Front of house (FOH) refers to all the areas of a business where customers will interact directly with staff such as the dining room, the bar, the shop, etc.
What Are the Differences Between FOH and BOH?
Front of house (FOH) typically refers to the public facing area of a business. Back of house (BOH) refers to all the areas where customers are not expected.
FOH staff directly contribute to the customer experience. BOH staff indirectly contribute by helping FOH staff provide the services expected by customers. Their responsibilities vary depending on their roles.
For example, in a restaurant, FOH staff take the order of customers while BOH staff prepare the food.
In retail, BOH staff ensure the reception of the merchandise while FOH staff help customers find the right products.
What Positions Are Considered FOH in a Restaurant?
Typically, the positions that are considered FOH in a restaurant include:
- Host;
- Waiter;
- Food runner;
- Busser;
- Bartender;
- Cashier;
- Floor manager;
- Sommelier;
- General manager;
- FOH manager;
- Bar-back.
What Positions Are Considered FOH in Retail?
Typically, the positions that are considered FOH in retail include:
- Retail associate;
- Cashier;
- Store manager;
- Merchandiser;
- Customer service associate;
- Delivery person.
How to Improve FOH and BOH Teamwork?
To improve teamwork between FOH and BOH in a restaurant, manager can:
- Host team-building activities;
- Have employees try different positions;
- Offer training of how to collaborate better;
- Share tips between teams;
- Nurture the relationship between the departments;
- Solve workplace conflicts quickly;
- Improve communication by using a professional communication tool.
To improve teamwork between FOH and BOH in retail, manager can:
- Monitor employee satisfaction;
- Plan team-building activities;
- Streamline the onboarding process;
- Emphasis on the importance of collaboration;
- Use an employee scheduling software.
