What is a Restaurant Host/Hostess Job?
A restaurant host/hostess is the first person a customer sees when they enter a restaurant. They are responsible for greeting and seating customers, taking reservations, and managing the flow of the restaurant. This position is essential to ensuring a positive customer experience and maintaining the reputation of the restaurant.
What do Host/Hostesses usually do in this position?
In addition to greeting and seating customers, a restaurant host/hostess is responsible for managing the reservation system, keeping the waiting area clean and organized, and communicating with the kitchen and serving staff to ensure a smooth flow of service. They may also handle customer complaints or issues and work with the management team to resolve them.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize
- Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
- Customer service oriented mindset
How to Become a Restaurant Host/Hostess
Most restaurants require a high school diploma or equivalent for this position. On-the-job training is usually provided, with new hires learning the ropes from more experienced staff members. Some restaurants may prefer candidates with previous customer service experience or familiarity with reservation systems.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for a restaurant host/hostess in the United States is $11.42 per hour. However, this can vary based on location, experience, and the type of establishment.
Roles and Types
The role of a restaurant host/hostess can vary depending on the type of restaurant. In a fine dining establishment, the host/hostess may be responsible for managing the coat check and ensuring that guests are properly attended to throughout their visit. In a more casual setting, the focus may be on efficiently seating customers and managing the flow of the restaurant. Host/hostess positions are available in a variety of restaurant types, including chain restaurants, independent restaurants, and catering companies.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
According to Glassdoor, some of the cities with the most job openings for restaurant host/hostess positions in the United States include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta. However, opportunities can be found in cities and towns across the country.
What are the Typical Tools?
A restaurant host/hostess may use a variety of tools to perform their job duties, including a reservation system, a seating chart, and a paging system to notify customers when their table is ready. They may also use basic office equipment like a computer, phone, and printer.
In Conclusion
A restaurant host/hostess plays an essential role in creating a positive customer experience and ensuring the smooth operation of a restaurant. While the job may be fast-paced and require strong organizational and communication skills, it can also be rewarding for those who enjoy working with people and are passionate about the hospitality industry.