Front of House Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, the spotlight on Front of House Staff has never been more prominent.

As the industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can ensure a memorable and smooth guest experience amplifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from Front of House Staff?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker eager to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager planning the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of front of house operations,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Front of House Staff job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Front of House Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Front of House Staff are integral to any hospitality service, ensuring that customers have a satisfying dining or entertainment experience.

They are usually the first point of contact for customers and are critical to creating a welcoming environment.

Their duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Greet customers and guide them to their tables or other seating areas
• Provide information about the menu, answer queries about food and beverage options
• Take food and drink orders and communicate these to kitchen and bar staff
• Ensure that tables are correctly set, side stations are tidy, and the dining areas are welcoming and clean
• Deliver food and drinks to tables, providing any necessary accompaniments
• Regularly check on customers to ensure their satisfaction with their meal and drinks
• Process payments, handle cash and give out bills
• Assist with event setup and breakdown, as necessary
• Manage reservations or waiting lists
• Handle customer complaints professionally, escalating them to management when necessary

 

Front of House Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a friendly and competent Front of House Staff member to ensure our guests have a memorable experience.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating guest services, including seating arrangements, menu explanations, and overall guest satisfaction.

You should have a welcoming personality, exceptional communication skills, and a knack for managing customer complaints gracefully.

Ultimately, the role of the Front of House Staff is to ensure our patrons feel comfortable and satisfied during their visit to our establishment.

 

Responsibilities

• Warmly welcome guests upon their arrival and assign tables to them
• Present menus and help customers select food/beverages
• Take and serve orders in a timely manner
• Address customer inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally
• Ensure the dining area is clean and organized
• Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service delivery
• Maintain updated knowledge of the menu and specials
• Process customer payments accurately and efficiently
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Manage guest reservations and waiting lists

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a host/hostess or waiter/waitress is a plus
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Good multitasking ability
• Ability to stay calm and composed under pressure
• Familiarity with restaurant management software, like OpenTable or Resy
• Basic math skills for handling cash
• Understanding of health and safety regulations
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Front of House Staff
• Work Environment: This job operates in a restaurant setting. The role requires standing and walking during the entire shift, and may include some lifting of supplies and materials up to 25 lbs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Restaurant Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $12 minimum to $20 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Front of House Staff Do?

Front of House Staff, often found in the hospitality and events industry, are responsible for all activities that guests experience directly.

They greet guests as they enter the establishment, ensuring they feel welcomed and comfortable.

Their roles often involve taking reservations, showing guests to their tables, and providing them with menus in restaurants.

Front of House Staff are also responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks to guests, and dealing with bill payments.

They ensure that all tables and guest areas are clean and ready for new arrivals.

Additionally, they answer any questions guests might have about the menu or the establishment and handle any complaints or issues that may arise, offering solutions to ensure customer satisfaction.

In theatres and event venues, Front of House Staff may be responsible for ticket sales and collection, program distribution, and guiding guests to their seats.

They work closely with Back of House Staff, including chefs and kitchen staff, to ensure smooth operation and communication.

Overall, their primary goal is to ensure a positive guest experience from arrival to departure.

 

Front of House Staff Qualifications and Skills

Front of House Staff should possess a range of interpersonal and organizational skills that align with the nature of their role, such as:

• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with guests, understand their needs, and provide them with appropriate information.
• Strong customer service skills to ensure that all guests have a positive and enjoyable experience during their visit.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly and effectively address any concerns or complaints from guests, and find suitable solutions.
• Interpersonal skills to build rapport with guests, as well as work collaboratively with other staff members to ensure a smooth operation.
• Organizational skills to manage reservations, take orders, coordinate seating arrangements and handle various administrative tasks.
• Attention to detail to ensure all aspects of guests’ experience, from cleanliness of the space to the quality of service, meet the highest standards.
• Physical stamina to stay on their feet for long periods of time, and handle the high-energy environment of busy dining periods.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all guests and staff.

 

Front of House Staff Experience Requirements

Front of House Staff are often required to have at least 1 to 2 years of customer service experience, often gained through part-time roles or internships in the hospitality or retail industry.

This experience could also be obtained through roles such as Restaurant Server, Host or Hostess, or in Customer Support roles.

Some positions may require Front of House Staff to have experience in handling cash transactions or using point-of-sale systems, skills that can also be developed in retail or restaurant roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are usually expected to have developed their skills in customer service, communication, and conflict resolution.

These individuals may also have some basic knowledge in food and beverage service, and may be considered for roles with more responsibilities such as Lead Host or Supervisor.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have a wealth of knowledge in customer service and hospitality, and may have held leadership roles in the past.

These candidates may be ready to take on managerial roles within the Front of House team.

 

Front of House Staff Education and Training Requirements

Front of House Staff typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education, though some establishments may not require formal education at all.

The most important aspect of being successful in this role is having excellent customer service skills, often gained through previous experience in similar roles.

Front of House Staff are typically trained on-the-job, learning the specific systems and procedures of the establishment they are working for.

This training can include things like reservation systems, menu knowledge, and proper etiquette for customer interaction.

In some more upscale establishments, Front of House Staff may be required to complete a hospitality or service industry training program, or may even need a degree or diploma in hospitality management.

Additionally, Front of House Staff often need to be certified in food safety and alcohol service, depending on the laws and regulations of the area in which they work.

This usually involves taking a course and passing a test.

While not always necessary, having some knowledge of a second language can be very beneficial for Front of House Staff, especially in establishments that serve a diverse range of customers.

Like many other professions, additional certifications and courses in customer service, conflict resolution, and communication can further enhance a candidate’s skills and suitability for the role.

 

Front of House Staff Salary Expectations

The average wage for Front of House Staff is around $12.15 (USD) per hour.

This wage can fluctuate depending on the employee’s experience, geographical location, and the establishment in which they work.

It’s important to note that this role often includes tips, which can significantly increase total earnings.

 

Front of House Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills does Front of House Staff need?

Front of House Staff should possess strong interpersonal skills to interact with customers in a friendly and professional manner.

They should have excellent communication skills to accurately convey information about menu items and daily specials, as well as relay customer feedback to the kitchen staff.

Additionally, they should have good attention to detail to ensure the dining area is clean, organized and well-stocked.

 

Do Front of House Staff need any specific qualifications?

While no specific qualifications are usually required for Front of House Staff, a high school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred.

Previous experience in customer service or hospitality can be an advantage.

In some establishments, Front of House Staff may need to be certified in food safety or alcohol service.

 

What should you look for in a Front of House Staff resume?

When reviewing resumes, look for individuals who have had previous experience in customer service or hospitality roles.

Evidence of multitasking, organizational skills, and an ability to handle stressful situations is beneficial.

Any extra skills such as fluency in multiple languages, or experience with reservation systems or point-of-sale software, can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make good Front of House Staff?

Good Front of House Staff are friendly, patient, and have an outgoing personality.

They should be good team players who are able to work in a fast-paced environment.

They must be able to remain calm under pressure, solve problems quickly, and handle customer complaints in a professional manner.

An understanding and appreciation of food and drink can also enhance their ability to make recommendations to customers.

 

Is it difficult to hire Front of House Staff?

Hiring Front of House Staff can be challenging due to the high turnover rate in the hospitality industry.

It’s important to offer competitive wages and benefits, as well as a positive working environment to attract and retain quality staff.

Training programs and opportunities for advancement can also make your establishment more appealing to potential employees.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken a look behind the scenes at what it truly means to be a Front of House staff member.

Here’s the news:

It’s not just about seating guests.

It’s about orchestrating the ultimate guest experience, one interaction at a time.

With our comprehensive Front of House staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a guest contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s create unforgettable guest experiences. Together.

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