At El Niguel Country Club (Laguna Niguel, Calif.), a positive team environment and cross-training are essential for fostering growth and enhancing the overall experience. In the world of hospitality, this is particularly true regarding the relationship between the front-of-house (FOH) and the back-of-house (BOH) teams.
Jose Brito cooks up a storm while Executive Chef Bruno attentively oversees and offers encouragementa.
Jose Brito: FOH Manager to BOH Chef in Training
Jose Brito, our FOH Food and Beverage Manager, was the first to sign up for cross-training in the kitchen. Eager to learn and expand his skillset, Brito stepped into the role with excitement and ease, training under the guidance of Executive Chef Bruno Massuger. Brito’s task was to prep, plate up, and prepare for our highly coveted Whistle Pig Dinner.
Brito shared that he loved seeing the details of the member experience through another lens. The kitchen has its fair share of stress and changes they must deal with. For example, FOH might tell BOH that they have 3 minutes to plate up for the next course, but then someone stands up to give a speech, and suddenly it’s 10 minutes. This can be particularly challenging with hot, delicate vegetables ready to be plated. This exercise gave Brito a good look at the operation from another point of view, deepening his understanding of the challenges faced by the BOH team.
Matthew Salinas: From Mixologist to BOH Expert
Next up, Matthew Salinas, our talented mixologist and team leader, moved to BOH for the BV Wine Dinner. Salinas trained with Sous Chef Luis Rios, and together, they prepped sauces, cut vegetables, and seared meat. When it was time for plate up, Salinas had a similar experience as Brito, gaining a new appreciation for the precision and timing required in the kitchen.
Matthew Salinas meticulously chops ingredients and skillfully prepares for dinner service.
During his time in the BOH, Salinas learned the intricacies of creating visually appealing and delicious dishes, which he found to be an art form (similar to Mixology). He also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of teamwork and communication between the FOH and BOH teams, as they work together to create a seamless dining experience for guests.
Patrick Casey, CEO/GM: Leading by Example
Lastly, our amazing CEO/GM has demonstrated exceptional leadership by stepping out of his all-encompassing role and joining the culinary team for a member-sponsored non-profit event of 220 people. His hands-on approach and willingness to learn new skills set an inspiring example for the ENCC team. By taking on this challenge, our CEO/GM has showcased the importance of adaptability and collaboration in the workplace. His involvement in the event has contributed to its success and reinforced the value of cross-training as a tool for personal and professional growt
The Benefits of Cross-Training
Cross-training between FOH and BOH offers numerous benefits for the team members and the organization. Some of these benefits include:
- Enhanced empathy and understanding: By experiencing each other’s roles, team members can better understand the challenges and complexities faced by their colleagues, fostering a more empathetic and supportive work environment.
- Improved communication: Cross-training helps break down communication barriers between FOH and BOH, leading to smoother operations and a better overall guest experience.
- Increased adaptability: Team members with experience in multiple roles are better equipped to handle unexpected situations and adapt to changes in the workplace.
- Greater job satisfaction: Cross-training can help team members feel more engaged and satisfied in their roles as they gain new skills and perspectives.
In conclusion, the power of a positive team and cross-training cannot be underestimated in hospitality. By fostering empathy, understanding, and adaptability among team members, organizations can create a more cohesive and successful working environment that ultimately leads to an enhanced member experience. The experiences of Jose Brito, Matthew Salinas and Patrick Casey serve as prime examples of the immense value that cross-training can bring to both individuals and the team as a whole.
