Occupation

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop

Human Advantage 67%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.1 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounge, and help ensure quality of facilities and service.

Also Known As: Bar Host, Bar Hostess, Breakfast Host, Buffet Hostess, Deli Host, Dining Room Host, Dining Room Hostess, Front Desk Host +13 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Provide guests with menus.
  2. Assign patrons to tables suitable for their needs and according to rotation so that servers receive an appropriate number of seatings.
  3. Greet guests and seat them at tables or in waiting areas.
  4. Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries or transfer calls.
  5. Operate cash registers to accept payments for food and beverages.
  6. Speak with patrons to ensure satisfaction with food and service, to respond to complaints, or to make conversation.
  7. Take and prepare to-go orders.
  8. Maintain contact with kitchen staff, management, serving staff, and customers to ensure that dining details are handled properly and customers' concerns are addressed.
  9. Receive and record patrons' dining reservations.
  10. Inspect dining and serving areas to ensure cleanliness and proper setup.
  11. Inform patrons of establishment specialties and features.
  12. Inspect restrooms for cleanliness and availability of supplies, and clean restrooms when necessary.
  13. Assist other restaurant workers by serving food and beverages, or by bussing tables.

Supplemental Tasks (8)

  1. Supervise and coordinate activities of dining room staff to ensure that patrons receive prompt and courteous service.
  2. Hire, train, and supervise food and beverage service staff.
  3. Prepare cash receipts after establishments close, and make bank deposits.
  4. Direct patrons to coatrooms and waiting areas, such as lounges.
  5. Plan parties or other special events and services.
  6. Order or requisition supplies and equipment for tables and serving stations.
  7. Perform marketing and advertising services.
  8. Confer with other staff to help plan establishments' menus.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
62%
Less than a High School Diploma
32%
Bachelor's Degree
6%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
0%
Some College Courses
0%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Windows

Software (11)

  • Avenista Table Reservations
  • GuestBridge Reserve
  • Hospitality Control Solutions Aloha Point-of-Sale
  • OpenTable
  • Point of sale POS software
  • Reservation software
  • iMagic Restaurant Reservation

Tools & Equipment (11)

  • Carbonated beverage dispensers
  • Cash registers
  • Commercial coffeemakers
  • Desktop computers
  • Handheld calculators
  • Ice-making machines
  • Juice dispensers
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Point of sale POS computer terminals
  • Touch screen monitors

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Culinary & Food Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism

Zone 1
Fast Food and Counter Workers 96% match
Zone 2
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop You are here
Zone 3
Chefs and Head Cooks 76% match

Resume Builder

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Real Talk

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