Host/Hostess

Role Overview

As the first person guests see when they walk through the door, you set the emotional tone for the entire meal. This role is about more than checking names off a list—you will orchestrate the flow of the dining room, balance reservations against walk-ins, and act as the communication bridge between the floor, the kitchen, and the guest. Your attentiveness directly shapes whether a table lingers happily or leaves frustrated, making you a pivotal part of the restaurant's reputation and repeat business.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome every guest with genuine warmth and professionalism, reading their mood and energy to tailor your approach and create an immediate sense of hospitality.
• Manage the reservation book across digital platforms, keeping records clean, accurate, and current while juggling phone inquiries, special requests, and no-shows.
• Coordinate seating strategically, factoring in table turnover, server sections, kitchen pace, and guest preferences to maximize both revenue and comfort.
• Maintain a live awareness of wait times and dining room traffic, proactively communicating delays or updates to guests and alerting service staff when adjustments are needed.
• Communicate dietary needs, allergies, and special occasion notes clearly to both kitchen and serving teams, ensuring nothing is lost in translation.
• Handle guest concerns with empathy and composure, listening actively and escalating unresolved issues to management when necessary while keeping the guest reassured.
• Operate the host stand as a central hub of organization—stocking menus, keeping promotional materials tidy, and ensuring the POS and cash drawer are opened and closed correctly on your shift.
• Partner with servers, bussers, and managers to smooth out rushes, cover breaks, and support the team wherever the floor needs an extra hand.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in a host, greeter, or front-of-house role within a restaurant, hotel, or hospitality environment.
• Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills, with the ability to stay articulate and clear during high-volume, high-stress moments.
• Strong organizational instincts—you can manage multiple reservations, seating charts, and guest requests without losing track of the details.
• Calm, empathetic demeanor, especially when dealing with unhappy guests or unexpected delays.
• A reliable, punctual work ethic and genuine pride in showing up consistently for your team and your shift.
• Comfort with digital reservation systems, point-of-sale software, and basic cash handling procedures.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, move quickly through a busy dining room, and remain focused during long service stretches.
• Fluency in a second language is a plus, as it helps you connect with a broader range of guests.