How to Be a Great Host or Hostess in a Restaurant

Advanced 45 min 16 steps 49271 views Rating: 3.7/5 Published: 2026-03-25

Make sure you have all of the supplies you need before your shift starts.. Keep track of each section.. Communicate with your servers.

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Steps

1

Make sure you have all of the supplies you need before your shift starts.

Step 1

Make sure you have all of the supplies you need before your shift starts.

2

Keep track of each section.

Step 2

Keep track of each section.

3

Communicate with your servers.

Step 3

Communicate with your servers.

4

Walk the floor to keep track of the tables.

Step 4

Walk the floor to keep track of the tables.

5

Help to clear and set tables when necessary.

Step 5

Help to clear and set tables when necessary.

6

Greet guests with a smile and welcome them to the restaurant.

Step 6

Greet guests with a smile and welcome them to the restaurant.

7

Ask how many people are in the party.

Step 7

Ask how many people are in the party.

8

Ask customers if they have a seating preference.

Step 8

Ask customers if they have a seating preference.

9

Answer the phone promptly.

Step 9

Answer the phone promptly.

10

Maintain your composure even if the restaurant gets hectic.

Step 10

Maintain your composure even if the restaurant gets hectic.

11

Show your guests to their table.

Step 11

Show your guests to their table.

12

Apologize to your customers if they have had to wait long.

Step 12

Apologize to your customers if they have had to wait long.

13

Make sure your guests are seated comfortably.

Step 13

Make sure your guests are seated comfortably.

14

Rotate stations.

Step 14

Rotate stations.

15

Place a menu and silverware for each guest at their place setting.

Step 15

Place a menu and silverware for each guest at their place setting.

16

Speak to guests as they leave.

Step 16

Speak to guests as they leave.

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