How to Train Your FOH Team in Canada

Service can make or break a restaurant experience. Even with fantastic food, poor service could drive customers away for good. Here’s how to provide exceptional training to your front of house staff.

1. Make Training Engaging

Training doesn’t have to be dull. Engage new hires through interactive activities, peer-to-peer mentoring, and hands-on shadowing. According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, in which 200 Canadian hospitality workers were polled about restaurant HR, staffing and training in hospitality, training in the form of activities is highly valued by Canadians, with 54.5% preferring hands-on shadowing methods.

You can make training more engaging by turning it into a game. Give servers clear goals—like earning positive Yelp or Google reviews—and offer small rewards when they hit them. It keeps them motivated and helps improve the customer experience.

2. Cross-Functional Training

Canadian restaurants are feeling the pressure to do more with less. According to the Voice of the Canadian Restaurant Industry report, 32% of restaurants aim to increase employee productivity. 

Cross-training your FOH team—where servers learn bartending basics, hosts manage POS systems, and bussers greet and seat guests—will help your establishment run smoothly during peak hours.

3. Offer Constructive Feedback

Regularly observe new employees interacting with guests and offer constructive feedback. Encourage servers to maintain eye contact, a warm smile, and confident body language. 

Canadians highly value structured onboarding, with 51.5% calling it 'extremely valuable,' as reported in the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025. 

4. Provide an Exceptional Experience

Educate your staff about the difference between providing service and delivering an experience. A welcoming, engaging interaction can make guests feel valued and comfortable, directly influencing their decision to return.

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, 55.5% of Canadian hospitality workers believe 'service etiquette' is the most critical skill servers need to master.

5. Maintain Hospitality Throughout the Entire Meal

Hospitality doesn’t end when the bill is paid—Canadian diners are selective and value consistent service throughout their visit. 

Continue checking on guests after the bill is delivered, offering additional assistance or refills as needed. A warm goodbye and sincere thanks will help you leave a lasting positive impression.

6. Focus on the Small Details

Attention to detail matters significantly. Ensure tables are set with essentials, such as silverware and condiments, before the food arrives. Staff should proactively offer drink refills and quickly address guest concerns.

For example, training your staff to say, "I'll be right back with your change," rather than asking, "Do you need change?" subtly anticipates guest needs and enhances their dining experience.

7. Continuous and Ongoing Training

Regular refreshers on hospitality training is vital—51.5% of Canadian hospitality workers recommend quarterly training sessions for restaurant staff. Ongoing training keeps your staff updated and engaged, ensuring your service standards remain high.

Wrapping Up

The message is clear. You should try to prioritize engaging training, constructive feedback and attention to detail with your team. Then you're setting your restaurant apart in a competitive market. 

Implement these practices today to build a skilled, confident team that delivers outstanding service and keeps guests coming back time and time again.