Hospitality Glossary

Your comprehensive guide to hospitality industry terminology. From front-of-house operations to back-office management, find clear definitions for every role and concept.

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1 term

A

16 terms

A la minute

A la minute means preparing dishes to order, ensuring freshness and quality. It allows chefs in restaurants, cafes, and bars to serve food at its peak flavour.

Accompaniment

Accompaniment refers to a side dish or garnish served alongside the main course in restaurants, cafes, and bars, enhancing the overall dining experience.

All Day Dining

All Day Dining refers to a restaurant or cafe that offers a wide range of meals and snacks throughout the entire day, from breakfast to dinner, without specific meal times.

Amenity

An amenity in hospitality refers to a service or item provided to guests for comfort and convenience, such as free Wi-Fi, toiletries, or a fitness centre.

Amuse-Bouche

Amuse-Bouche, a French term, refers to a small, complimentary appetiser served before the meal in restaurants. It showcases the chef's creativity and sets the dining tone.

Anticipated Revenue

Anticipated Revenue refers to the projected income a hotel, restaurant, café, or bar expects to earn over a specific period, helping with budgeting and planning.

Antipasti

Antipasti are Italian starters served before the main course. They often include cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables, enhancing the dining experience.

Aperitif

An aperitif is a light alcoholic drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Common choices include vermouth, champagne, or cocktails.

Appetizer

An appetizer is a small dish served before the main course to stimulate the guest's appetite. It sets the tone for the meal and enhances the dining experience.

Artisan

An artisan is a skilled worker who creates high-quality, handcrafted products. In hospitality, this term often refers to chefs, bakers, and baristas who produce unique, artisanal goods.

Assistant Manager

An Assistant Manager in hospitality supports the General Manager by overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring excellent guest service.

Attrition Rate

Attrition Rate measures the percentage of guests who cancel or no-show their bookings in hotels, restaurants, or events. Lower rates improve revenue and efficiency.

Average Check

Average Check refers to the average amount spent by a guest per visit in a restaurant or food service outlet. It's calculated by dividing total sales by the number of customers.

Average Daily Rate

Average Daily Rate (ADR) is a key metric in hospitality that calculates the average revenue earned from rooms sold per day. It helps gauge pricing strategy effectiveness.

Average Occupancy

Average Occupancy is a key metric that indicates the percentage of available rooms sold over a specific period, helping assess a hotel's capacity utilisation and market demand.

Average Rate Index

The Average Rate Index (ARI) compares a property's average daily rate (ADR) to its competitive set. An ARI above 100 indicates a higher ADR than competitors.

À

1 term

B

19 terms

Back of House (BOH)

Back of house meaning in hospitality, retail and leisure settings including job roles.

Bain-Marie

A Bain-Marie is a water bath used in kitchens to gently heat food, keeping it warm without burning. It’s ideal for sauces, soups, and delicate dishes.

Banquet

A banquet is a large meal or feast, often for a special occasion, served in restaurants, hotels, or event venues. It involves pre-arranged menus and seating.

Banquet Captain

A Banquet Captain oversees the setup, service, and breakdown of banquet events. They ensure smooth operations, coordinate staff, and maintain high service standards.

Barback

A barback supports bartenders by stocking supplies, cleaning, and ensuring smooth operations. This role is crucial for efficient service in bars and restaurants.

Barback Station

A Barback Station is a designated area in a bar where barbacks prepare and store supplies, such as glassware, garnishes, and mixers, to assist bartenders efficiently.

Barista

A barista is a skilled professional who prepares and serves coffee drinks, such as espresso, cappuccino, and latte, in cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Bartender

A bartender mixes and serves drinks to customers in bars, restaurants, and cafes. They ensure quality service, manage inventory, and maintain a clean workspace.

Barware

Barware refers to the tools and equipment used in bars, cafes, and restaurants for preparing and serving drinks. It includes items like shakers, jiggers, and glassware.

Base Plate

A base plate is the flat surface on which chefs arrange food items for plating. It helps create visually appealing presentations in restaurants and cafes.

Bev Nap

A bev nap is a small, absorbent napkin used in bars and restaurants to place under drinks. It keeps surfaces dry and clean, enhancing the guest experience.

Bistro

A bistro is a small, casual restaurant offering simple, affordable meals. It often serves hearty, home-style dishes and provides a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Bouncer

A bouncer manages security at bars, clubs, or events, ensuring guests' safety and maintaining order. They check IDs, handle disputes, and prevent unruly behaviour.

Brasserie

A brasserie is a type of French restaurant offering a relaxed setting with a menu of hearty, traditional dishes and drinks, often served throughout the day.

Broiler

A broiler is a high-heat cooking appliance used in restaurants and cafes to quickly grill or sear food. It ensures even cooking and enhances flavour.

Brûlée

Brûlée refers to the caramelised sugar crust on desserts like crème brûlée. You torch sugar until it melts and forms a hard, golden-brown layer.

Budget

A budget in hospitality refers to a financial plan outlining expected revenue and expenses for a specific period, helping manage costs and maximise profits in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Buffet

A buffet is a self-service meal setup where guests choose from a variety of dishes. It speeds up service, reduces labour costs, and enhances guest satisfaction.

Busser

A busser clears tables, refills water, and supports servers in restaurants, cafes, and bars. They ensure a clean and organised dining area for guests.

C

24 terms

Casual Dining

Casual dining refers to restaurants offering a relaxed atmosphere with moderately priced menus. It combines quick service with quality food and a comfortable setting.

Caviar

Caviar refers to the salt-cured eggs of sturgeon fish, often considered a luxury. Serving caviar can elevate a dining experience, showcasing exclusivity and sophistication.

Check

Check refers to the bill presented to customers at the end of their meal in restaurants, cafes, and bars. It details the items ordered and the total amount due.

Chef de Partie

A Chef de Partie, also known as a station chef, manages a specific section of the kitchen, ensuring dishes are prepared to high standards and on time.

Chef's Table

A chef's table is a special dining experience where guests sit near the kitchen, interact with the chef, and enjoy a custom menu. It enhances guest engagement.

Chiffonade

Chiffonade is a knife technique where you finely slice leafy greens or herbs into thin strips. It enhances presentation and flavour in dishes at restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Chit

A chit is a small slip or voucher used in restaurants, cafes, and bars to record orders or transactions. It helps keep track of customer requests and billing.

Citron

Citron is a citrus fruit with a thick rind, often used in culinary applications for its zest and aromatic qualities, enhancing dishes and beverages in restaurants and bars.

Cleaning Schedule

A cleaning schedule outlines the specific times and tasks for cleaning areas in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars, ensuring hygiene and efficiency.

Cloche

A cloche is a bell-shaped cover used in restaurants to keep food warm and present it elegantly to guests. It enhances the dining experience by maintaining dish temperature.

Coffee Chaff

Coffee chaff is the dry, papery skin that comes off coffee beans during roasting. In cafes, you can use it as compost or a natural mulch for plants.

COGS

COGS, or Cost of Goods Sold, represents the direct costs of producing the goods sold by restaurants, cafes, and bars, including ingredients and labour.

Commis Chef

A Commis Chef is a junior chef who assists in food preparation and basic cooking tasks in kitchens of restaurants, cafes, and bars, gaining essential skills and experience.

Concierge

A concierge assists guests in hotels, restaurants, and bars by providing local information, booking services, and fulfilling special requests to enhance their experience.

Continental Service

Continental service offers a light, self-service breakfast typically including pastries, bread, fruit, coffee, and juice, ideal for quick, efficient morning dining.

Corkage Fee

A corkage fee is a charge that restaurants, cafes, and bars apply when customers bring their own wine or alcohol. It covers service and glassware costs.

COSHH

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It ensures safe handling, storage, and use of hazardous substances in restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

Cover

In hospitality, a cover refers to a single guest served during a meal period. Tracking covers helps restaurants, cafes, and bars manage staffing and inventory efficiently.

Cover Charge

A cover charge is a fixed fee that guests pay to enter a restaurant, bar, or club. It helps offset costs for entertainment, live music, or special events.

CPOR (Cost Per Occupied Room)

Near-CPO (Cost Per Occupied Room) represents the total costs associated with servicing an occupied room, helping hotels manage expenses and optimise profits.

Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or allergens transfer from one surface or food to another. Prevent it to maintain hygiene and guest safety.

Cruet

A cruet is a small container used in restaurants, cafes, and bars to hold condiments like oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, enhancing table service efficiency.

Curbside Pickup

Curbside Pickup allows customers to order food online or by phone and collect it from a designated area outside the restaurant, cafe, or bar, enhancing convenience.

Cycle Menu

A Cycle Menu is a set of menus that rotate over a specific period, such as weekly or monthly, providing variety and consistency in meal planning for restaurants and cafes.

D

8 terms

E

13 terms

Effluent

Effluent refers to wastewater or sewage that flows out from kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars, requiring proper treatment.

Egress

Egress refers to the safe and accessible exits in a hospitality venue, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars, used during emergencies for swift evacuation.

EHO

EHO stands for Environmental Health Officer. They inspect restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, promoting hygiene and safety.

Employee Turnover

Employee turnover refers to the rate at which staff leave and are replaced in a hospitality business. High turnover can disrupt service and increase training costs.

En Place

En Place means everything is in its place and ready for service. It ensures that staff have all tools and ingredients prepared, leading to efficient operations.

Enophile

An enophile is someone who loves and appreciates wine. In hospitality, knowing enophiles' preferences helps in offering tailored wine selections and enhancing guest experiences.

Entrée

An entrée is the main course of a meal in restaurants, cafes, and bars. It is the primary dish, often featuring protein like meat, fish, or a vegetarian option.

Entremetier

An Entremetier is a chef responsible for preparing vegetables, soups, and egg dishes in a kitchen. Their role ensures these elements are perfectly cooked and presented.

Epicure

An epicure is someone who has a refined taste for fine food and drink, often seeking high-quality dining experiences in restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Escargots

Escargots are edible snails, often served as a delicacy in French cuisine. They are typically cooked with garlic, butter, and parsley, offering a unique dining experience.

Event Manager

An Event Manager plans, coordinates, and oversees events in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars, ensuring they run smoothly and meet client expectations.

Executive Chef

An Executive Chef oversees kitchen operations, menu planning, and staff management in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bars, ensuring high-quality food and service.

Executive Housekeeper

The Executive Housekeeper oversees all housekeeping operations, ensuring cleanliness and maintenance standards in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars are met.

F

15 terms

F&B (Food and Beverage)

F&B stands for Food and Beverage, covering all dining services in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars. It includes everything from meal preparation to service.

Farm to Table

Farm to Table means sourcing ingredients directly from local farms to ensure fresh, high-quality produce for restaurants, cafes, and bars, enhancing guest satisfaction.

Fast Casual

Fast Casual refers to a dining style that combines the quick service of fast food with higher quality ingredients and a more inviting atmosphere, enhancing guest satisfaction.

FIFO (First In, First Out)

FIFO (First In, First Out) means using older stock before newer stock. This reduces waste and ensures freshness, crucial for food and beverage quality in hospitality.

Flambé

Flambé means igniting alcohol in a dish to create a dramatic flame effect, enhancing flavours and providing a memorable dining experience for guests.

Flatware

Flatware refers to the knives, forks, and spoons used for dining. Quality flatware enhances guest experience in restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Food Allergy

A food allergy is an adverse immune response to certain foods, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis. Staff must know ingredients to prevent reactions.

Food Labels

Food labels provide details about a food item's ingredients, nutritional content, and allergens. They help staff in restaurants, cafes, and bars serve customers safely and accurately.

Food Runner

A Food Runner delivers food orders from the kitchen to diners, ensuring timely and accurate service. They support servers, enhancing efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Food Waste

Food waste refers to any food discarded or uneaten in restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels. Reducing food waste boosts sustainability, saves costs, and improves efficiency.

French Press

A French Press is a coffee brewing device that uses a plunger to press hot water through ground coffee, producing a rich, full-bodied flavour.

Friandise

Friandise refers to small, sweet treats like chocolates or petits fours served at the end of a meal in restaurants and cafes, enhancing the dining experience.

Front of House (FOH)

Front of house meaning in hospitality, retail and leisure settings including job roles.

Full-Service Restaurant

A Full-Service Restaurant offers a wide range of menu options, table service, and a higher level of customer service, enhancing the dining experience.

Function Room

A function room is a versatile space in hotels, restaurants, or bars used for events like meetings, weddings, or parties, accommodating various setups and needs.

G

8 terms

H

15 terms

Half Board

Half Board means a meal plan in hotels and resorts that includes breakfast and one other main meal, usually dinner. This offers guests flexibility and value.

Hard Check

A Hard Check refers to a printed bill presented to guests at the end of their meal in restaurants, cafes, or bars, ensuring accurate billing and payment.

Hashi

Hashi are traditional Japanese chopsticks used for eating. In restaurants, offering hashi can enhance the dining experience, especially for guests who appreciate authentic Asian cuisine.

Hawker

A hawker is a vendor who sells food or goods in public places, often mobile and without a fixed location. They bring diverse offerings directly to customers.

Head Bartender

A Head Bartender oversees bar operations, manages staff, ensures quality service, and creates drink menus. They maintain inventory and ensure customer satisfaction.

Head Chef

The Head Chef leads the kitchen team, oversees food preparation, manages inventory, and ensures high-quality dishes in restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Hibachi

Hibachi refers to a Japanese-style grill used in restaurants where chefs cook food directly in front of guests. It enhances the dining experience with entertainment and interaction.

High-top

A high-top is a tall table, often used in bars and casual dining areas, where guests can stand or sit on high stools. It promotes a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Highball

A highball is a mixed drink made with a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served over ice in a tall glass.

Hollowware

Hollowware refers to metal tableware items like teapots, coffee pots, sugar bowls, and creamers used in restaurants, cafes, and bars for serving beverages.

Hostess

A hostess greets guests, manages reservations, and ensures smooth seating at restaurants, cafes, and bars. They create a welcoming first impression for patrons.

Hot Line

The hot line in a restaurant or hotel's kitchen is the area where chefs prepare and plate hot dishes. Efficient hot lines ensure quick service and high food quality.

House Blend

A House Blend is a unique coffee blend created by a café or restaurant, offering a distinct flavour profile that represents the establishment's signature taste.

House Rules

House Rules are guidelines set by hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars to ensure guest safety, comfort, and a pleasant experience for everyone.

House Wine

House Wine refers to the standard wine offered by a restaurant, bar, or café, typically at a lower price. It’s often a reliable, budget-friendly option for guests.

J

4 terms

K

8 terms

L

9 terms

Labour Cost

Labour cost refers to the total expenses your restaurant, hotel, or bar incurs to pay its staff, including wages, benefits, and taxes. Efficient management boosts profitability.

Lease Agreement

A lease agreement is a contract between a property owner and a tenant, outlining terms for renting spaces in hotels, restaurants, cafes, or bars.

Licensing Fee

A licensing fee is a regular payment businesses make to use branded names, logos, or software. This helps maintain brand consistency in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Line Cook

A Line Cook prepares food at a specific station in a restaurant, café, or bar kitchen. Their role ensures efficient service and consistent quality.

Liquor License

A liquor license allows a restaurant, bar, or cafe to legally sell alcoholic beverages. It ensures compliance with local laws and regulations, promoting responsible service.

Lost Revenue

Lost revenue refers to potential income that a hotel, restaurant, cafe, or bar misses out on due to cancellations, no-shows, or unoccupied rooms and tables.

Low Season

Low season refers to periods when demand for hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars is at its lowest. This results in fewer bookings and often lower prices.

Loyalty Program

A loyalty program rewards repeat customers in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars with points, discounts, or perks, encouraging them to return and spend more.

Lunch Shift

Lunch shift refers to the work period during lunchtime, typically from late morning to early afternoon, when staff serve customers in restaurants, cafes, and bars.

M

16 terms

Maître d'

A maitre d' manages the dining room in restaurants, cafes, or bars, ensuring smooth service and guest satisfaction by coordinating staff and seating.

Manager on Duty

Manager on Duty (MOD) refers to the staff member in charge during a specific shift, overseeing operations and addressing guest issues in hotels, restaurants, cafes, or bars.

Mark-up

Mark-up is the amount added to the cost price of goods or services to cover overheads and profit. It helps restaurants, cafes, and bars ensure profitability.

Market rate

Market rate refers to the standard price for rooms, meals, or services in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars based on current demand and competition.

Market segment

Market segment refers to a specific group of customers targeted by hotels, restaurants, cafes, or bars. Identifying these groups helps tailor services and marketing.

Market share

Market share shows the percentage of total sales a hotel, restaurant, cafe, or bar captures within its market. Higher market share means better competitive performance.

Membership program

A membership programme offers exclusive benefits and rewards to frequent guests or diners, fostering customer loyalty and encouraging repeat business in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Menu board

A menu board displays food and drink items, prices, and specials in restaurants, cafes, and bars. It helps customers make choices quickly and easily.

Menu engineering

Menu engineering analyses the profitability and popularity of menu items in restaurants, cafes, and bars. It helps optimise the menu to increase revenue and customer satisfaction.

Menu Planning

Menu planning involves selecting dishes and drinks for a restaurant, cafe, or bar, considering cost, seasonality, and customer preferences to enhance dining experiences.

Menu Profitability

Menu profitability measures how much profit each menu item generates, helping restaurants, cafes, and bars identify best-sellers and optimise their offerings.

Merchandising

Merchandising involves planning and promoting sales by presenting products attractively. In hospitality, this boosts sales in restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels.

Microbrewery

A microbrewery is a small-scale brewery that produces limited quantities of beer, often focusing on quality, flavour, and unique brewing techniques.

Modular kitchen

A modular kitchen consists of pre-made cabinet parts that fit together to create a functional and efficient kitchen layout, ideal for restaurants and cafes.

Monthly P&L statement

A Monthly P&L (Profit and Loss) statement summarises a hotel's revenues, costs, and expenses for the month, helping managers assess financial performance and profitability.

Mystery shopper

A mystery shopper visits hotels, restaurants, cafes, or bars anonymously to assess service quality, cleanliness, and staff behaviour, providing valuable feedback for improvement.

N

9 terms

Net Profit

Net profit is the total earnings after all expenses, taxes, and costs are deducted from total revenue. It shows a restaurant, cafe, bar, or hotel's profitability.

Night Manager

A Night Manager oversees hotel or restaurant operations during the night shift, ensuring smooth functioning, guest satisfaction, and handling emergencies efficiently.

Night Porter

A Night Porter handles tasks during the night shift in hotels, such as guest check-ins, security, and cleaning. They ensure smooth operations while others sleep.

Night Shift

Night shift refers to the work period that typically occurs between late evening and early morning. Staff handle late check-ins, room service, and security.

Nightly Closing Report

The Nightly Closing Report summarises daily financial activities in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars. It helps staff track revenue, expenses, and occupancy rates.

No-Show

A No-Show occurs when a guest with a reservation doesn't arrive and fails to cancel. This leads to lost revenue as the room or table remains unoccupied.

No-Show Fee

A no-show fee is a charge applied when a guest fails to arrive for their reservation at a hotel, restaurant, cafe, or bar, ensuring compensation for lost revenue.

No-Show Policy

A No-Show Policy outlines the charges or penalties applied when a guest does not arrive for their reservation without prior cancellation, helping manage occupancy and revenue.

Non-Guaranteed Reservation

A Non-Guaranteed Reservation is a booking without a secured payment method, often cancelled if the guest doesn't arrive by a specified time, typically the evening.

O

7 terms

P

11 terms

PAR Level

Par level is the standard amount of stock you need to meet customer demand without overstocking. It helps maintain efficiency in restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Pastry chef

A Pastry Chef specialises in creating desserts, pastries, and baked goods in restaurants, hotels, and cafes, enhancing the dining experience with their expertise.

Patronage

Patronage refers to the regular support and business that customers give to a hospitality establishment, such as a hotel, restaurant, café, or bar.

Payroll

Payroll refers to the total amount a hospitality business pays its employees, including wages, salaries, bonuses, and deductions. Efficient payroll management ensures staff satisfaction and operational success.

Perishables

Perishables are food and beverage items that spoil quickly, like fresh produce, dairy, and meats. Managing them well reduces waste and ensures quality service.

Point of Sale (POS)

Discover the importance of POS systems in hospitality. Learn how they enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and streamline operations

Portion control

Portion control means managing the size of food servings in restaurants, cafes, and bars to ensure cost efficiency, consistent quality, and customer satisfaction.

Pour cost

Pour cost, also known as beverage cost, measures the cost of alcohol sold in relation to its sales. It helps bars and restaurants manage profitability effectively.

Prime cost

Prime cost combines the total of your food, beverage, and labour costs. It helps you manage expenses and maximise profits in restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Private dining

Private dining offers guests an exclusive space to enjoy meals in a more intimate setting, often with personalised service, ideal for special occasions or business meetings.

Public health

Public health refers to the practices and policies that aim to protect and improve community health. In hospitality, it ensures a safe and hygienic environment for guests and staff.

Q

1 term

R

14 terms

Rack rate

Rack rate is the standard price for a hotel room before any discounts. It's the highest published rate and often used as a reference for pricing strategies.

Rate parity

Rate parity ensures that a hotel offers the same room rates across all distribution channels, like its website and third-party booking sites, maintaining pricing consistency.

Recipe Costing

Recipe costing calculates the total cost of ingredients for a dish, helping restaurants, cafes, and bars set menu prices and maintain profitability.

Reservation system

A reservation system is software that allows guests to book rooms, tables, or services online in real-time, improving efficiency and accuracy for staff.

Restaurant manager

A Restaurant Manager oversees daily operations, manages staff, ensures customer satisfaction, maintains quality control, and handles budgets to maximise profitability.

Return on investment

Return on Investment (ROI) in hospitality measures the profitability of an investment, calculated by dividing net profit by the initial investment cost.

Revenue Manager

A revenue manager optimises pricing and inventory to maximise profits for hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars by analysing demand and market trends.

RevPAR

RevPAR, or Revenue Per Available Room, measures how much revenue each available room generates. It helps hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars gauge their financial performance.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment identifies potential hazards in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars, evaluating their impact and implementing measures to ensure safety and compliance.

Rolling rota

A rolling rota is a schedule that rotates shifts among staff members in restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels, ensuring fair distribution of work and consistent coverage.

Room turnover

Room turnover refers to the process of cleaning and preparing a hotel room for the next guest after the previous guest checks out, ensuring quick readiness.

Rostering

Rostering involves creating work schedules for staff in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars. It ensures optimal coverage, improves productivity, and balances workloads.

Rota

A rota is a schedule that outlines the working hours and shifts for staff in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars, ensuring coverage and efficient operation.

Rôtisseur

A rôtisseur, or roast chef, specialises in roasting meats and managing the rotisserie in restaurants. They ensure meats are cooked to perfection, enhancing guest satisfaction.

S

15 terms

Sales Mix

Sales Mix refers to the variety and proportion of different products or services sold. It helps optimise offerings to maximise revenue and meet customer preferences.

Sauté

Sauté means to quickly cook food in a small amount of oil or butter over high heat, often in a frying pan. This technique keeps ingredients tender and flavourful.

Scullery

A scullery is a small kitchen area in restaurants, cafes, or bars where staff wash dishes, pots, and pans, keeping the main kitchen clean and efficient.

Seasonality

Seasonality refers to the fluctuations in demand for hospitality services throughout the year. Understanding seasonality helps optimise staffing, pricing, and inventory management.

Section Waiter

A section waiter manages a specific area within a restaurant or café, providing personalised service to guests in that section, ensuring efficient and attentive care.

Server

A server in hospitality takes orders, serves food and drinks, and ensures customer satisfaction in restaurants, cafes, and bars. They enhance the guest experience.

Service Charge

A Service Charge is an additional fee added to a guest's bill, typically a percentage of the total, to cover gratuity for staff services provided during their stay.

Smallware

Smallware refers to the small tools and utensils used in kitchens, like knives, spatulas, and measuring cups. They support daily food prep and service tasks.

Sommelier

A Sommelier is a trained wine expert in restaurants, cafes, and bars who advises guests on wine selection and pairing, enhancing the dining experience.

SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)

SOP, or Standard Operating Procedure, is a set of step-by-step guidelines to ensure consistent and efficient execution of tasks, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency.

Sous Chef

A Sous Chef is the second-in-command in a kitchen, assisting the Head Chef with daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring food quality and consistency.

Sous Vide

Sous Vide is a cooking method where food is vacuum-sealed and cooked in a water bath at a precise, low temperature, ensuring even cooking and enhanced flavour.

Split Shift

A split shift is when an employee works two separate shifts in one day, often with a long break in between. This helps cover busy periods in restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Stemware

Stemware refers to glasses with a stem, such as wine glasses and champagne flutes. It enhances the presentation and experience of beverages in restaurants and bars.

Supply Chain

Supply chain refers to the entire process of sourcing, producing, and delivering goods and services in hospitality, ensuring smooth operations in hotels, restaurants, and bars.

T

13 terms

Table Turnover

Table Turnover refers to the number of times a table is occupied and vacated during a service period. High turnover boosts revenue and efficiency.

Tableware

Tableware refers to the dishes, glasses, and utensils used in restaurants, cafes, and bars. It enhances the dining experience and reflects the establishment's style and quality.

Tapas

Tapas are small, savoury dishes from Spain, often served as appetisers or snacks in bars and restaurants. They promote sharing and enhance social dining experiences.

Taproom

A taproom is a space within a brewery or bar where customers can sample and purchase the brewery's beers. It boosts direct sales and enhances customer experience.

Tare Weight

Tare weight is the weight of an empty container, such as a glass or plate, used in restaurants and bars. It ensures accurate measurements when serving food or drinks.

Tasting Menu

A Tasting Menu offers a selection of small, diverse dishes in one meal, showcasing the chef's skills and creativity, providing guests with a unique dining experience.

Ticket Time

Ticket Time refers to the duration between when a customer places an order and when they receive it. Efficient ticket times improve customer satisfaction and table turnover.

Touchpoint

A touchpoint is any interaction between a guest and your establishment, from booking to check-out. Managing touchpoints well enhances guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Training Manual

A training manual is a guide that provides detailed instructions and procedures for staff in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars to ensure consistent service quality.

Tronc

A tronc is a system where tips and service charges are pooled and then fairly distributed among staff members in a restaurant, bar, or hotel.

Troncmaster

A Troncmaster manages the distribution of tips and service charges among staff in restaurants, cafes, and bars, ensuring fair and transparent sharing.

Turnkey

Turnkey describes a fully equipped and ready-to-operate business, such as a hotel, restaurant, or bar, where everything is set up for immediate use.

Turnover

Turnover refers to the total sales or revenue generated by a hospitality business, such as a hotel, restaurant, cafe, or bar, within a specific period.

U

5 terms

V

6 terms

W

2 terms