Training employees to work in the front of a restaurant is crucial for ensuring a positive guest experience.
Here are some important things train on for front-of-the-house staff:
- Greeting guests: Teach employees how to greet guests warmly, make eye contact and welcome them to the restaurant. It's essential to create a positive first impression, and a friendly greeting can go a long way.
- Menu knowledge: Employees should know the menu inside and out, including ingredients, preparation methods and special dietary considerations. They should be able to answer questions confidently and make recommendations based on guests' preferences.
- Table service: Train employees on how to properly set and clear tables, take orders and serve food and drinks. Make sure they understand the importance of timing and efficiency.
- Upselling: Teach employees on how to upsell menu items without being pushy or aggressive. Encourage them to suggest appetizers, desserts or drinks that complement guests' orders.
- Handling complaints: Inevitably, some guests may have complaints or issues. Train employees on how to handle these situations with grace and professionalism, ensuring guests feel heard and respected.
- Payment processing: Make sure employees understand how to process payments, including cash, credit/debit cards and gift certificates. They should also know how to handle discrepancies and refunds.
- Cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation: Employees should understand the importance of cleanliness and proper hygiene. Not only should they know about proper hand washing, glove use and avoiding cross-contamination but also they should understand the importance of keeping the establishment clean.
Overall, training employees to work in the front of a restaurant should focus on creating a positive guest experience through excellent customer service, menu knowledge and professionalism.