The Power of Partnership: FOH and BOH Insights from EventCamp 2025 on Creating Better Guest Experiences

In a captivating fireside chat at EventCamp 2025, renowned chef, restaurateur, and keynote speaker Tom Colicchio shared invaluable lessons from his decades in the hospitality industry and, most specifically, the importance of partnership between the front of house and back of house. While discussing his journey from the front lines to leading multi-restaurant empires filled with powerful anecdotes, he truly brought the concept of partnership of event sales and culinary teams to life. Colicchio’s key message was about the fundamental synergy required to create truly memorable guest experiences, a sentiment that resonates deeply with event professionals everywhere.

The Secret Ingredient to Seamless Events: Collaboration Between Event Sales & Culinary Teams

In the industry of executing events, a seamless experience is everything. From the initial client meeting to the final toast, every detail is a reflection of the team behind it. Colicchio highlighted a common friction point in our industry: the disconnect between the creative, client-facing event sales team and the execution-focused culinary team. This isn’t a battle of opposing interests, but a breakdown in communication. The culinary team, often driven by consistency and a passion for their craft, can sometimes view client requests as an inconvenience or a deviation from their “perfect” menu. Meanwhile, event managers, whose primary goal is to exceed client expectations and secure repeat business, may struggle to bridge this gap.

Colicchio’s insight is that this dynamic only shifts when both sides recognize their shared goal: making the guest happy. The product—be it a plated meal, a cocktail reception, or a multi-course dinner—is the result of a collaborative effort. When the kitchen understands the client’s vision and the event manager respects the culinary team’s expertise and constraints, they can move from a transactional relationship to a truly collaborative partnership. This is the foundation of a culture of “unreasonable hospitality”—the willingness to go beyond the expected, not just for a guest, but for each other.

Why a Strong FOH and BOH Partnership Is Crucial

Building a strong partnership between your front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) teams isn’t just about smooth operations—it’s about creating a successful, sustainable business. While the “how” of this collaboration involves practical steps, the “why” is rooted in a deeper understanding of what drives an exceptional guest experience. Here’s why cultivating this synergy is essential for hospitality and event professionals.

Why Chefs Should Be at the Table

Involving chefs in client and menu planning meetings goes beyond simple logistics; it’s about integrating their expertise and passion from the very start. When a culinary lead is part of key discussions, they gain a firsthand understanding of the guest’s vision. They hear the specific reasons behind special requests and can connect directly with the client’s needs. This allows them to feel a sense of ownership over the event, moving them from a role of simply executing a menu and event package to one of a creative partner. This shared purpose is what turns a good event into a truly memorable one.

Why a “Culture of Yes” Matters

Approaching every unique request with a problem-solving mindset—what some call a “culture of yes”—is vital because it demonstrates a commitment to exceptional service. When the culinary team is empowered to find solutions for a special dietary need or a specific menu alteration, it shows they understand that flexibility is a core part of the guest experience. Instead of seeing these requests as obstacles, they see them as opportunities to delight a client. This mindset reinforces the idea that the team’s primary goal is to accommodate, not just to serve.

Why Empathy and Respect Are the Foundation

Cross-training between FOH and BOH isn’t just a fun team-building activity; it’s an essential exercise in building empathy and mutual respect. When an event manager spends time in the kitchen, they witness the intense pressure and precision required to execute a dish flawlessly. Similarly, when a chef shadows the FOH team, they see how seamless service directly impacts a guest’s peace of mind and enjoyment. This shared understanding breaks down silos and fosters a team that sees each other as partners, not as separate entities. This mutual respect is the glue that holds the entire operation together, ensuring both teams are working toward the same goal: creating amazing experiences for event guests.

Why Celebrating Shared Success Is Non-Negotiable

Recognizing both FOH and BOH teams for a successful event is crucial because it reinforces the core principle that no one team succeeds alone. Praising only the front-of-house for their stellar service or only the kitchen for their flawless dishes misses the point. The triumph of an event lies in the collaboration between both teams. When you celebrate this shared success, you strengthen the bonds of partnership, proving that the collective effort is what truly delivers an unforgettable experience. This reinforces the “why” behind their hard work and motivates them to continue working together.

The Lasting Impact of Partnership

Tom Colicchio’s advice reminds us that while trends in food, decor, and technology may come and go, the core of hospitality remains the same: a deep commitment to creating happiness. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and partnership between your event and culinary teams, you not only improve your operations but also build the kind of loyal client base that keeps coming back. So, let’s stop treating the front-of-house and back-of-house as two separate worlds. Instead, let’s see them as two sides of the same coin, working together to create moments that guests will remember long after the last plate is cleared. After all, the most valuable ingredient in any successful event isn’t on the menu—it’s in the collaboration.

Tom Colicchio at EventCamp: Watch the Full Conversation

Catch Tom Colicchio’s fireside chat from EventCamp 2025—available on demand. ven bigger things are ahead for EventCamp 2026, so keep checking back for updates. Be part of the future of events—you belong here!