Do you have a passion for hospitality and a knack for creating memorable experiences? If so, a Front of House Manager career may be the perfect fit for you. 

As a vital role in the industry, FOH Managers are the driving force behind the smooth operation of restaurants, hotels, and other service venues. They lead teams, foster welcoming environments, and ensure exceptional customer service, all while promoting the establishment's brand and image.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the meaning of FOH Manager, explore the responsibilities, and provide a roadmap to kickstart your career in this exciting field. So, buckle up and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of hospitality management!

FOH Manager Meaning

FOH Manager stands for Front of House Manager. This is a position in the hospitality industry, typically found at restaurants, hotels, and other service venues.

What Is Front of House Manager?

The Front of House (FOH) Manager is the individual responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of a restaurant, hotel, theater, or event venue's customer-facing operations. This includes supervising staff, ensuring excellent restaurant customer service, and maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for guests.

What Does a Front of House Manager Do?

The front-of-house manager supervises all operations in the restaurant's front section. This includes managing customer service, greeting guests, and ensuring that all front-of-house staff are properly trained and adhere to all hospitality standards.

Additionally, the front-of-house manager maintains a positive and welcoming atmosphere to encourage guests to stay longer, come back often, and recommend the establishment to their friends.

Front of House Manager Job Description

As a Front of House Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the establishment by providing a welcoming and memorable experience for guests. 

Your primary responsibilities will involve the following:

• managing the daily front-of-house activities
• coordinating with the back-of-house staff
• maintaining a high level of guest satisfaction.

Front of House Manager Duties

Oversee daily front-of-house operations:

Actively manage and supervise the front-of-house team to ensure efficient and professional service. This includes assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and addressing issues or concerns.

Train and develop front-of-house staff: 

Conduct ongoing training for team members to continuously improve their skills, knowledge, and professionalism. Provide constructive feedback, support, and guidance to help staff grow and excel in their roles.

Maintain a welcoming and clean environment: 

Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the front-of-house area, including the dining room, bar, and reception area. Implement measures to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests.

Manage restaurant reservations and seating: 

Oversee the reservation process and manage guest seating arrangements to maximize capacity and optimize the dining experience.

Ensure guest satisfaction:

Proactively address any guest concerns or complaints and work to resolve issues promptly and effectively. Continuously seek ways to enhance the overall guest experience.

Coordinate with back-of-house staff:

Collaborate with the kitchen and other back-of-house staff to ensure seamless service, timely food preparation, and effective communication.

Monitor and manage inventory:

Regularly review and update inventory levels for front-of-house supplies, including linens, tableware, and other essentials. Place orders and maintain relationships with suppliers as needed.

Implement and maintain safety and sanitation standards:

Ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations by regularly inspecting the front-of-house area and implementing necessary procedures to maintain a safe and clean environment.

Analyze sales and financial data:

Review and evaluate sales data, financial reports, and other restaurant KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies to increase restaurant sales, revenue and profitability.

Promote the establishment's brand and image:

Act as an ambassador for the business, representing its values and commitment to outstanding service. Engage with guests and the local community to build a strong reputation and foster long-term relationships.

Front of House Manager Salary

Comparing data from multiple sources, the average salary for a Front of House Manager in the United States shows some variation, as illustrated by the following:

Salary:

• Average salary: $45,017 (as of March 28, 2023)
• Salary range: $40,878 - $50,634

Glassdoor:

• Estimated total pay: $44,591 per year
• Average salary: $41,537
• Estimated additional pay: $3,054 per year
• Based on the proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and median of collected salary ranges

Indeed:

• Average salary: $54,223 per year (United States)
• Data based on 7.1k reported salaries (as of April 4, 2023)

The salary for a Front of House Manager in the United States varies. Still, these figures provide a helpful reference for understanding the industry's general salary range and expectations.

How to Be a Front of House Manager

If you aspire to become a Front of House Manager in the hospitality industry, having a solid foundation of education and experience is essential. Here are some steps you can take to achieve your goal.

1. Obtain an Entry-Level Position In a Restaurant Or Hotel

Begin your journey by securing an entry-level job in a restaurant or hotel.

This opportunity will give you essential hands-on experience within the field, helping you grasp daily operations and the necessary customer service skills.

2. Pursue a Bachelor's Degree In a Relevant Field

Enroll in a bachelor's degree program in hospitality management, business management, or a related field. This will give you the foundational knowledge you need to manage a front-of-house effectively, including finance, marketing, and human resources courses.

3. Acquire Leadership Experience In the Industry

Seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles in your workplace, such as becoming a team lead or supervisor. This will allow you to develop your management skills and demonstrate your ability to handle increased responsibility.

4. Obtain a Management Position In the Hospitality Sector

Once you have gained sufficient experience and education, pursue a management position in a restaurant, hotel, or other hospitality establishments. This will provide you with the necessary experience managing a team and overseeing operations.

5. Submit Applications for Front of House Manager Positions

After gaining experience and honing your management skills, apply for Front of House Manager roles in various establishments. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and education and demonstrate your ability to lead and manage a successful front-of-house team.

6. Network Within the Industry

Attend industry events, conferences, and local gatherings to meet other professionals in the hospitality sector. Building connections can help you stay updated on job opportunities and trends and provide valuable insights into the role of a Front of House Manager.

7. Improve Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial for a Front of House Manager. Take courses, workshops, or online classes to enhance your communication skills, including listening, speaking, and writing. This will enable you to manage your team better and interact with customers.

8. Develop Your Problem-Solving Abilities

Identifying and addressing issues quickly and efficiently is a vital skill for a Front of House Manager. Participate in training sessions or workshops focusing on problem-solving and critical thinking to improve your ability to handle various challenges.

9. Stay Current With Industry Trends

Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in the hospitality industry by reading articles, attending webinars, and following thought leaders on social media. Staying informed will allow you to implement innovative strategies and keep your establishment competitive.

10. Seek Continuous Professional Development

Pursue professional growth and development opportunities, such as obtaining industry certifications or attending seminars. Expanding your knowledge and skills will help you stay ahead in the competitive hospitality sector and enhance your career prospects as a Front of House Manager.

By following these steps, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for Front of House Manager roles and build a successful career in the hospitality industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Front of House Manager

If you're considering a Front of House Manager career, you may have many questions about the job. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about this role.

What Is the Front of House Manager Called?

The front-of-house manager is also known as the FOH manager. This individual is responsible for overseeing all aspects of customer service in a restaurant or hospitality setting, from greeting customers to handling complaints. The FOH manager ensures that all staff provide exceptional service and contribute to a positive customer experience.

Is the Front of House Manager the Same As General Manager?

No, a Front of House Manager is different from a General Manager. While both positions are management roles in the hospitality industry, they have different responsibilities and areas of focus.

A Front of House Manager is responsible for managing the customer-facing aspects of a business, such as a restaurant, reception area, customer service staff, and customer relations. Conversely, a general manager handles the comprehensive management of the entire organization, covering financial matters, staff, operations, and strategic development.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Front of House Manager?

To excel as a Front of House Manager, you need to possess a diverse set of skills. These skills include:

• effective communication
• problem-solving abilities
• customer service expertise
• leadership qualities
• organizational skills
• adaptability
• solid understanding of the hospitality industry