Seating Guests

Question 1

How should a hostess escort guests to a table?

Answer 1

• smile introduce oneself, and use name of guests
• walk at a moderate pace and continue talking to them as you walk (recommend a favorite item, inform guests of any featured items and introduce the service team

Question 2

How does one ensure readiness for seating?

Answer 2

• have two table options for every party
• be certain the table is clean and rest and that the server is ready
• have food menus and wine list ready in addition to any kids meals or mini menus that may be needed
• have black napkins for any guests wearing dark clothing

Question 3

When at the table with a party how should a hostess proceed?

Answer 3

• pull out chairs for guests
• unfold napkins and place them in front of guest
• open menus and place them in front of guest and place wine list to the host’s left
• offer to get high chairs if needed and use the guest’s name before leaving the table

Question 4

What if a guest requests a specific server?

Answer 4

• if table is open in their station then seat them there
• if not, let guest know the wait or suggest another server if they are ok with such

Question 5

What if a guest requests to sit at a closed station?

Answer 5

Seat them there and find a server to tend to them or go get the requested server

Question 6

How does bar seating work?

Answer 6

• first come, first serve
• tab can be handled at bar or transferred to table
• full menu is available
• introduce the guests to a bartender, Happy Hour menu, and hours if possible and applicable

Question 7

If on a wait and guest have been informed of the wait time, where do you take them?

Answer 7

• Take guests to the lounge and inform them that they can order beverages and appetizers
• inform them that full menu is available at the bar
• once table is open inform the guests and escort them there (do not mention bar tab it can be paid there or transferred to table)

Question 8

What do you do if the quoted wait time is longer than expected?

Answer 8

• inform the guest early and hopefully your proactiveness will stop them from reacting negatively
• if more than 5 minutes off, apologize and inform them that we are running behind (if guest is upset inform manager)