Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Front of House Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Front of House Attendant, you are the ambassador of our brand and the orchestrator of the guest experience from the moment they arrive until they depart. Your primary mission is to create a welcoming and organized environment, manage guest flow and reservations with precision, and communicate effectively with both guests and the service team. This role is critical in setting a positive tone and ensuring operational efficiency in the dining room. You will be responsible for managing the host stand, handling inquiries, and embodying the highest standards of hospitality to make every guest feel valued.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Customer Service Representative
Retail Associate
Entry-level Hospitality roles

Advancement To:

Head Host / Maître d'
Floor Supervisor / Shift Leader
Assistant Restaurant Manager

Lateral Moves:

Server / Waitstaff
Events Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Greet all incoming guests with a warm, professional, and genuinely welcoming demeanor to set a positive tone for their dining experience.
Manage the digital and physical reservation book, utilizing systems like OpenTable or Resy to control the flow and seating of the restaurant.
Escort guests to their assigned tables, present menus in a professional manner, and inform them of their server's name.
Skillfully manage the waitlist during peak hours, providing accurate wait time estimates and keeping guests informed and comfortable.
Answer high-volume phone calls with proper etiquette, addressing guest inquiries, taking reservations, and confirming bookings.
Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the floor plan, server sections, and table numbers to strategically seat guests and ensure balanced workloads for staff.
Communicate effectively with servers, bussers, and management regarding table status, guest arrivals, and any special guest needs or requests.
Act as the central point of information for guests, answering questions about the menu, specials, restaurant hours, and policies.
Address and resolve initial guest concerns or complaints with empathy and professionalism, escalating to management when necessary.
Observe the dining room and guest interactions to anticipate needs, identify service opportunities, and ensure a smooth overall experience.
Bid a sincere farewell to all departing guests, inquire about their experience, and extend a warm invitation to return.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and professional appearance of the host stand, lobby, and entrance area at all times.
Process and coordinate all takeout and delivery orders, ensuring accuracy, proper packaging, and timely hand-off to guests or delivery drivers.
Assist in monitoring the dining pace and table turnover to maximize seating capacity and minimize guest wait times.
Uphold all company service standards, policies, and procedures, embodying the restaurant's brand of hospitality.
Inform guests of current promotions, daily specials, and any relevant menu changes upon their arrival.

Secondary Functions

Assist the service team by bussing and resetting tables during exceptionally busy periods to support efficient table turnover.
Contribute to maintaining the restaurant's ambiance by monitoring and adjusting lighting levels and music volume as directed.
Support opening and closing duties of the dining room, including organizing menus, restocking host stand supplies, and ensuring entryway cleanliness.
Handle guest coat check services in a systematic and organized fashion, ensuring the security of personal belongings.
Periodically check and maintain the cleanliness of guest restrooms to ensure they meet the establishment's standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with reservation management software (e.g., OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms).
Experience operating multi-line phone systems with professional telephone etiquette.
Familiarity with Point of Sale (POS) systems (e.g., Toast, Aloha, Square) for order entry and payment processing.
Basic cash handling and credit card transaction processing skills.
Knowledge of strategic seating and floor management to optimize dining room flow.

Soft Skills

Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Poise, grace, and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, especially in a fast-paced environment.
A guest-first mentality and a genuine passion for hospitality and customer service.
Proactive problem-solving and conflict-resolution capabilities.
Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with all staff.
A positive, energetic, and outgoing personality.
Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in reservations and guest notes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate Degree in Hospitality, Tourism, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality Management
Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a direct customer-facing role.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of experience as a host or hostess in a high-volume, full-service restaurant environment.