Host / Hostess

A restaurant hostess is responsible for greeting guests, managing reservations, and seating diners while ensuring a positive first impression. Key duties include welcoming guests, providing accurate wait times, answering phones, and coordinating with servers to manage the dining room's flow efficiently. They also maintain a clean and organized host stand and may handle light tasks to assist other staff, like distributing menus. 

Guest reception and experience

• Greeting guests: Warmly welcome customers as they arrive and create a positive first impression.
• Escorting and seating: Lead guests to their assigned tables and present menus.
• Managing waitlists: Provide accurate wait times for walk-ins and manage the waiting list.
• Assisting guests: Handle inquiries, special requests, and dietary restrictions.
• Saying goodbye: Thank guests for their visit as they leave and invite them to return. 

Reservations and coordination

• Managing reservations: Take, record, and organize reservations via phone or online systems.
• Table management: Seat guests according to the seating chart, pacing needs, and table availability.
• Staff coordination: Communicate with servers and the manager to ensure a smooth flow of guests and balance workload across sections.
• Answering phones: Handle all incoming calls to manage reservations and answer questions. 

Maintaining the front of house

• Keeping the host stand clean: Ensure the host stand area is tidy, organized, and well-maintained.
• Maintaining cleanliness: Keep the waiting area and entrance clean and presentable.
• Managing supplies: Keep menus and other necessary supplies organized and stocked.