Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
What is a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop?
Hosts and hostesses in restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops are essential front-of-house staff responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and ensuring smooth operations. They greet patrons as they arrive, manage reservations, and assign tables based on availability while considering customer preferences and group sizes. Beyond just seating guests, hosts and hostesses are often the first point of contact for customers, setting the tone for their dining experience. They may also handle inquiries, waitlist management, and coordinate with the service staff to maintain an organized flow of patrons. Exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are crucial in this role, as they work to ensure that every guest feels valued and cared for. Their responsibilities can vary from one establishment to another, but their primary goal remains the same: to enhance the overall experience for diners and create a friendly and inviting environment.
Tasks
- Provide guests with menus.
- Assign patrons to tables suitable for their needs and according to rotation so that servers receive an appropriate number of seatings.
- Greet guests and seat them at tables or in waiting areas.
- Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries or transfer calls.
- Operate cash registers to accept payments for food and beverages.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Point of sale POS software
- Hospitality Control Solutions Aloha Point-of-Sale
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Data base user interface and query software
- Avenista Table Reservations
- GuestBridge Reserve
- OpenTable
- Reservation software
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
Tools Used
- Carbonated beverage dispenser
- Non carbonated beverage dispenser
- Commercial use coffee or iced tea makers
- Point of sale POS terminal
- Special purpose telephones
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Assist customers with seating arrangements.
- Present food or beverage information or menus to customers.
- Provide customers with general information or assistance.
- Operate cash registers.
- Process customer bills or payments.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$21530.0 - $38830.0
This career will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.