Restaurant Host Job Description [Updated for 2025]

restaurant host job description

In the bustling world of hospitality, the role of a restaurant host has never been more important.

As the dining industry evolves, so too does the demand for warm, engaging individuals who can manage, enhance and protect our restaurant experiences.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a restaurant host?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
  • A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
  • Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of restaurant operations,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable restaurant host job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Restaurant Host Duties and Responsibilities

Restaurant hosts are critical in the operations of a restaurant, providing the first and last impression to guests.

They manage reservations and seating arrangements, and ensure that guests have a positive dining experience.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Greeting guests as they arrive and showing them to their tables
  • Taking and managing reservations over the phone or online
  • Keeping track of tables available in the restaurant and making adjustments to seating as necessary
  • Providing guests with menus and answering any initial questions
  • Ensuring cleanliness and organization of the host station, dining, and entryway areas
  • Communicating with waiting staff about available tables and customer needs
  • Handling guests’ complaints and ensuring they leave satisfied
  • Assisting with tasks like clearing tables or serving drinks when the restaurant is particularly busy
  • Processing payments and ensuring guests have a pleasant and seamless experience

 

Restaurant Host Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a friendly and outgoing Restaurant Host to join our team.

Your role will involve welcoming and seating guests, managing reservations, and providing outstanding customer service.

Restaurant Host responsibilities include greeting guests, providing accurate wait times, escorting customers to the dining and bar areas, and providing menus.

Our ideal candidates have a flair for communication, are hospitable and have basic knowledge of restaurant operations.

Ultimately, you will ensure we provide excellent customer service and a pleasant dining experience to our guests.

 

Responsibilities

  • Welcome guests in a warm and friendly manner
  • Ascertain their dining needs
  • Seat guests and manage the seating chart
  • Monitor restaurant activity to determine seating and dining flow
  • Respond to guest inquiries and requests in a timely, friendly, and efficient manner
  • Assist with taking reservations, orders, and delivery to guest tables as needed
  • Ensure guest satisfaction and make managers aware of any issues or concerns
  • Perform opening and closing duties

 

Qualifications

  • Previous work experience as a host, hostess or waiter
  • Understanding of restaurant etiquette
  • Familiarity with health and safety regulations
  • Experience in managing reservations
  • Demonstrable customer-service skills
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage with diverse groups of people
  • High school diploma; hospitality certification is a plus

 

Benefits

  • Tip compensation
  • Health insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Restaurant Host
  • Work Environment: Fast-paced, high-energy restaurant environment. Weekend and evening shifts are common.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Restaurant Manager or Assistant Manager.
  • Salary: Salary is typically based on hourly wage plus tips. Exact rate will be determined based on experience and qualifications.
  • Pay Range: $10 – $15 per hour (plus tips)
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
  • Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Restaurant Host Do?

Restaurant Hosts are the first point of contact for guests at a restaurant.

They play a critical role in creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring a positive dining experience.

They greet customers as they arrive, take their reservations or put them on a waiting list, give them menus and show them to their tables.

They may also answer phone calls and manage takeout orders.

Restaurant hosts are responsible for keeping track of available seating and efficiently managing the seating arrangements to accommodate as many guests as possible.

They also communicate with the servers and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operation.

When guests are about to leave, the host will say goodbye, check on their dining experience, and handle any complaints with professionalism.

In upscale restaurants, hosts may also be responsible for checking guests’ coats, recommending specials or wine pairings, and coordinating with the kitchen and waitstaff to ensure special requests are met.

Overall, the restaurant host is responsible for creating a positive first and last impression, managing the flow of guests, and maintaining a high level of customer service throughout the dining experience.

 

Restaurant Host Qualifications and Skills

A qualified restaurant host should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

  • Strong customer service skills to provide patrons with a positive dining experience from the moment they walk in the door.
  • Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively interact with customers, staff, and management.
  • Interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with customers and handle any complaints or issues in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills to manage reservations, waitlists, and tables effectively.
  • Problem-solving skills to handle any unexpected issues that may arise, such as overbooking or customer complaints.
  • Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and multitask efficiently during busy periods.
  • Physical stamina to stand for long periods and move around the restaurant quickly and efficiently.
  • Basic computer skills for managing digital reservations and seating chart systems.

 

Restaurant Host Experience Requirements

Restaurant hosts often begin with little to no experience, as this role is commonly considered an entry-level position in the restaurant industry.

However, any prior experience in customer service, retail, or other public-facing roles would certainly be advantageous.

After a period of on-the-job training, restaurant hosts usually gain a significant amount of practical experience regarding customer service, handling reservations, and managing seating arrangements.

Those with 1 to 2 years of experience as a restaurant host often have a strong understanding of the restaurant’s operations, are comfortable dealing with a variety of customer situations, and can handle the high-pressure environment of a busy restaurant.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often considered for supervisory or managerial roles within the restaurant.

These individuals have likely developed strong communication and leadership skills and have a thorough understanding of the restaurant’s standards and expectations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have significant leadership experience in the restaurant industry and may be considered for positions such as Restaurant Manager or Front of House Manager.

 

Restaurant Host Education and Training Requirements

Restaurant hosts typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

While formal education beyond high school is not required, some hosts may choose to pursue a degree in hospitality or a related field to gain a broader understanding of the industry.

Most of the training for this role is on-the-job and includes customer service, understanding the restaurant’s menu and policies, and learning how to use the restaurant’s booking and seating systems.

Though not required, some hosts may choose to gain a certification in hospitality or customer service to improve their skills and make themselves more appealing to potential employers.

Experience in a customer service role, such as retail or call center work, can also be beneficial for this role.

Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for successful restaurant hosts.

Bilingual or multilingual ability can be a bonus in this role, particularly in restaurants that cater to diverse clientele or are located in multicultural areas.

 

Restaurant Host Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Restaurant Host is $10.69 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly based on location, the specific restaurant, tips, and the individual’s experience in the role.

 

Restaurant Host Job Description FAQs

What skills does a restaurant host need?

A restaurant host should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they are usually the first point of contact for customers.

They should have good organizational skills to manage reservations and seating arrangements.

Hosts also need to be patient and able to handle stressful situations, like dealing with difficult customers or managing waiting times during busy periods.

 

Do restaurant hosts need any qualifications?

While no specific qualifications are required for a restaurant host, previous experience in customer service or the hospitality industry can be beneficial.

Some restaurants might offer on-the-job training for new hosts.

High school diploma or equivalent is often required.

Some individuals may choose to gain certifications in hospitality management for advancement opportunities.

 

What should you look for in a restaurant host resume?

A good restaurant host resume should display customer service experience, as well as any experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry.

Look for skills such as communication, organization, multitasking, and the ability to work under pressure.

Any additional languages spoken can be a bonus, as this can enhance communication with diverse customers.

 

What qualities make a good restaurant host?

A good restaurant host is friendly and welcoming, ensuring all customers feel comfortable from the moment they enter the restaurant.

They should have the ability to multitask, be organized, and manage their time effectively.

A good host is also patient and calm under pressure, as they often have to deal with difficult situations such as unhappy customers or busy periods.

 

Is it difficult to hire restaurant hosts?

Hiring restaurant hosts can be challenging as it requires finding individuals with the right blend of interpersonal skills, customer service experience, and the ability to handle a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment.

However, the hospitality industry often has a high turnover rate, so there are frequently opportunities to find new hires.

Offering competitive pay, flexible schedules, and a positive work environment can help attract quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the fast-paced world of being a restaurant host.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about greeting customers.

It’s about shaping the dining experience, one customer interaction at a time.

With our comprehensive restaurant host job description template and real-world examples, you’re on your way to making a move.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every customer interaction contributes to the larger dining experience.

Let’s shape that experience. Together.

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