Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The restaurant Host is the first person to interact with arriving guests as they enter the restaurant. It is the job of the Host to greet arriving guests, welcome them into the establishment and seat them. The guests receive their first impression of the service of the restaurant by their exchange with the Host. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome and acknowledge all guests according to company standards
• Help plan and coordinate timely seating of guests
• Escort guests to their table and prompt a warm welcome from the rest of the FOH team
• Maintain seating chart
• Communicate with the kitchen regarding guest counts and length of wait for tables
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and host/hostess stand throughout the day
• Ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional
• Thank guests with genuine appreciation
• Take reservations in person and over the phone, using professional language at all times.
• Answer telephones, responding to guests questions in a professional manner.
• Stay up to date and current on all general hotel and restaurant information
• Check phone messages. Respond to messages when appropriate.
• Use guest names whenever possible.
• Have general knowledge of menus items

OTHER:

• Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by the Hotel from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position. Employees with irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
• Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel.
• Upon employment, all employees are required to fully comply with the hotel rules and regulations for the safe and efficient operation of the facility.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a basic understanding of menu items 
• Ability to use OpenTable reservation system 
• Have proficiency with computers, phone systems and messaging systems 
• Ability to satisfactorily communicate in English (speak, read, write) with guests, co-workers and management to their understanding.
• Ability to perform assigned duties with attention to detail, speed, accuracy, follow-through, courtesy, cooperativeness and work with a minimum amount of supervision.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks at once.
• Punctuality and regular and reliable attendance.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with co-workers 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience as Host is preferred, ideally in a fast-paced, upscale environment. Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill and ability.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess a valid Food Handler Card

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee may stand for up to eight hours per shift excluding required rest break and meal periods. The employee frequently is required to walk and reach with hands and arms.