Host

4 months ago


Santa Clara, United States JIUBA CORP Full time
Job DescriptionJob Description

Restaurant Host Job Description

A restaurant goer’s first impression is set by the host, who is there to greet, seat, and keep guests happy before they start their meals. This entry-level position is ideal for the social set—people-people who’ve never met a stranger and could score an A+ in small talk. Being able to diffuse difficult situations involving hungry people and thinking on your feet come in handy with this job. Restaurant hosts generally have flexible schedules and can work either full-time or part-time, making it a great gig for students in need of extra cash. Shifts generally vary and may include holidays and weekends or require late nights depending on the restaurant’s hours.

Restaurant Host Duties and Responsibilities

A restaurant host’s responsibilities will range from restaurant to restaurant depending on its location, size, hours, and cost, but a few core tasks are almost always associated with the job. Based on listings we analyzed, these duties are typically assigned to restaurant hosts.

Welcome Customers

As the first people customers encounter when they walk through the door, restaurant hosts set the tone for a guest’s dining experience. Hosts greet customers and show them to their seats or estimate wait time if all tables are filled. When hosts escort guests to their tables, they hand out menus and sometimes recite the specials and take drink orders.

Manage the Seating Plan

One of the most important responsibilities restaurant hosts take on is seating customers based on the wait staff’s section availability. Hosts must plan carefully on their feet, taking into consideration how long tables will turn around (since diners will be at different stages in their meals), upcoming reservations, and what table options need to stay open for parties of different sizes.

Schedule Phone and Online Reservations

Another key part of a restaurant host’s job is booking reservations. Hosts record all new reservations in a paper or digital planner that’s shared with other hosts. When changes are required, restaurant hosts are also responsible for canceling and shifting around reservations.

Fill Takeout Orders

Restaurant hosts are first in line for manning the phone that’s typically located at their station. Along with answering questions from customers, restaurant hosts take to-go orders and relay them to the kitchen staff. Once the food is prepared, hosts may pack and hand off takeout bags for pickup or delivery.

Assist in Restaurant Maintenance

Hosts help with opening and closing tasks such as setting tables, prep work, and cleaning. They must also maintain their station during their shift by clearing clutter, sweeping, and keeping the front entryway clean.

Restaurant Host Skills and Qualifications

People with warm, upbeat demeanors who enjoy working with all manner of personalities and have no trouble smoothing over complicated situations will thrive as restaurant hosts. Prior experience as a host is generally not required. The following skills are essential to getting the job done:

Interpersonal skills – patience, listening, and communicating with a confident but friendly attitude are all people skills a restaurant host must tap into while assisting customers.

Physical requirements – working at a restaurant may demand certain physical requirements. Hosts are typically on their feet for six to eight hours at a time and are occasionally tasked with cleaning or carrying heavy objects

Planning and organizing – restaurant host regularly manage reservations, assign tables, estimate wait times, and maintain a clean, uncluttered workspace

Memorization – hosts will be expected to learn the restaurant’s food and drink menu, daily specials, and table layout

Collaboration – restaurant hosts are part of a team and must work seamlessly with the wait staff, other hosts, and the restaurant’s management

Multitasking – the duties restaurant hosts take on will often be managed simultaneously throughout a shift, which means they must be able to prioritize tasks

Other Important Responsibilities:

Greeting guests as they enter and putting them on a waiting list as necessary.

Providing guests with menus and answering any initial questions.

Seating guests at tables or in waiting areas.

Assigning guests to tables they prefer, while keeping table rotation in mind so that servers receive the right number of customers.

Engaging with guests to ensure they're happy with food and service.

Responding to complaints and helping to resolve them.

Answering phone calls, taking reservations, and answering questions.

A knowledge of the menu.

Helping with other positions in the restaurant as needed.

Providing great customer service.

Hostess Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Ability to provide top-notch customer service in a fast-paced environment.

A positive attitude and ability to work well under pressure with all restaurant staff.

Does high-quality work while unsupervised.

Able to work in a standing position for long periods of time.

Able to safely lift and easily maneuver trays of food when necessary.

Willing to follow instructions and ask questions for clarification if needed.

Able to handle money accurately and operate a point-of-sale system.

Able to work in a busy restaurant environment.

Restaurant experience a plus.

Restaurant Host Education and Training

There are no minimum educational requirements to become a restaurant host. Hosts typically receive on-the-job training from their colleagues to learn how to perform their duties, restaurant policies, and how to use equipment like phones and reservation tools. In addition to hands-on training, some restaurants provide written manuals and more formal trainings on company protocol and kitchen safety.

Restaurant Host Salary


  • Host

    2 weeks ago


    Santa Clara, United States JIUBA CORP Full time

    Restaurant Host Job Description A restaurant goer’s first impression is set by the host, who is there to greet, seat, and keep guests happy before they start their meals. This entry-level position is ideal for the social set—people-people who’ve never met a stranger and could score an A+ in small talk. Being able to diffuse difficult situations...

  • Host

    1 week ago


    Santa Clara, California, United States Red Robin International Full time

    {"title": "Host", "description": "Host Opportunity at Red Robin InternationalAt Red Robin International, we're passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences. As a Host, you'll play a vital role in setting the tone for our guests' visits, ensuring they feel welcome and valued from the moment they step through our doors.Key Responsibilities:Provide...

  • Host

    1 week ago


    Santa Clara, California, United States Eataly North America Full time

    Job Title: HostWe are seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic Host to join our team at Eataly North America. As a Host, you will be the first and last point of contact with our guests, responsible for greeting, seating, and saying goodbye to guests while maintaining the flow of the restaurant during service.Key Responsibilities:Oversee the general...

  • Host

    5 days ago


    Santa Clara, California, United States Eataly North America Full time

    Job Title: HostWe are seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic Host to join our team at Eataly North America. As a Host, you will be the first and last point of contact with our guests, responsible for greeting, seating, and saying goodbye to guests while maintaining the flow of the restaurant during service.Key Responsibilities:Oversee the general...

  • Host

    1 week ago


    Santa Clara, California, United States California Pizza Kitchen Full time

    About California Pizza KitchenAt California Pizza Kitchen, we're passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences that leave a lasting impression. Our philosophy, R.O.C.K.S, stands for Respect, Opportunities, Communication, Kindness, and Service. We're committed to creating a culture that rocks, where every guest feels welcome and valued.Job...

  • Event Host

    3 weeks ago


    Santa Clara, United States Bowlero Corp Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionOverviewImagine your ideal job. Now add bowling. And arcade games. And parties every day of the week. This isn’t any ordinary workplace; it’s the beginning of a bowled new career as an Event Host with Bowlero Corp. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for a position.WHAT OUR EVENT HOSTS DOOur event hosts...

  • Dining Host

    2 days ago


    Santa Clara, California, United States Din Tai Fung Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a friendly and energetic Guest Services Representative to join our team at Din Tai Fung. As a Guest Services Representative, you will be responsible for greeting and hosting guests, utilizing our text message waiting system to check in guests and seat them at assigned tables in a manner that promotes maximum efficiency and table...

  • Host/Hostess

    2 days ago


    Santa Clara, California, United States King's Fish House - San Jose Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic Host/Hostess to join our team at King's Fish House - San Jose. As a Host/Hostess, you will be the first point of contact for our guests and will be responsible for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.Key ResponsibilitiesGreets guests and shows them to their tablesManages reservations and...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States Casual American Restaurant & Food and Beverage Garden Full time

    Host Job SummaryThe Host plays a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for our guests at Casual American Restaurant & Food and Beverage Garden. As the first point of contact, the Host ensures a positive experience from the moment guests arrive. Key responsibilities include managing reservations, overseeing seating, and contributing to the overall...

  • Restaurant Host

    2 weeks ago


    Santa Clara, California, United States Eataly North America Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Restaurant Host to join our team at Eataly North America. As a Restaurant Host, you will be the first point of contact for our guests and will be responsible for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in our dining room.Key ResponsibilitiesManage Guest Flow: Oversee the general functioning of the...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States Casual American Restaurant & Food and Beverage Garden Full time

    Job Summary:The Host plays a pivotal role in creating a positive and welcoming experience for our guests at Casual American Restaurant & Food and Beverage Garden. As the first point of contact, the Host ensures guests feel valued from the moment they enter our establishment. This role involves managing reservations, overseeing the seating process, and...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States Eataly North America Full time

    Job Title: Host - Eataly Silicon Valley **Job Summary:** We are seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic Host to join our team at Eataly Silicon Valley. As a Host, you will be the first and last point of contact with our guests, responsible for greeting, seating, and saying goodbye to guests while maintaining the flow of the restaurant during...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States Casual American Restaurant & Food and Beverage Garden Full time

    Host Job SummaryThe Host plays a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for our guests at Casual American Restaurant & Food and Beverage Garden. As the first point of contact, the Host ensures a positive experience from the moment guests arrive. Key responsibilities include managing reservations, overseeing seating arrangements, and contributing to...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States Red Robin International Full time

    {"title": "Host Role Overview", "content": "At Red Robin International, we're passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences. As a Host, you'll play a vital role in setting the tone for our guests' visits. Your friendly demeanor and warm welcome will make our guests feel at home.Key Responsibilities:Provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for our...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States Eataly North America Full time

    Job SummaryEataly North America is seeking a skilled Host to join our team at Eataly Silicon Valley. As a Host, you will be the first and last point of contact for our guests, responsible for greeting, seating, and saying goodbye. You will also maintain the flow of the restaurant during service, ensuring a seamless dining experience for our customers.Key...

  • Hospitality Host

    2 weeks ago


    Santa Clara, California, United States Casual American Restaurant & Food and Beverage Garden Full time

    Job SummaryThe Host plays a pivotal role in creating a positive and welcoming experience for our guests. The Host is the first point of contact for guests, ensuring they feel valued from the moment they walk through the door.Key ResponsibilitiesCreate a positive and inviting atmosphere by warmly welcoming guests as they enter/exit the restaurant.Manage...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States Host Healthcare Full time

    Job Opportunity for Speech Language PathologistHost Healthcare is seeking a skilled Speech Language Pathologist to join our team for a travel assignment in California.Job DetailsSpecialty: Speech Language PathologyDiscipline: TherapyDuration: 26 weeksHours: 35 hours per weekShift: 8 hours, daysEmployment Type: TravelAs a Speech Language Pathologist with Host...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States California Pizza Kitchen Full time

    About California Pizza KitchenCalifornia Pizza Kitchen is a leading restaurant chain that embodies a culture of Respect, Opportunities, open Communication, acts of Kindness, and epic Service. We're passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience to our guests.Job SummaryWe're seeking a warm and inviting Host to join our team. As a Host, you will...

  • Greeter/Host/Hostess

    3 months ago


    Santa Clara, United States Din Tai Fung Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDIN TAI FUNG RESTAURANTSLOCATION: 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050 (Westfield Valley Fair)PAY RATE FOR GREETER: $17.55/hour + Estimated Tips ($36-$78/shift)Hiring Multiple PositionsUrgently HiringJob Type: Part-timeThe base salary or hourly wage range for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including but...


  • Santa Clara, California, United States Host Healthcare Full time

    Occupational Therapist Job Opportunity with Host HealthcareHost Healthcare is a leading travel healthcare company with a current opening for an Occupational Therapist position in Santa Clara, CA. As a trusted partner for healthcare professionals, we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your career and well-being.Why Choose Host Healthcare?We pride...