Job Description

Host or Hostess responsibilities include:

• Welcoming guests to the restaurant
• Providing accurate wait times and monitoring waiting lists
• Buss and reset tables to aid the the efficiency of the restaurant
• Managing reservations if applicable

Job brief

• We are looking for a Host or Hostess to join our team and be the first point of contact for our guests.
• Host/Hostess responsibilities include greeting guests, providing accurate wait times and escorting customers to the dining and bar areas. For this role, you should have solid organizational and people skills to make sure our guests have a positive dining experience from the moment they arrive till their departure. Ultimately, you’ll ensure we provide excellent customer service and a pleasant dining experience to our guests.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests to the restaurant
• Provide accurate wait times and monitor waiting lists
• Manage reservations if applicable
• Escort customers to assigned dining or bar areas
• Provide menus and announce Waiter/Waitress’s name
• Greet customers upon their departure
• Coordinate with wait staff about available seating options
• Maintain a clean reception area
• Cater to guests who require extra attention (e.g. children, elderly)
• Answer incoming calls and address customers’ questions
• Assist wait staff as needed
• Answer phones and guest questions

Requirements and skills

• Previous work experience as a Host/Hostess or Waiter/Waitress
• Understanding of restaurant etiquette
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations
• Experience in managing waitlist
• Demonstrable customer-service skills
• Excellent communication skills (via phone and in-person)
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to monitor the entire dining and bar area
• Ability to walk and stand during an entire shift
• GREAT TEAMWORK!

Frequently asked questions

What does a Host or Hostess do?

• A Host or Hostess makes sure that their guests feel welcomed, cared for, and valued. They create a warm and welcoming environment for patrons from the moment they enter the establishment. Hosts or Hostesses typically provide menus, take names for the waitlist and answer the phone.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a Host or Hostess?

• The Host or Hostess at a restaurant is the first person who meets the customer and makes sure they are comfortable. Some duties include managing the waitlist and offering menus to guests once they sit down. Other tasks are ensuring tables are ready for seating guests, constantly monitoring dining activity, inspecting menus for cleanliness and assisting servers when necessary.

What makes a good Host or Hostess?

• A good Host or Hostess has a warm, friendly and personable demeanor. They are team players, effective communicators and keep their composure when working with disgruntled guests. They must be highly organized to properly maintain seating charts and seat customers in the order of arrival. A good Host or Hostess understands the flows of traffic and has exceptional time management and customer service skills.

Gordon Goggin is a 20 year restaurant industry veteran. Most recently, Gordon was the Director of Operations for The Lowlands Restaurant Group, whose banners include Café Hollander, Café Centraal, Café Benelux, & The Trocadero. Gordon has a Masters of Science Degree in Hospitality Administration, a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Institutional Management, & an Associate of Science Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from Johnson & Wales University.

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