Culinary Word of the Day

012 Back of House

Episode Summary

Definition, use, and examples of the word back of house.

Episode Notes

For further reading, visit Cool Hunting, Snow Peak’s New Portland Flagship Store Goes Beyond Retail by Sam Selis: https://coolhunting.com/deisgn/snow-peaks-new-portland-flagship-store-goes-beyond-retail/

Support the show: http://patreon.com/randwiches

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Special thanks to Yatrik.

Episode Transcription

I’m Jenn de la Vega and this is your culinary word of the day.

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Today’s word is BACK OF HOUSE

It is spelled…B-A-C-K space O-F space H-O-U-S-E

According to the International Encyclopedia of Hospitality Management, edited by Abraham Pizam:

“‘Back of house’ (or back of the house) is a rather archaic term, having survived over the centuries. It was first used in the Middle Ages in English to describe the area of an inn where food was prepared, which was normally located outside and to the rear, and therefore was called the back of house area.

Its modern interpretation is similar, as it is commonly used to describe the areas of a restaurant, which are normally off-limits to the guest. The term also applies to hotels where the areas include laundry and other support areas.”

You can also find this word in Operations Management by Peter Jones and Peter Robinson:

“In the traditional restaurant setting, the kitchen was back of house and the dining area was front of house, and customers could neither see nor enter the kitchen. In fast food, there is no wall between the service area and the production area, the back of house is open for all to see.

Also, in Building Type Basics for Hospitality Facilities by McDonough, Kliment, Hill, Glazier, Lindsay, and Sykes:

“The back of house areas generally get short shrift in the design and building of a hotel, because they are not perceived as revenue-producing. This is a shortsighted approach, as the design and construction of these areas have a direct impact on the efficiency and morale of the hotel staff, which in turn shapes the quality and level of service presented to the guests.”

For further reading, visit Cool Hunting, Snow Peak’s New Portland Flagship Store Goes Beyond Retail by Sam Selis

https://coolhunting.com/deisgn/snow-peaks-new-portland-flagship-store-goes-beyond-retail/

OUTRO

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I’m Jenn de la Vega and this has been your culinary word of the day.

Special thanks to Yatrik for sponsoring the podcast this month and to Tom for joining on an annual level on Patreon.

Next time on Culinary Word of the day, willful retainment.

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