Also called: hostess, restaurant host
What a host does
Hosts welcome every guest, answer the phone, manage the reservation book and waitlist, and seat parties in a way that keeps servers evenly loaded and the kitchen paced. They quote honest wait times, handle walk-ins, and calm impatient guests. The best hosts understand the floor plan, track table turns, and communicate with servers and managers constantly. It is an excellent entry point into restaurants and builds skills that carry into server, manager, and events roles.
Pay snapshot: the BLS reports a national median of $15.00/hr for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop, and $16.89/hr in the Boston metro. See the full salary breakdown.
Responsibilities
- Greet guests warmly as they arrive and thank them as they leave
- Answer phones and handle reservation requests and questions
- Manage the waitlist and give accurate wait time quotes
- Seat guests according to the floor plan and server rotation
- Track table status and communicate with servers about turns
- Present menus and note special requests such as high chairs or accessibility needs
- Handle to-go orders and delivery pickups at the stand when applicable
- Manage large parties, special occasions, and VIP notes in the reservation system
- Keep the host stand, entrance, and waiting area clean and organized
- Escalate guest concerns to a manager quickly
Requirements
- No experience required, customer service experience preferred
- Comfort with reservation software such as OpenTable, Resy, or a similar system
- Friendly voice and professional appearance
- Ability to stand for a full shift and move quickly
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Basic math and organization skills for wait times and seating charts
Skills
- Warm, confident greeting
- Phone etiquette
- Reservation and waitlist management
- Floor awareness
- Calm under pressure
- Communication with servers and managers
- Multitasking
Schedule
Hosts usually work lunch or dinner shifts of four to six hours, with the busiest periods on Friday, Saturday, and holiday evenings.
Host job posting template
Copy this, replace the bracketed parts, and post it.
Host at [Restaurant Name], [City] About us [Restaurant Name] is a [concept] in [City] that prides itself on making guests feel welcome from the first hello. We are looking for a host who sets the tone for every visit. What you will do - Greet guests and manage the waitlist - Answer phones and handle reservations - Seat guests to keep servers balanced and tables turning - Communicate with servers and managers throughout service - Keep the entrance and host stand clean and welcoming What we are looking for - Friendly, polished, and organized - Customer service experience preferred, restaurant experience a plus - Comfortable with reservation software - Able to stay calm when the door gets busy - Evenings and weekends availability Pay and perks [$XX-$XX/hr + tip share where applicable]. Shift meals, flexible scheduling, and a path to server or management roles. Shifts [Shift], including weekends. How to apply Send your resume or a short note to [Email/Link], or stop by [Address] and ask for [Manager Name].
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