4 answers
Emery
Student
Huntington Beach, California
1
Question
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Tips on high end restaurant hosting ?
I’m in need of some tips on hosting in a very high end restaurant setting, just a baby host asking for experienced customer service workers do’s and don’ts
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1354
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Emery as the first person a customer meets when they walk through a restaurant’s door, a host or hostess is one of the most critical positions within hospitality. They often control the entire flow of the restaurant and can set the tone for the diners’ complete experience, ensuring that they walk away with only positive things to say. So... it goes without saying as a host you must be friendly. Every customer should be welcomed with a smile and their requests attended to in an efficient manner. As the first point of contact, you are setting the scene for what’s to come, so you should aim to make every guest feel important and comfortable at the same time. What’s more, nothing should be too much effort, a great host will endeavour to say ‘yes’ to every request.
Communication is essential in your hosting role, but it’s especially important in your hosting position. Therefore, a great host you should be articulate and well-spoken, both in person and on the phone. You should be able to adapt your communication style with any person and situation, responding to situations calmly and without delay. As a restaurant host, no two days are the same so it’s essential that you can roll with the punches, keeping a cool head in difficult situations. For example missing reservations to delayed orders, there is plenty of room to go wrong, so working with your team to find a suitable solution is a valuable skill.
Hopefully you'll find this helpful Emery
No restaurant runs with just one staff member, so as the host you need to be able to work well with others, collaborating to provide the highest levels of service for your guests. Whether communicating special dietary requirements to chefs, or jumping onto the floor when the wait staff are overwhelmed, being able to work well in a team makes a host one of a restaurant’s most valuable players.
Communication is essential in your hosting role, but it’s especially important in your hosting position. Therefore, a great host you should be articulate and well-spoken, both in person and on the phone. You should be able to adapt your communication style with any person and situation, responding to situations calmly and without delay. As a restaurant host, no two days are the same so it’s essential that you can roll with the punches, keeping a cool head in difficult situations. For example missing reservations to delayed orders, there is plenty of room to go wrong, so working with your team to find a suitable solution is a valuable skill.
Hopefully you'll find this helpful Emery
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Krishawna Crum
Credentialing Assistant 3
3
Answers
Oxford, Mississippi
Updated
Krishawna’s Answer
Hi! Thanks for inquiring. I will give board suggestions as expectations and requirements may vary for different businesses.
1. Please adhere to the dress code. (Your physical representation is what the customer notice before you say a word) This includes nails, hair, etc.
2. Learn the customs (culture) of the restaurant (Is this a tourist city, college town, etc. Customers appreciate knowledgeable hosts who are aware of the local culture.
3. Try to think of your role as "offering an experience for the customer " instead of a transaction. In other words, be attentive to their concerns from the time they enter the place of business until they leave. For example, if you see a customer struggling to locate the bathroom, either send someone to assist or you assist if you can.
1. Please adhere to the dress code. (Your physical representation is what the customer notice before you say a word) This includes nails, hair, etc.
2. Learn the customs (culture) of the restaurant (Is this a tourist city, college town, etc. Customers appreciate knowledgeable hosts who are aware of the local culture.
3. Try to think of your role as "offering an experience for the customer " instead of a transaction. In other words, be attentive to their concerns from the time they enter the place of business until they leave. For example, if you see a customer struggling to locate the bathroom, either send someone to assist or you assist if you can.
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Make sure you know how to handle customers with disabilities:
Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? Is there a bathroom that is wheelchair accessible? Which tables are best to accommodate a wheelchair? What if there is more than one?
Pay attention to customers who are vision impaired or deaf. Is a braille menu available for blind customers? If someone has a service dog, where can they comfortably sit? Make sure the dog gets at least a bowl of water, maybe also something to eat. You can make someone's day if they feel welcome.
Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? Is there a bathroom that is wheelchair accessible? Which tables are best to accommodate a wheelchair? What if there is more than one?
Pay attention to customers who are vision impaired or deaf. Is a braille menu available for blind customers? If someone has a service dog, where can they comfortably sit? Make sure the dog gets at least a bowl of water, maybe also something to eat. You can make someone's day if they feel welcome.
Lisa Lim
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Collaborate with your restaurant liaison to understand the profile of the attendees and their specific needs, such as dietary restrictions, and their seating arrangements. Review the menu and beverage choices thoroughly, and get approval from the dinner's host to ensure they're satisfied with the options. If the dinner is part of a multi-day event, find out what was served for lunch to offer a diverse dinner menu, particularly in terms of protein.
Discuss the overall experience, paying close attention to details like floral arrangements, seating assignments/name cards, and music. These should be agreed upon with both the restaurant and the person for whom you're planning the event. If the dinner is to celebrate a special occasion, brainstorm with the restaurant on how to make it memorable.
Lastly, plan the evening's timeline meticulously so that the service staff knows when to serve without disrupting any speeches or toasts. Ensure that drinks are topped up in time for any toasts.
Discuss the overall experience, paying close attention to details like floral arrangements, seating assignments/name cards, and music. These should be agreed upon with both the restaurant and the person for whom you're planning the event. If the dinner is to celebrate a special occasion, brainstorm with the restaurant on how to make it memorable.
Lastly, plan the evening's timeline meticulously so that the service staff knows when to serve without disrupting any speeches or toasts. Ensure that drinks are topped up in time for any toasts.