A hostess or host is responsible for greeting, welcoming, and seating customers as they enter a restaurant or dining area. They are one of the first points of contact with the public and set the stage for customers experience. Some of the key responsibilities of a hostess or host include:
- Greeting guests as they enter and putting them on a waiting list as necessary.
- Providing guests with menus and answering any initial questions.
- Seating guests at tables or in waiting areas.
- Assigning guests to tables they prefer, while keeping table rotation in mind so that servers receive the right number of customers.
- Engaging with guests to ensure theyre happy with food and service.
- Responding to complaints and helping to resolve them.
- Answering phone calls, taking reservations, and answering questions.
- Helping out with other positions in the restaurant as needed.
- Providing great customer service.
To be successful in this role, a hostess or host should have excellent communication and organizational skills, be able to multitask, and be comfortable working in a busy restaurant environment. They should also be able to handle money accurately and operate a point-of-sale system. Relevant experience in the hospitality industry is often required.