In the world of restaurants, first impressions matter. Did you know that 94% of diners are unlikely to return to a restaurant if they perceive it to be unclean or poorly maintained? This is a huge loss of potential returning customers, and an even bigger loss for sales.

The Front of House (FOH) area is the face of your establishment, and it's where guests form their initial opinions about your restaurant. Maintaining a well-kept and visually appealing FOH is crucial to creating a positive guest experience. When guests step into your restaurant, they have a keen eye for details that may indicate a lack of maintenance or cleanliness.

There are a ton of areas in the FOH where lapses can be apparent: cleanliness, linens & table settings, booths & chairs, upholstery, walls, paint, plants & decor, lighting, and more. But have no fear — in this blog post, we’ll explore why every little detail matters, what guests notice, and provide you with valuable tips and advice on how to ensure their restaurant is beautiful and in tip-top shape 💪

A Feast for the Senses:

When guests walk through the doors of your restaurant, they should immediately feel welcomed and excited about the dining experience that awaits them. A clean and well-maintained FOH sets the tone for the entire visit. It creates a sense of professionalism, care, and attention to detail, making guests feel confident in the overall quality of their dining experience.

Guests notice more than just the food when they enter a restaurant. They are taking in the ambiance, decor, and atmosphere. Here are some key areas where attention to detail is vital for a phenomenal first impression:

1) Cleanliness: A spotless FOH area reflects high hygiene standards and instills trust in your guests. Regularly clean and sanitize all surfaces, including tables, chairs, floors, and glassware.

2) Lighting: Appropriate lighting can greatly enhance the mood of your restaurant. Aim for a balance between natural and artificial lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

3) Music and Noise Level: The right music can add to the ambiance, while excessive noise can be off-putting. Ensure that your background music is at an appropriate volume and matches the style and theme of your restaurant.

4) Decor and Design: Pay attention to the aesthetics of your FOH. Choose a cohesive design scheme that aligns with your restaurant's concept. From wall art to table settings, every element should complement each other and create a visually pleasing experience.

Attention to the Little Things:

It's often the small details that make the biggest impact on guests. While not every diner is going to be pointing out nuances, it’s critical to maintain the overall atmosphere so nobody is left unhappy or feeling uncomfortable. Here are some specific areas to focus on:

1) Staff Appearance: Your front-of-house staff should be well-groomed, wearing clean uniforms, and presentable. Their appearance contributes to the overall perception of your establishment.

2) Table Settings: Invest in quality table linens, polished silverware, and elegant glassware. Attention to these details elevates the dining experience and showcases your commitment to excellence.

3) Signage: Clear and visible signage helps guests navigate your restaurant easily. Ensure that signs are legible, positioned correctly, and provide necessary information.                    

4) Restrooms: A clean and well-stocked restroom is an absolute must. Regularly check and restock supplies, keep the area tidy, and ensure proper ventilation.

Regular Maintenance and Upkeep:

To keep your FOH in tip-top shape, establish a routine for regular maintenance and upkeep. This could mean ongoing maintenance scheduled, or working with a third-party platform to ensure these necessary details are taken care of (like ResQ!). Here are some tips:

1) Create a Cleaning Schedule: Assign specific cleaning tasks to your staff and establish a cleaning schedule that covers daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.

2) Conduct Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your FOH area for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or malfunctioning equipment. Fix issues promptly to maintain a polished appearance.

3) Train Staff: Educate your staff about the importance of maintaining a well-kept FOH. Provide them with training on proper cleaning techniques, etiquette, and attention to detail.

4) Solicit Feedback: Actively seek feedback from your guests about their experience in your FOH area. This will help you identify areas for improvement and address any issues that may have gone unnoticed.                    

Maintaining a well-kept restaurant FOH is an investment in your success 🤑 By paying attention to every detail, you create a positive and lasting impression on your guests. From cleanliness and decor to staff appearance and regular upkeep, each element plays a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience. By following the tips and advice provided in this blog post, restaurant managers can ensure that their FOH area is beautiful, inviting, and always in tip-top shape. Remember, the art of impression starts at the front door!

Looking for an easier way to implement all the helpful tricks & tips above, without any extra lift? ResQ is your answer. We’ve partnered with thousands of growing brands across North America to streamline repairs & maintenance — from the small details of the FOH, to the even larger scale projects in the Back of House (such as roofing, HVAC, grease traps, etc.) our all-in-one platform is the industry’s leading tool to take the headache of R&M off the plate of operators and managers.

Learn more about ResQ!