A restaurant host is the first point of contact for guests, setting the stage for their entire dining experience. As the director of first impressions, the host’s performance can influence a guest’s perception of the restaurant long before they taste the food. A proficient host helps ensure the front of the house operates smoothly.
Key Responsibilities of a Restaurant Host
A primary duty for a host is to greet guests with a warm and welcoming attitude, which is a foundational step in ensuring a positive dining experience. They are responsible for managing reservations, whether they are made over the phone, online, or in person. This involves using reservation management systems, such as OpenTable, to keep track of bookings and plan seating arrangements.
Hosts also manage the waitlist, a task that requires clear communication and accuracy, especially during peak hours. They must provide guests with realistic wait times and keep them informed of any delays. Managing the flow of guests to optimize the restaurant’s seating capacity is another key function.
Once a table is ready, the host escorts guests to their seats and presents them with menus. This process involves more than just finding an empty table; it requires strategic thinking to rotate seating among server sections fairly. This ensures that no single server is overwhelmed and that the workload is distributed evenly among the staff.
Beyond seating, hosts often handle incoming phone calls, answering inquiries about the restaurant, and taking reservations. They may also be tasked with managing to-go orders, which includes taking the order, ensuring its accuracy, processing payment, and handing it to the customer. In many establishments, hosts are also expected to help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the entryway, lobby, and host stand.
Essential Skills for Success
Exceptional communication skills are fundamental for a restaurant host, who must interact effectively with both guests and staff members. This includes active listening to understand guest needs and clearly conveying information about wait times or seating arrangements. A friendly and outgoing personality is also beneficial, as the host is the first person a customer interacts with and sets the tone for their visit.
The ability to multitask is another important skill, as hosts simultaneously manage greeting guests, answering phones, updating waitlists, and coordinating with servers. This requires strong time management and organizational abilities to keep the front of house running smoothly, especially during busy periods.
Poise under pressure is a trait that allows a host to handle the fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment of a restaurant. During a dinner rush, with a long line of waiting customers, a calm and composed demeanor can help de-escalate potential tensions. This composure is also valuable when dealing with guest complaints or reservation mix-ups.
Problem-solving abilities are frequently called upon when unexpected issues arise. This could involve resolving a dispute over a reservation time or accommodating a guest’s special request. A host who can think on their feet and find satisfactory solutions contributes to a positive guest experience.
How to Get a Restaurant Host Job
Securing a position as a restaurant host is often achievable even without prior industry experience, as it is widely considered an entry-level role. Many restaurants are willing to provide on-the-job training, focusing on candidates who demonstrate a positive attitude and a commitment to customer service. Your resume should highlight transferable skills from other experiences, such as communication abilities from school projects or customer interaction skills from retail jobs.
When applying, consider submitting your application in person during off-peak hours, such as between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. This approach shows initiative and allows you to make a personal connection with a hiring manager, setting you apart from the many online applicants. Dress professionally and have a clean, concise resume ready to hand over.
During an interview, be prepared to answer questions that gauge your ability to handle common restaurant scenarios. A frequent question is, “How would you handle a guest who is unhappy about their wait time?” Your answer should demonstrate empathy, problem-solving skills, and a focus on maintaining a positive guest experience, perhaps by offering to seat them at the bar while they wait. Another common question might be, “Why do you want to work at this particular restaurant?”, which requires you to have done some basic research on the establishment.
Typical Salary and Career Path
Nationally, the average hourly wage often falls between $12 and $15.19, but this can be higher in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living or at fine dining establishments. While hosts do not typically receive direct tips, some restaurants include them in a tip pool, which provides a small share of the servers’ gratuities.
A host position is frequently a starting point for a career in the hospitality industry. With experience, a host can advance to other front-of-house roles, such as a server or bartender, which often have higher earning potential through tips. These positions build on the knowledge gained at the host stand.
For those with long-term ambitions in the industry, the career path can lead to management. A host who demonstrates strong leadership and a deep understanding of restaurant operations may progress to a lead host, front-of-house manager, or eventually a general manager position. This progression shows that the initial role of a host can be a valuable first step toward a lasting career.