As a host or hostess, you are the first and last person that guests see in a restaurant. Because of this, you should always be alert, friendly, and efficient. Keeping your restaurant tidy, making sure guests are happy, and keeping track of what happens at each table are just a few of the ways you can keep guests happy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Maintain Organization
Step 1. Make sure you have all the supplies you need before starting your shift
You should have several highlighter pens and markers, a seating chart, and notepaper in your place. If there is anything else you need, ask the manager for it. You should also make sure there are enough clean cutlery available.
Step 2. Keep a record of each section
Make a plan of the table layout and station for each waiter. Keep track of how many tables are in each section, how many people are in each group, and what time each group arrived. This will help you assign new tables to the waiters who have the most tables available.
If the restaurant accepts reservations, be sure to take them into account when preparing your seating plan
Step 3. Communicate with the waiters
You need to know if a waiter is overwhelmed with only 2 tables or if he can serve one more, even if he already has 6 at the maximum. The best way to find out what bartenders can handle is to talk to them. Remember that everyone works on the same team!
If possible, ask busy waiters if they are ready to serve another table, before you seat guests. You can also ask if they are comfortable handling large groups when one arrives
Step 4. Walk around the restaurant to keep track of the tables
Sometimes during a busy dinner shift, you could lose control of the people who have already left. If that's the case, have someone watch your booth and walk around the restaurant with the seating chart. Find tables that are marked occupied, but are already available. You can also check if customers are already eating dessert, as the server in that section will likely be ready to serve a new table soon.
Step 5. Help clean and set up tables when needed
You are probably not expected to clean and set up tables as part of your job, but you should be willing to lend a hand when needed. Clear the tables, set the silverware, and set up the chairs when you're not doing anything else.
Part 2 of 3: Greet Guests
Step 1. Greet guests with a smile and welcome them to the restaurant
You have the first opportunity for the restaurant to make a good impression, so be sure to keep an eye out whenever new guests arrive. Greet them cordially. If they are regulars, please speak to them by name. Let them know right away if they will have to wait, so they can decide if they want to make other dinner plans.
If you are busy with another guest when someone arrives, respond to their arrival with a smile or by saying something like "I'll be with you in a moment!"
Step 2. Ask how many people are in the group
Don't assume that just because 2 people have approached, they will be the only ones in the group. The rest of the group may not have arrived yet. Always ask so you know what size table your guests need.
Step 3. Ask customers if they prefer a certain seat
Guests with a larger build may not be comfortable crammed into a small booth, and customers who have trouble walking may want a seat close to the door so they don't have to walk as much. Judge for yourself, but don't be afraid to ask customers what type of seating they prefer.
Step 4. Answer the phone immediately
Usually the restaurant host is responsible for answering the phone. Make sure to answer the phone promptly and professionally. Provide the name of the restaurant and your name and ask how you can help the person on the phone. When you're busy, kindly ask if you can put them on hold.
Step 5. Maintain your composure, even if the restaurant gets chaotic
When it's time for dinner, it can be difficult to stay calm and composed, but if you give up, the whole restaurant could become disorganized. If you're feeling stressed, take a deep breath and remember that even the busiest dinner service will be over in a couple of hours.
Part 3 of 3: Seating the Clients
Step 1. Show the guests your table
Make sure you don't walk faster than the clients. Walk slightly in front of them, carrying the menus and silverware to the table where you want them to sit. Before customers sit down, ask if the table is okay.
Step 2. Apologize to customers if they have had to wait too long
Most customers assume that they will wait at least 10 minutes to be assigned a table at a restaurant, especially if they do not have a reservation. If your guests have waited much longer than that, offer a sincere apology when you show them their table. Ask management if it's okay to serve them a complimentary drink or snack (but don't offer it to guests until you have permission).
Step 3. Make sure the guests are comfortable
If your restaurant is slow, try to seat your guests at a table that is not directly next to another full table. Of course, if the restaurant is very busy, the guests will have to sit close to other diners, but try to make sure that all the guests have enough space to be comfortable.
Step 4. Rotate stations
By seating guests by rotating stations, you will ensure that all waiters can earn money that night. Rotating the stations will also help the servers not feel overwhelmed by having many tables at the same time.
Step 5. Put the menu and silverware in place for each guest
Never throw all the menus on the table as it may seem rude and dismissive. Instead, carefully place a menu and silverware on each seat at the table and make sure guests are seated before they leave the table.
Be prepared to get water or other small items for the guests. If they ask for anything else, let them know that the waiter will be with them soon
Step 6. Talk to the guests when they leave
You're the last person your guests will have contact with, so bid them a polite goodbye when they walk out the door. This will help them feel like they had a pleasant dining experience.