Restaurant Hostess

Roles and responsibilities

The Hostess is the guest’s first impression of the restaurant, with knowledge of menus, menu ingredients and guest preferences.

She is the first interaction for guests in Cafe Milano Restaurant and is the designer of memorable experiences. This role is dedicated to providing exceptional quality and service to our guests.

What You Will Do

• Welcome guests and provide exceptional service during their dining experience in collaboration with a team of servers
• Manage the host stand, review the reservation book and make recommendations as to the setup of the table sections
• Ensure cleanliness of each section of the dining rooms and make necessary improvements as well as check each table prior to opening to ensure its proper set
• Develop a complete working knowledge of the menus, menu ingredients and restaurant information
  

What You Bring

• One to two years’ experience in the similar role within a luxury Hotels is considered an asset
• Ability to operate computer equipment and other food & beverage computer systems
• Strong communication skills
• Being able to stand for long periods, move quickly around the dining area, and walk guests to their tables.
• Lifting and carrying menus, menus holders, and occasionally assisting with seating arrangements for larger groups.

• Cash Handling (If Applicable)

• Handling payments or deposits for reservations (if required) in a secure and professional manner.
• Occasionally assisting with handling guest checks or assisting servers with settling bills.

• Adaptability and Flexibility

• Adapting to changes in guest traffic, reservations, or seating arrangements during peak times.
• Remaining flexible when there are unexpected challenges, such as last-minute changes to bookings or guest complaints.

Desired candidate profile

. Customer Service Skills

• Greeting guests warmly and with a friendly attitude, creating a positive first impression.
• Engaging with guests in a courteous and professional manner, making them feel welcome.
• Addressing guest inquiries, concerns, or requests and directing them to the appropriate person if needed.

2. Communication Skills

• Clearly and effectively communicating with guests, servers, and other restaurant staff.
• Using a calm, clear voice when answering phones, taking reservations, or directing guests to their tables.
• Explaining the wait time or restaurant policies politely, especially during busy hours.

3. Multitasking and Time Management

• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as greeting new guests, answering phone calls, handling reservations, and directing guests to tables.
• Ensuring the dining area is organized and seating arrangements are optimized for efficiency.

4. Reservation Management

• Taking, confirming, and updating reservations accurately using reservation systems or logs.
• Keeping track of table availability and managing waitlists efficiently, balancing guest expectations and wait times.
• Preparing for large parties or special requests and ensuring that tables are set up accordingly.

5. Organizational Skills

• Maintaining an organized host station with menus, reservation lists, and other tools needed to seat guests effectively.
• Ensuring the dining area is clean, including clearing menus or resetting tables as necessary.
• Monitoring the flow of guests into the restaurant and distributing seating in an efficient manner.

6. Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution

• Managing any issues that arise, such as seating delays or guest complaints, with patience and diplomacy.
• Finding solutions to seating problems, like accommodating large groups or requests for special seating arrangements.

7. Teamwork and Collaboration

• Working closely with servers, managers, and other restaurant staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Supporting waitstaff by relaying information about guest preferences or special requests.
• Assisting with the coordination of seating arrangements during peak times and ensuring guests are attended to promptly.

8. Knowledge of the Menu

• Having a basic understanding of the menu, including specials, to answer any questions or make suggestions to guests.
• Being able to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences and directing guests to suitable menu options.

9. Attention to Detail

• Ensuring that tables are ready and clean before seating guests.
• Paying attention to guest preferences, such as seating preferences, and remembering special details for return visits.
• Noticing when guests need assistance and proactively offering support.