Opening and closing checks are crucial because they ensure that everything is ready for guests and that the venue is secure after they leave. These checks help maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and service, which are essential for a good customer experience and for the reputation of the business.
Common misunderstanding: Checks are just a formality and don't need much attention.
It's important to understand that these checks are not just routine; they prevent potential issues that could affect guest satisfaction and safety. Skipping them can lead to problems during service, which might not only upset guests but also lead to more serious compliance issues.
Common misunderstanding: Only senior staff need to worry about these checks.
Every member of the front of house team plays a role in these checks. It's a collective effort to ensure that the dining area, bar, and other guest-facing zones meet the required standards. Training all staff on how to perform these checks thoroughly ensures consistency and accountability.
If opening checks are not done, you might face several issues such as dirty tables, malfunctioning equipment, or even safety hazards, all of which can negatively impact the guest experience and increase the risk of complaints or health and safety issues.
Common misunderstanding: It's okay to skip checks on slow days.
Even on slow days, skipping checks can lead to unexpected problems. Issues like unclean toilets, unswept floors, or unstocked condiments can suddenly become apparent when a guest encounters them, leading to a poor impression and potential negative reviews.
Common misunderstanding: Quick visual checks are enough.
Quick visual checks often miss smaller, critical details like the cleanliness of cutlery or the functionality of service equipment. Detailed checks are necessary to catch these issues before they affect service.
To make a strong first impression, ensure that the front of house areas are impeccably clean, well-organised, and welcoming. This includes having clean signage, tidy and accessible entrance areas, and well-prepared staff ready to greet guests warmly.
Common misunderstanding: First impressions are only about aesthetics.
While clean and attractive visuals are crucial, first impressions also involve the efficiency and readiness of the service. For example, ensuring menus are up-to-date and tills are working properly are as important as having a clean entrance.
Common misunderstanding: Only the interior matters for first impressions.
The external appearance of your venue is just as important. Dirty or cluttered exteriors, unlit signage, or untidy outdoor seating areas can deter guests before they even step inside. Always include external areas in your opening checks.
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Weekly cleaning tasks to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the front of house (FOH) of a restaurant include: deep vacuuming of carpets, scrubbing hard floors, dusting light fittings, cleaning skirting boards, and wiping down furniture. It is also important to clean high-touch areas like chair legs and bar stools. Schedule these tasks during quieter periods or when the restaurant is closed for efficient cleaning without disrupting service.
Monthly cleaning tasks in a restaurant's front of house are important for maintaining a professional appearance and ensuring long-term cleanliness.
After each guest, it is important to reset the area promptly to ensure cleanliness.
A comprehensive daily FOH cleaning checklist should include: wiping down the host stand and resetting menus, cleaning POS equipment, polishing door glass and handles, checking and cleaning toilets with necessary supplies, restocking napkins, condiments, and tabletop items, vacuuming or mopping key walkways and under tables, emptying bins and cleaning bin lids, and spot-cleaning walls, door frames, and baseboards. This ensures the front of house is welcoming and hygienic for guests.
To encourage a culture of pride in front-of-house cleaning, it's crucial to make staff feel valued and show how their efforts contribute to the restaurant's success.
If your front of house appears clean but customers or staff report issues, this may suggest a problem with your cleaning schedule.
Assigning cleaning tasks to specific roles is crucial to ensure all tasks are completed consistently and efficiently.
To clearly write FOH cleaning tasks, it's important to provide specific and detailed instructions to avoid confusion and ensure consistency in cleaning standards.
To prioritise Front of House (FOH) cleaning tasks effectively, begin by identifying areas most visible to guests or those that could pose hygiene risks.