Lost Boy & Co | Downright Austin | Host

Host/Hostess Job Description

Job Title:

Host\Hostess

Responsible to:

General Manager; Assistant GM/F&B Managers/Supervisors

Place of Work:

Downright Austin

Main Duties: Assists Food & Beverage front of house staff by greeting and seating all guests. Also assists with all service needs of restaurant servers and bartenders to maximize guest experience.

Essential Functions: 

• Greet, direct, seat, and tend to food and beverage guests, including watering, passing out menus, replenishing coffee, replacing silverware, and other service needs based on Downright
• service standards.
• Impart to the customer warmth and graciousness, much as you would give a guest in your own home.
• Manage all reservations through the booking system. Efficiently manage seating times and rotations to maximize table turns and prove service staff with fair, consistent work flow.
• Understand all menu offerings, times offered, and hours of operation.
• Be thoroughly familiar with menu items and related materials.
• Complete designated side work efficiently and thoroughly.
• Answer the telephone and respond to guest inquiries.
• Assist in resolving any complaints, and communicate disgruntled customers to the appropriate supervisor.
• Undertake all reasonable tasks requested by supervisors.
• Represent a positive working liaison with all other members of the kitchen and front of house staff.
• Communicate with the staff regarding special requests/needs of a guest.
• Complete all listed opening, side-work, and closing checklists, cleaning checklists, and duties related to shift.
• Check out with the manager once the shift is complete.
• Consciously assist in all company promotions when required.
• Practice cleanliness and safety in all dining areas, liquor and wine storage areas.
• Understand and communicate daily specials and specialty menus to guests.
• Assist in training new employees and helping others.
• Assist team members as needed to promote a positive teamwork environment.
• Stock glassware, silverware, and napkin backups in all areas (host stand, service areas, bar).
• Bus and clean tables, use trays to run dirty items to kitchen, reset tables as needed.
• Wash trays to ensure proper sanitation and immaculate front of the house presentation.
• Assist in replenishing buffet items when determined by MOD.
• Perform additional cleaning tasks, as determined by MOD, such as wiping all kitchen doors down, wiping restaurant window sills, sweeping work areas, etc.
• Flexibility to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays or special events.
• Address each and every guest using the S.E.A.C. method, with a smile, eye contact, acknowledge their presence in a timely manner with appropriate greeting, and kindly close.
• Attend all scheduled meetings and training sessions.
• Understand and practice all HCH safety and security procedures, including Emergency Evacuation Procedures, Accident Reporting, Right to Know Law, Written Information Security Program, Bloodborne Pathogen Procedures, Anti-Harassment Policy, and Violence in the Workplace Policy.
• Comply with all Hotel and HCH time and attendance policies.
• Comply with all Hotel and HCH uniform, dress code, and appearance standards.

Specific Essential Functions:

• Ability to remain standing for 8 hours (or 100% of shift).
• Ability to walk for up to 100% of shift.
• Ability to frequently (or occasionally) move and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to walk the property and grounds or on occasion.
• Ability to move up and down stairs regularly throughout the entire shift.
• Ability to bend frequently and repetitively during a shift.
• Ability to carry service trays on shoulder up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to move quickly based on guest needs.    
• Ability to frequently communicate and exchange accurate information effectively.
• Ability to read, write, understand and speak English.

Technology and Equipment:

• Automatic dishwasher
• Point of Sale System
• Time Keeping System
• Multi-line Phone System
• Credit Card Processing

Working Environment:

• Work will primarily take place in a restaurant and kitchen environment.
• Group and solo work.
• Practice and observe all safety procedures.
• Exposure to various hazardous chemicals.

Note: This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time.