Job Description of a Host or Hostess

Restaurant hosts and hostesses greet and seat guests and make sure customers have an enjoyable dining experience.

Hosts and hostesses serve as the first point of contact for restaurant customers. They greet and seat guests, maintain waiting lists and provide customer service by making sure that guests enjoy their meal and experience.

Duties

Hosts and hostesses assign and escort customers to their table, provide menus, make reservations, arrange parties, provide customers with a wait time and sometimes act as cashier.

Education, Training and Other Requirements

Restaurants usually require that hosts and hostesses have at least a high school education and provide on-the-job training. Hosts and hostesses should maintain a positive, friendly attitude and be outgoing, organized and well-groomed.

Salary and Hours

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average host and hostess salary in 2008 was $8.42 per hour. Hosts and hostesses can work full-time or part-time.

Benefits

Benefits may include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance and retirement plans for full-time employees as well as free meals while on the job.

Advancement

Hosts and hostesses can transfer to restaurants that pay a higher salary or advance to dining room supervisor, maitre d', assistant manager or general manager positions.

Employment Outlook

The BLS expects that employment growth will be slower than average with the increased use of take-out services. Host and hostess positions are expected to increase three to six percent between 2008-2018.

References

• State University: Restaurant Host or Hostess Job Description
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers