A Host, or Hostess, is responsible for welcoming customers to a food service environment and ensuring that they are seated and receive attentive service. Their duties include maintaining a waitlist of patrons during busy meal service, passing out menus and accepting phone calls.
The Host/Hostess is a key position in the front door staff and imperative to driving business into the restaurant. The Host/Hostess is responsible for coordinating and managing all reservations, dining room and banquet seating, guest assistance, guest needs and the flow of guests in and out of the restaurant. Hospitality and communication skills are necessary and required. This position also includes light administrative duties and use of reservation systems. The Host/Hostess is ultimately responsible for managing all aspects of the front door, guest arrival, seating and departure, in accordance with restaurant Standards.
Lead Hosts should have exceptional customer service and communication skills, and be able to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations
Lead Host / Hostess Job Description:
A Host’s duties primarily focus on ensuring the guests have a positive experience as soon as they enter the restaurant. Examples of Host duties and responsibilities include:
· Greeting customers as they walk into the restaurant
· Helping guests with reservations and guiding them to their table
· Giving guests accurate wait time estimates and seating them in the waiting area
· Providing customers with menus and answering any initial questions they may have
· Optimizing seating at different tables to ensure even workload for wait staff
· Answering phones and scheduling reservations with large parties
· Be able to perform coat check duties as assigned by guests and management team
· Checking on facilities (i.e. restroom cleanliness)
· Any other additional duties as assigned by upper management
· Responsible for welcoming and greeting all guests
· Keep contact with regular guests
· Excellent customer service skills in person and over the phone
· Positive attitude and aim to provide communication skills
· Training new employees: Training new employees and filling in where needed
· Contribute your part to the management team
· Final responsibility for all bookings and reservations and flag complaints to management.
· Availability to work in shifts as needed
· Flexible availability on nights, weekends, and festive days
· Good physical condition to walk and stand during an entire shift
· Managing the seating chart: Keeping the seating chart up to date and monitoring the restaurant's activity to ensure an efficient dining flow
· Coordinating teams of hostesses: Communicating with team members to maximize efforts and coordinate seating
Available to work late nights, weekends, holidays and long days as necessary. Must be able to stand and or walk for long periods of time without sitting.
