Host/Hostess

Hostess/Host Position

Effectively coordinates and controls the flow of the door by greeting arrivals, seating and acknowledging departures of all guests, which results in a superior guest experience for all RCSH guests.

Essential job functions:

• Reports to work as indicated on the work schedule and in the correct uniform. Practices positive personal hygiene and cleanliness habits during all work shifts.
• Obtains staffing and station assignments for all servers, service assistants, runners and bar staff from the Manager-on-Duty. Completes table/station chart with these assignments.
• Correctly completes all opening and side work duties of the hostess/host at the start of the shift, in a timely manner.
• Assists the Manager-on-Duty in planning reservations and assigning parties to appropriate tables, stations and/or servers.
• Answers the telephone in a timely, pleasant and courteous manner. Correctly takes, confirms and documents reservations.
• Immediately recognizes and greets arriving guests, obtains guests' names, provides names to servers and directs guests to the appropriate waiting areas.
• Escorts guests to their assigned table, to all guests.
• Controls the flow of business by practicing rotation seating, anticipating table turns and following the reservation and seating plan.
• Accurately quotes waiting times to guests and correctly maintains the "wait" list.
• Informs Manager-on-Duty when waiting times are running over times quoted to our guests.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the hostess/host stand and lobby area throughout the shift.
• Monitors and enforces social distancing requirements in waiting areas as dictated by state and local social distancing regulations.
• Communicates to the Manager-on-Duty any and all situations where a guest may express concern or dissatisfaction with any aspect of the dining experience.
• Acknowledges all departing guests and invites them to return.
• Answers phone to take orders from Take Out and Delivery orders.
• Takes, records and rings all food and beverage items ordered by Take Out guests.
• Receives Take Out orders from Food Runner or kitchen staff, checks for accuracy, and addresses any inaccuracies.
• Correctly presents the Take Out guest check and coordinates payment for all food and beverages sold with Bartender.
• Addresses any Take Out guest complaints.
• Completes all closing duties in a timely manner.
• Follows all national, state, and local safety, health, and sanitation guidelines as specified by the restaurant.
• Supports other front-of-house positions as needed, providing a seamless guest experience to all guests.
• Performs all duties and maintains knowledge of all standards and procedures, as stated in the RCSH Employee Training Packet – Hostess/Host.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Competencies/personal characteristics:

• Guest first mindset
• Demonstrates a guest first mindset, placing a high priority on the guest experience
• Interacts regularly with guests, demonstrating a genuine interest in guests, and ensuring a superior dining experience for all guests

Job requirements:

• Excellent customer service skills and a strong work ethic
• Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism
• Handle stress associated with responding to/solving problems

Physical demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods of time, at least 8 hours, and traverse all parts of the restaurant quickly
• Ability to read, speak, write, and understand communication in English
• Must be able to lift, handle and carry (e.g. trays, small wares and equipment) at a minimum of 25 pounds
• Must have a good sense of balance, be able to bend, kneel, stoop, reach and squat on a frequent basis
• Must be able to communicate effectively and listen attentively
• Must be able to continuously use fingers (e.g. to bilaterally operate the telephone and use point-of-sale equipment)

Work environment:

• Work is performed in a restaurant
• Position involves work on afternoons, nights, weekends, and holidays, as required
• Must be able to work in an environment subject to loud noises from restaurant equipment and machinery, fumes, odors, dust and smoke
• Temperature extremes range from working near 1800-degree Fahrenheit to working in a walk-in freezer of -10 degree Fahrenheit

Note: The information here does not constitute a contract, express or implied. The content of this material is not all-inclusive but is for informational purposes only. Ruth's Chris Steak House is an Equal Opportunity employer.

We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.