Host

Restaurant Host Job Description

A restaurant goer’s first impression is set by the host, who is there to greet, seat, and keep guests happy before they start their meals. This entry-level position is ideal for the social set—people-people who’ve never met a stranger and could score an A+ in small talk. Being able to diffuse difficult situations involving hungry people and thinking on your feet come in handy with this job. Restaurant hosts generally have flexible schedules and can work either full-time or part-time, making it a great gig for students in need of extra cash. Shifts generally vary and may include holidays and weekends or require late nights depending on the restaurant’s hours.

Restaurant Host Duties and Responsibilities

A restaurant host’s responsibilities will range from restaurant to restaurant depending on its location, size, hours, and cost, but a few core tasks are almost always associated with the job. Based on listings we analyzed, these duties are typically assigned to restaurant hosts.

Welcome Customers

As the first people customers encounter when they walk through the door, restaurant hosts set the tone for a guest’s dining experience. Hosts greet customers and show them to their seats or estimate wait time if all tables are filled. When hosts escort guests to their tables, they hand out menus and sometimes recite the specials and take drink orders.

Manage the Seating Plan

One of the most important responsibilities restaurant hosts take on is seating customers based on the wait staff’s section availability. Hosts must plan carefully on their feet, taking into consideration how long tables will turn around (since diners will be at different stages in their meals), upcoming reservations, and what table options need to stay open for parties of different sizes.

Schedule Phone and Online Reservations

Another key part of a restaurant host’s job is booking reservations. Hosts record all new reservations in a paper or digital planner that’s shared with other hosts. When changes are required, restaurant hosts are also responsible for canceling and shifting around reservations.

Fill Takeout Orders

Restaurant hosts are first in line for manning the phone that’s typically located at their station. Along with answering questions from customers, restaurant hosts take to-go orders and relay them to the kitchen staff. Once the food is prepared, hosts may pack and hand off takeout bags for pickup or delivery.

Assist in Restaurant Maintenance

Hosts help with opening and closing tasks such as setting tables, prep work, and cleaning. They must also maintain their station during their shift by clearing clutter, sweeping, and keeping the front entryway clean.

Restaurant Host Skills and Qualifications

People with warm, upbeat demeanors who enjoy working with all manner of personalities and have no trouble smoothing over complicated situations will thrive as restaurant hosts. Prior experience as a host is generally not required. The following skills are essential to getting the job done:

Interpersonal skills – patience, listening, and communicating with a confident but friendly attitude are all people skills a restaurant host must tap into while assisting customers.

Physical requirements – working at a restaurant may demand certain physical requirements. Hosts are typically on their feet for six to eight hours at a time and are occasionally tasked with cleaning or carrying heavy objects

Planning and organizing – restaurant host regularly manage reservations, assign tables, estimate wait times, and maintain a clean, uncluttered workspace

Memorization – hosts will be expected to learn the restaurant’s food and drink menu, daily specials, and table layout

Collaboration – restaurant hosts are part of a team and must work seamlessly with the wait staff, other hosts, and the restaurant’s management

Multitasking – the duties restaurant hosts take on will often be managed simultaneously throughout a shift, which means they must be able to prioritize tasks

Other Important Responsibilities:

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 they're happy with food and service.

Responding to complaints and helping to resolve them.

Answering phone calls, taking reservations, and answering questions.

A knowledge of the menu.

Helping with other positions in the restaurant as needed.

Providing great customer service.

Hostess Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Ability to provide top-notch customer service in a fast-paced environment.

A positive attitude and ability to work well under pressure with all restaurant staff.

Does high-quality work while unsupervised.

Able to work in a standing position for long periods of time.

Able to safely lift and easily maneuver trays of food when necessary.

Willing to follow instructions and ask questions for clarification if needed.

Able to handle money accurately and operate a point-of-sale system.

Able to work in a busy restaurant environment.

Restaurant experience a plus.

Restaurant Host Education and Training

There are no minimum educational requirements to become a restaurant host. Hosts typically receive on-the-job training from their colleagues to learn how to perform their duties, restaurant policies, and how to use equipment like phones and reservation tools. In addition to hands-on training, some restaurants provide written manuals and more formal trainings on company protocol and kitchen safety.

Restaurant Host Salary