Host / Hostess

A hostess's role is to ensure guests have a positive experience from arrival to departure by greeting them warmly, managing reservations and waitlists, assigning tables, and providing menus. They are the first point of contact, representing the establishment, and must handle inquiries, coordinate with staff, and maintain a clean front-of-house area. Responsibilities can also include helping with to-go orders, light cleaning, and assisting wait staff as needed.  Key Responsibilities Greeting and Seating: Warmly welcome guests, provide accurate wait times, manage the waitlist, escort guests to their tables, and provide menus.  Reservation Management: Take, confirm, and manage reservations using a reservation system, noting special requests.  Front-of-House Operations: Keep the reception and dining areas clean, organized, and tidy.  Guest Experience: Address guest queries, complaints, and special needs, ensuring a comfortable and positive atmosphere.  Staff Coordination: Communicate with servers to ensure efficient service and rotation of tables, balancing workloads.  Phone Management: Answer incoming calls, provide information, and schedule reservations.  Support to Waitstaff: Assist servers during busy periods by helping with light tasks like setting tables or running food, depending on the establishment.  Promotions and Information: Inform guests about daily specials, promotions, and who their server will be.  Departure: Thank departing guests and invite them to return, providing a final positive impression.  Why This Role is Important First Point of Contact: The hostess is the "face" of the restaurant, setting the tone for the guest's entire experience.  Operational Efficiency: Effective management of seating, reservations, and waitlists ensures smooth operations and optimizes table turnover.  Customer Satisfaction: By providing excellent customer service from the start, hostesses contribute significantly to guest satisfaction and loyalty.