Host/Hostess

Host/Hostess

Provide friendly, responsive service to create an exceptional dining experience for all of our guests, by welcoming and warmly greeting guests on arrival. Manage the efficient and timely seating of our guests to a table that best serves their wishes.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with the mission of El Encanto Restaurants and Core Values.
• Warmly and graciously greet all guests and seat them at tables or in waiting areas.
• Open the front door for guests entering or leaving the restaurant when possible.
• Provide guests with menus and inform them of their server's name upon seating.
• Record guest names and the number of people in party and provide guests with estimated waiting time when immediate seating is limited.
• Assign guests to tables suitable for their needs and according to rotation so that servers receive an appropriate number of seatings.
• Call out name and number of party when tables become available.
• Speak with guests to ensure satisfaction with food and service, to respond to complaints, or to make conversation.
• Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries or transfer calls.
• Maintain contact with kitchen staff, management, serving staff, and guests to ensure that dining details are handled properly, and customers' concerns are addressed.
• Inspect dining and serving areas to ensure cleanliness and proper setup.
• Inform guests of establishment specialties and features.
• Receive and record guests' dining reservations.
• Inspect restrooms for cleanliness and availability of supplies and clean restrooms when necessary.
• Direct guests to coatrooms and waiting areas such as lounges.
• Relay messages to servers and bussers as needed.
• Thank guests as they leave and invite them to return.
• Attend all scheduled employee meetings and offers suggestions for improvement.
• Coordinate with and assist fellow employees to meet guests' needs and support the operation of the restaurant.
• Fill-in for fellow employees where needed to ensure guest service standards and efficient operations.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide guests with information about local areas, including giving directions.
• Assist bus and expediter when necessary.
• Take and prepare to-go orders.
• Operate cash registers to accept payments for food and beverages.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of dining room staff to ensure that patrons receive prompt and courteous service.

Tools and Technologies

• Carbonated beverage dispenser
• Cash registers
• Commercial use coffee or iced tea makers
• Ice dispensers
• Non-carbonated beverage dispenser
• Personal computers
• Pocket calculator
• Point-of-sale terminals and workstations
• Special purpose telephones
• Touch screen monitors
• Calendar and scheduling software
• Table management or reservation software (OpenTable)

Qualifications for the Job

Availability to work evenings and on weekends, including holidays

Required/Necessary Skills

• Math and budgeting
• Analytical skills
• Basic Computer Skills/knowledge of Aloha and/or similar POS systems and ability to learn and master systems utilized by organization
• Decision making
• Speaking and Writing
• Time management skills