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As a restaurant manager, it is essential to approach the hiring process with a clear understanding of the type of candidate you want to bring on board in the long term. A well-prepared search not only saves time but also helps build a stronger front-of-house team. Here are four tips for the hiring phase:
Before you begin your search, it is essential to identify the qualities and skills you need for the hosting position. While each restaurant may have specific needs, some universal traits to look for include:
A clear and engaging job description is crucial for attracting qualified candidates who are not only capable but also genuinely excited about joining your team. Here are a few tips to help you:
Beyond experience, it’s critical to understand a candidate’s approach to customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving. Consider including questions like:
Due diligence is an important step in the hiring process. Conducting background and reference checks helps ensure the safety and integrity of your team, while also verifying the candidate’s experience and work history.
Imagine you’ve just hired the ideal host you were looking for. Training is key—most restaurants operate differently, and helping a new team member feel confident and comfortable from the start is crucial for their performance and greatly appreciated by the employee. Here are five key areas to focus on:
A structured onboarding process should cover your restaurant’s policies, procedures, and customer service standards as outlined in the restaurant staff handbook. This includes expectations for punctuality, dress code, safety procedures, and how to interact with customers and kitchen staff.
Train your host on restaurant table management software, rotation strategies, reading seating charts, and managing waitlists, especially during peak hours. A strong understanding of balancing reservations and walk-ins is essential for maintaining smooth operations and minimizing guest wait times in the dining room.
Guide your hostess on how to respond to customer complaints, handle guest inquiries, and stay attentive to their needs. Role-playing different scenarios during training can help them practice and build confidence.
Hosts need to be comfortable using the technology your full service restaurant relies on. Whether it’s a reservation platform, table management software, or a staff scheduling system, provide hands-on training and give them time to practice.
The hostess should have a solid understanding of the menu, food ingredients, daily specials, and key details about your restaurant. It’s also important for them to be familiar with any loyalty programs or promotions to assist customers effectively.
While clear training, communication, and onboarding lay a solid foundation, retaining top hosts is an ongoing challenge. In today’s competitive job market, restaurants that succeed in keeping their best employees often go beyond offering a paycheck.
In addition to fair pay, consider benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and employee meal discounts. These offerings demonstrate your commitment to your team and help build loyalty in a fast-paced, demanding industry.
A supportive and respectful workplace starts at the top, beginning with the general manager and filtering down through every role. Encouraging teamwork, recognizing individual contributions, and maintaining open communication fosters an environment where hosts feel valued and motivated.
Offering clear paths for advancement helps retain ambitious hosts. This could mean promoting from within to roles like shift supervisor or assistant manager, providing access to customer service workshops or leadership training, or supporting employees who are pursuing higher education. Investing in your team’s growth shows that you value them as long-term contributors to your business.
Regularly acknowledging outstanding work boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior. This can take many forms, such as employee of the month programs, spot bonuses, public praise during staff meetings, or small rewards like gift cards.
Maintaining open lines of communication with your hosts fosters trust and alignment. Offering constructive feedback with respect and understanding helps them improve and grow, while also giving them a chance to discuss their insights and concerns.
Positive dining experiences encourage repeat visits, create lasting memories, and lead customers to recommend your restaurant and share their moments by tagging the restaurant social media accounts. Here are four ways hostess can shape these moments:
Greet guests promptly with a genuine smile and eye contact as they arrive. Use their names if available from reservations. For walk-ins, a friendly introduction and a simple “Welcome to [Restaurant Name]” helps people feel recognized. Being well spoken here is essential.
Keep the waitlist updated and communicate honestly. If wait time extends, offer options like seating at the bar or providing menus to browse. Use waitlist software to track customers and send text alerts when their table is ready.
Listen carefully and confirm details: if a guest requests a quiet table or has dietary restrictions, relay this immediately to the wait staff. For complaints like incorrect orders or long waits, apologize sincerely and offer solutions such as a complimentary appetizer or priority seating next visit. Escalate serious issues to restaurant management quickly.
Note birthdays, anniversaries, or dietary needs in the reservation system. Greet returning customers by name and ask about their preferences. Offer tailored menu and drink orders recommendations based on previous visits or seasonal specials.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about what a host does, how it compares to other roles, and what to expect from the job.
A host is the first person to make contact with guests. They are responsible for greeting diners, managing reservations, handling seating arrangements, and ensuring the front-of-house runs smoothly.
Being a host can be challenging, especially during busy shifts or at night. It requires multitasking, handling guest expectations, and maintaining a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
No, they have different roles. A host manages the guest’s initial dining experience, greeting, seating, and waiting guests, while waiters serve food and beverages, take orders, and manage tables.
It depends on the location and restaurant type. Typically, servers may earn more due to tips, while hosts usually receive a fixed hourly wage.
The host plays a key role in creating a positive guest experience and driving the long-term success of your restaurant. To hire the right person, craft a clear and engaging job description that highlights the skills and traits you’re seeking. Use thoughtful interview questions, provide structured onboarding and training once hired, and offer competitive pay, a supportive work-life environment, and opportunities for career growth.
Ready to empower your hosts and elevate the guest experience? Book a demo with Paytronix to explore how loyalty programs and table management software can enhance the guest experience. Check out our Loyalty Guide to learn how to deliver unforgettable customer experiences.