to management when necessary to ensure a positive resolution.
Collaborate seamlessly with servers, bussers, bartenders, and kitchen staff, fostering a team-oriented environment to ensure a smooth and efficient service cycle.
Meticulously maintain the cleanliness, organization, and ambiance of the dining room, host stand, restrooms, and other guest-facing areas throughout the shift.
Execute all opening and closing procedures for the dining area, including setting up stations, restocking essential supplies, and ensuring the space is immaculate for service.
Adhere strictly to all health, safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service regulations to ensure a safe and compliant environment for both guests and staff.
Proactively upsell and make personalized recommendations for menu items, cocktails, and wine pairings to elevate the guest experience and contribute to sales goals.
Assist in the delivery of food and beverages to tables, ensuring flawless presentation and confirming the accuracy of each order with the guests.
Clear and reset tables efficiently and quietly between seatings, ensuring they are impeccably clean and properly set for the next arriving party.
Manage and coordinate take-out and third-party delivery orders, ensuring they are packed correctly with all necessary items and ready for pickup in a timely fashion.
Embody and promote the restaurant's unique brand and culture through your professional demeanor, polished appearance, and consistently positive attitude.
Monitor guest dining cycles and table turnover, communicating effectively with the host and management team to maximize seating efficiency without rushing patrons.
Assist fellow team members without hesitation during peak business periods, demonstrating a commitment to teamwork and the overall success of the shift.
Continuously observe the dining room to maintain situational awareness, stepping in to provide support, answer a question, or assist a guest wherever needed.
Participate actively in ongoing training sessions to stay updated on menu changes, service standards, and new operational policies.

Secondary Functions

Assist management with tracking guest feedback, seating metrics, and table turn times to identify areas for operational improvement.
Provide valuable, on-the-ground input on improving guest flow, service choreography, and overall efficiency based on daily observations.
Work closely and communicate effectively with kitchen and bar teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment, manage timing, and relay guest feedback.
Actively engage in pre-shift meetings and team huddles to align on daily specials, 86'd items, service goals, and operational updates.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with Point of Sale (POS) systems (e.g., Toast, Aloha, Square).
Experience with reservation management software (e.g., Resy, OpenTable, Tock).
Strong cash handling and payment processing skills.
Foundational knowledge of food, wine, and cocktail menus.
Food Handler and/or Responsible Beverage Service certification (or willingness to obtain).
Tray service and ability to carry multiple plates safely and efficiently.

Soft Skills

Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills for engaging with a diverse clientele.
A genuine passion for delivering outstanding customer service and creating memorable experiences.
Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to think quickly and remain calm under pressure.
Excellent multitasking and time management skills in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
A high level of adaptability and a positive, can-do attitude toward challenges and changes.
Keen attention to detail to ensure order accuracy and a polished guest experience.
Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a cohesive team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years in a customer-facing role.

Preferred:

1+ years of experience in a restaurant, hotel, or similar fast-paced hospitality environment is highly desirable.