A hostess/server is typically a restaurant employee who is responsible for both seating and serving. This usually entails keeping track of the waiting list, seating guests, and taking orders, as well as serving food and beverages, ensuring guest satisfaction, and preparing the bill. In some establishments, the hostess/server also serves as the customer’s cashier.
A small, private establishment is more likely to have a hostess/server position than a large restaurant or restaurant chain. In most cases, the positions are combined to reduce the number of people needed per shift. This means that employees must perform the duties of two jobs at the same time.
The majority of a hostess’ job entails dealing with customers at the front door or in the lobby. This could simply mean seating guests as they arrive during slow periods. Even so, if other servers are on duty, the hostess/server must rotate service areas. This ensures that no server has too many tables to deal with at the same time while another has none.
When the restaurant is busy, the hostess or server may need to keep track of a waiting list. He or she may also be in charge of taking reservations and providing information over the phone. In some cases, this role is also responsible for taking carry-out orders over the phone or in person and entering them into the system.
Taking orders, delivering food, and assisting guests with needs such as beverage refills or condiments are all part of the server’s responsibilities. In most restaurants, the initial drink orders from the fountain area are filled a server or server/hostess. In some establishments, he or she prepares appetizer salads or bread baskets; in others, line cooks prepare these items in the kitchen, and the hostess/role server’s is limited to serving the food.
It’s not uncommon for a hostess or server to have shift responsibilities that aren’t directly related to her or his specific customers. Rolling silverware and refilling salt and pepper or other condiment dispensers are examples of this. Other responsibilities could include making bread baskets, garnishes, or other food prep items in the kitchen, as well as vacuuming the dining room floors.
Occasionally, the hostess/server is also in charge of the cash register. This entails processing credit cards or providing change for cash transactions. It could also mean closing the credit card system and counting and balancing the register at the end of the night to settle the payment system.