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What must hostess do?

What makes a good restaurant hostess?

  • I'm starting a second part time job tonight at a fine dining, upscale restaurant as a hostess. I was wondering what you think makes an excellent hostess or if you had any tips for me to impress the company I will be working for.

  • Answer:

    YES!!! Congrats on getting the job! Being a hostess, you're stuck in the middle - you have to please the waitstaff (who are likely tipping you) and the customers. I don't know how your particular restaurant works, but generally in upscale restaurants this is what you want to know: 1. Servers should be on rotation - keeps timing even for the servers, less stress. Make a list of the servers and seat tables for each one, in an orderly fashion, Server 1's section, Server 2's section, Server 3's section, etc... Most restaurants allow you to ask the servers if they're ready for another table when they are busy - always tell the server she has a new table (sometimes it's easy to miss, even paying attention to her section). 2. If all servers are too busy - start a waiting list!!! There is nothing worse than seating a table and no one has time to wait on them - so they sit there becoming more and more frustrated = bad tip. The nicer you are to the servers, the nicer they will be to you! 3. Remember - you are part of a team. If the servers make $$$, you make $$$ - it's in everyone's best interest to help each other. Always! 4. Always mark down where you sat a table - you'll probably have a chart. 5. Always prepare a table BEFORE a reservation arrives 6. Always help servers and bussers if you're not busy. Offer to water a table, grab extra napkins, pick up if you see something dropped. You are the real eyes and ears of the restaurant. 7. You're also a peacekeeper if there is a problem with someone's bill or credit card. KEEP SMILING! The people really don't matter (they come, they eat, they leave) - so don't let them get to you if they are mad. Don't let anything make you feel like it's YOUR fault. KEEP SMILING - get the manager. I have worked food service for years in upscale dining. Usually it's great - but like everywhere else. You have bitchy girls, whining girls, people who have no work ethic, people who will steal and blame you - it can get ugly. Don't let it involve you - keep yourself detached while dealing with issues. Get your manager if it gets ugly, ever.

Shannon Michelle at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Know the menu by heart (like what are the basic ingredients) and the chef's special. (not necessarily the best seller). Be polite, greet the customers and always put a smile on your face. Have the initiative, do not wait for the customer to get angry waiting for their order. but instead, apologize and explain why it takes longer than usual. ;) Good luck and God Bless

Marc C

Be Fast, Fun, and Friendly!

Abigail

okay shannone ready? first dress to impress.People like to be greeted by someone who dresses nice and proper of course. I dont mean sexy tight clothes, I mean something classy. greet all with a smile and when you seat someone hand the menus to the lady first if that be the case. remember to be friendly and always smile. you will do fine.

superwoman

Always smile and acknowledge them as soon as they arrive. Don't talk with other employees while guests are in front of you. Be neat and clean with your hair styled. Be sincere with any comments you make towards the guests.

rcButterfly

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