Host / Hostess

Position Summary

The Host/Hostess is the first and last point of contact for our guests and plays an important role in creating a welcoming, organized, and professional dining experience. The Host/Hostess is responsible for greeting guests, managing the dining room flow, answering phones, assisting with takeout and reservations, and supporting the service team throughout the shift.

Essential Responsibilities

• Greet every guest promptly, warmly, and professionally when they enter the restaurant.
• Maintain a friendly and welcoming presence throughout the entire guest interaction.
• Manage reservations, walk-ins, waitlists, seating assignments, and table rotation efficiently.
• Monitor the dining room and communicate with servers, managers, and the kitchen to maintain a smooth flow of service.
• Answer the restaurant phone using the proper greeting and assist guests with questions, reservations, and takeout orders.
• Ensure takeout orders are organized, accurate, properly packaged, and ready for guests.
• Assist with opening and closing the front doors and maintain a clean and organized entrance.
• Monitor the dining room and recognize where departing guests came from so they can be acknowledged and thanked as they leave.
• Keep the host stand, entrance, menus, tablets, and surrounding areas clean and organized.
• Keep to-go supplies stocked and communicate when additional supplies are needed.
• Monitor reservation tablets and restaurant communication systems and keep information current.
• Communicate important guest, reservation, seating, and service information to the appropriate team members.
• Assist servers and managers when needed while remaining focused on the host position.
• Maintain awareness of the entire dining room rather than focusing only on the host stand.
• Pick up trash and maintain cleanliness in guest-facing areas throughout the shift.
• Maintain professional and work-appropriate conversations at all times, especially when guests are within earshot.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Work as a team and assist wherever needed to provide an excellent guest experience.

Guest Service Expectations

• Make eye contact and acknowledge guests as they enter and leave.
• Never allow guests to feel ignored or unsure of where to go.
• Use a professional, friendly, and positive tone with every guest.
• Be attentive to guests waiting to be seated, picking up takeout, or calling the restaurant.
• Anticipate guest needs and communicate concerns to a manager before they become problems.
• Thank guests sincerely as they leave and help create a reason for them to return.

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant or customer service experience preferred but not required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during busy periods.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
• Comfortable answering phones and communicating with guests in person.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Performance Expectations

The Host/Hostess is expected to maintain a professional appearance, positive attitude, and strong sense of urgency throughout the shift. The position requires constant awareness of the restaurant, excellent communication with the team, and consistent attention to guest service.

The goal is simple: every guest should feel welcomed, acknowledged, and taken care of from the moment they walk through the door until the moment they leave.