4 Tips for Hiring, Training, and Retaining a Restaurant Host

First impressions in the restaurant industry are as essential as the perfect seasoning in a dish. When executed well, they set the tone for the entire dining room experience. However, finding, motivating, and retaining great hosts remains a challenge for many restaurant owners and managers.  

A restaurant host is the first point of contact for guests. They greet and welcome diners, manage reservations, seat parties, and support the front-of-house manager and team. Their role has a direct impact on customer satisfaction and, ultimately, the business's long-term success. 

As of May 2025, the average hourly wage for a restaurant host in the US is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter. While offering a competitive wage is important, attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just compensation.  

This article offers practical tips to help you hire, train, and retain exceptional restaurant hosts who contribute to a seamless hospitality management approach, ultimately enhancing the dining experience. 

Hiring the Right Host 

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: 

1. Defining the Ideal Host Profile: 

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: 

• Personality: A friendly, approachable attitude that puts guests at ease from the moment they walk in, without being overly scripted.  
• Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively, whether managing reservations, supporting the team, or responding to special requests.  
• Problem-Solving Skills: A calm, solution-focused approach to handling unexpected challenges, such as last-minute table changes or dissatisfied guests during a given shift. 
• Professionalism: A well-groomed appearance, punctuality, and a positive work ethic that reflects the standards of your establishment. 

2. Writing a Compelling Job Description: 

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:  

• Be specific about responsibilities and expectations.  
• Emphasize the importance of customer service and teamwork in the role. 
• Include details about your restaurant’s culture, the software tools you use for daily operations, your core values, and any unique benefits you offer.  

3. Effective Interviewing Techniques: 

Beyond experience, it’s critical to understand a candidate’s approach to customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving. Consider including questions like: 

• Can you describe a time you handled a difficult situation with a customer? 
• How do you prioritize tasks when the front-of-house has a busy week?  
• What do you think is the most important part of a guest’s first impression? 
• What expectations do you have about the work environment, benefits, and opportunities for growth?  

4. Background Checks and Reference Checks: 

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.  

Training Your Host for Success 

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:  

1. Onboarding and Initial Training: 

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. 

2. Table Management and Seating Procedures:

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. 

3. Customer Service Best Practices:

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.  

4. POS System and Technology Training:

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. 

5. Menu Knowledge and Restaurant Information: 

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. 

Retaining Your Top Hosts 

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. 

Competitive Compensation and Benefits 

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. 

Creating a Positive Work Environment

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.  

Providing Opportunities for Growth and Development 

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.  

Recognizing and Rewarding Performance

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.  

Regular Feedback and Communication

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.  

The Host's Role in Enriching the Guest Experience 

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:  

1. Creating a Warm Welcome: 

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. 

2. Managing Wait Times Effectively: 

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. 

3. Handling Guest Special Requests and Complaints:

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. 

4. Providing Personalized Service:

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.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Hosts 

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. 

What is a host in a restaurant? 

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.  

Is it hard being a restaurant host? 

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. 

Are a host and a waiter the same? 

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. 

Do hosts get paid more than servers? 

It depends on the location and restaurant type. Typically, servers may earn more due to tips, while hosts usually receive a fixed hourly wage.  

Hiring an Excellent Host 

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.