6 Key Things a Restaurant Host Does for You

A great restaurant host is not just a greeter. They are the embodiment of hospitality, making sure that every guest feels valued and attended to from the moment they arrive.

In this article, we’ll explore the key qualities to look for in a restaurant host and how they contribute to the success of a restaurant. 

For potential hosts considering this job position, this article will provide valuable insights into what it takes to excel in this role, including a detailed overview of the restaurant host job description.

So, whether you’re a host in the making or an employer seeking to hire the best talent, stick with us ’til the very end of this article and find out what truly makes this role so invaluable to one establishment. 

• First Impressions Matter

You know the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? 

Well, that couldn’t be truer in the hospitality industry. 

When a customer walks into the restaurant, the first person they meet is the host. Their smile, their greeting, and their overall vibe set the stage for their entire dining experience.

For instance, a restaurant host who recognizes a returning guest and greets them with “Welcome back! Would you like to sit at your usual table?” is guaranteed to make that guest feel special, welcomed, and like they’re a part of your restaurant family.

Contrary to that, if a customer walks into a restaurant and the host is distracted, unfriendly, or even rude, it leaves a sour taste before they’ve even looked at the menu.

In essence, a host is like the ambassador of the restaurant. Their ability to make a stellar first impression can turn a first-time visitor into a loyal customer, which means more repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

• Managing Reservations and Seating 

You know what else ruins a guest’s first impression? Other guests who are waiting aimlessly while the tables in your restaurant are sitting empty.

Not the best start to a dining experience, huh?

That’s where a restaurant host’s skill in managing reservations and seating efficiently comes into play, and they really do make a world of difference.

A great restaurant host will know how to maximize a restaurant’s capacity while ensuring customer satisfaction. They’ll know how to balance both reservations and walk-ins and ensure optimal use of space.

A host will also know how to make every guest feel comfortable. In doing so, they might seat a family with young children near the back, where it’s quieter and away from the busy bar area, which would also show consideration towards other guests looking to have a peaceful dining experience. 

In the end, those with a knack for this role have the power to elevate the reputation of the restaurant and make every dining experience a pleasure.

• Enhancing Customer Experience

Think about the best dining experience you’ve ever had. 

Chances are, it wasn’t just the food that made it memorable; it was the entire experience, from the moment you walked in until you left. 

A lot of that magic can be attributed to the restaurant host and the way they do their job.

For example, if a celebrating guest is greeted warmly by the host, and perhaps even with a complementary glass of champagne to kick off the evening, they will instantly feel valued and appreciate the personalized touch.

These little gestures and attention to detail that turn a regular night out into an unforgettable experience are a restaurant’s huge asset.

A great host also knows how to handle special requests and accommodate guests’ needs effortlessly. 

If a guest has a food allergy, the host can alert the kitchen and ensure that the guest’s meal is prepared safely. Or, if a couple arrives with a baby, the host can offer a high chair.  

These actions show that the restaurant cares about its customers and is committed to providing a delightful experience for everyone.

• Supporting Staff Coordination and Communication

Much of the restaurant’s ability to run smoothly can be attributed to the restaurant host and the way they support staff coordination and communication. 

See, a great restaurant host can also be recognized by the way other restaurant staff behave and how well they perform.

For example, they can be recognized through servers that are effortlessly gliding between tables or dishes that come out perfectly timed and accommodated to each customer’s special requests. 

Here, the host acts as the central hub of communication, relaying information between the kitchen, waitstaff, and management. If there’s a delay in the kitchen, the host can inform the servers so they can manage customer expectations and offer updates. 

If you want to prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems in your restaurant, especially during peak hours and busy Fridays, choose your restaurant host wisely. 

• Upselling and Promoting Restaurant Services

When a restaurant host comes up to a guest and says, “Tonight, we have a delicious homemade pasta with a rich truffle sauce. It’s one of our chef’s specialties and pairs perfectly with a glass of our house red.” – what they’re doing is called the art of upselling.

It’s a skill that every restaurant likes to see in their hosts, as it can increase their revenue while also improving the entire dining experience for guests by introducing them to new and exciting menu options.

A skilled host also knows how to promote restaurant services beyond just the food. 

For example, they might inform guests about upcoming events, like a live music night, to encourage repeat visits. Or, during slow periods, they can inform guests about the restaurant’s special promotions and encourage them to take advantage of the deal.

Ultimately, restaurant hosts that can upsell effectively make a big difference in the success of a restaurant.

• Maintaining a Welcoming and Organized Environment

A clean, welcoming atmosphere at the restaurant is what puts guests at ease.

There are plenty of things that contribute to this atmosphere, including:

• maintaining an organized seating arrangement
• ensuring that guests are seated efficiently and that tables are turned over promptly
• addressing spills on the floor promptly and alerting the cleaning staff to take care of them
• decluttering the dining area

These little details, attended to by restaurant hosts, play a vital role in creating a positive customer experience, making guests more likely to enjoy their meal and return in the future.

Conclusion

Being a restaurant host is as much an art as it is a job. 

It requires tons of skill, dedication, and a genuine passion for hospitality. 

Throughout this article, we’ve explored the key roles and responsibilities of a restaurant host and hopefully demonstrated how restaurant owners can recognize one that’s going to be a valuable asset to their establishment. 

As for those of you who are reading this article while considering applying for a restaurant host position, know that yours is the responsibility of creating moments that matter – for guests, for staff, and for the restaurant as a whole. 

Good luck!