Job description for Restaurant Hostess at SO MUNCH
A hostess (or host) manages the front-of-house, acting as the first point of contact to welcome guests, manage reservations, and coordinate seating to optimize dining flow. Key responsibilities include greeting patrons, managing waitlists, providing menus, and maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming entrance area.
Core Responsibilities
Greeting Guests: Welcoming guests warmly, acknowledging them upon arrival, and managing the entry area.
Seating Management: Escorting guests to tables, providing menus, and ensuring an even rotation among servers to avoid overworking staff.
Reservation Handling: Taking bookings via phone or online systems, managing waitlists, and providing accurate wait-time estimates.
Customer Service: Answering inquiries, managing guest complaints, and ensuring a positive overall experience.
Team Coordination: Communicating with waitstaff, bar, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal communication for handling guests and high-pressure situations.
Organization: Ability to manage busy, high-volume environments and seat guests efficiently.
Customer Service Orientation: A warm, energetic, and professional demeanor.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand and walk for long periods (often 6-8 hours).
Technical Skills: Familiarity with POS systems and reservation platforms.
Previous restaurant or customer service experience is often preferred.
