Hostess

The hostess is the first employee to interact with arriving guests as they enter the restaurant. It is the job of the hostess to greet arriving guests, welcome them to Georgia Blue, seat them in an efficient and timely manner, answer the phone, take to-go orders, and assist with cleaning and bussing tables. The guests receive their first impression of the service of the restaurant by their exchange with the hostess. The hostess is a personal representation of the service and overall hospitality of the staff of the restaurant. While guests are waiting to be seated or waiting for to-go orders to be ready, it is the job of the hostess to ensure that the guests are made comfortable and kept informed of the status of their order or wait times. At Georgia Blue, the hostess is also responsible for cleaning and bussing tables in the dining room and letting the other hostesses know when a table is clean, re-set, and ready to be seated.

General Responsibilities

• Make sure all menus are wiped down and clean
• Make sure entry doors and parking lot are clean, free of debris, and inviting
• Ensure that the hostess stand is clean and stocked with mints, toothpicks, to-go menus, kids menus, and crayons
• Greet each guest that comes through the door with a warm greeting and a smile
• Open the front door for the guests entering or leaving the restaurant
• When immediate seating is limited, maintain an accurate waitlist by recording the guests' name, number in party, and the number on the pager.
• Provide guests' with accurate wait times while maintaining a professional, courteous attitude when confronted with hostile, impatient, or irate guests.
• Monitor and clean all tables in the restaurant. Let the coordinating hostess know which tables are up, clean, and ready to be seated.
• When seating a guest make friendly conversation on the way to the table. This is an opportunity to let them know about specials and/or promotions we are offering that day. If possible, pull the chair out for the ladies, place the menus on the table once they are seated, and let them know who their server is going to be (by name)! Always make sure we are friendly and welcoming to every guest.
• Smile when answering the phone. The guest can tell.
• Take accurate to-go orders. Make sure to always write the order down, take the guests name and phone number, repeat and clarify the order and quote accurate times for pick up.
• Know all of Georgia Blue's policies and procedures (how we handle large parties, reservation requests, the no-cake policy, etc.) and know when to get a manager.
• Perform all opening duties, closing duties, side work during the shift, and any other duties assigned by the manager on duty
• Thank every guest as they leave and invite them to return. Relay guest comments or suggestions to the manager on duty
• Be able to answer questions about the restaurant and/or the menu when the guest inquires
• Must take and pass the menu test by the end of training. Employees have two opportunities to take and pass the test. (Hostess will not receive tip out until the test is passed) Failure to do so may result in termination.

Job Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred (or in progress)

Must be at least 16 years of age

Experience:

• No previous restaurant experience or training required. On-the-job training will be provided. Experience is a plus.
• Must be a team player and demonstrate organizational skills.
• Outgoing personality, positive attitude. Strong oral communication and telephone skills.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and confidence
• Must have exceptional grooming habits.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must speak English fluently and be able to write in Basic English.
• Be flexible and willing to assist as needed to ensure all restaurant standards are met

FLSA Information

Management Activities

• None

Discretion / Independent Judgment

This position does represent the company in handling complaints, arbitrating disputes or resolving grievances. As a Georgia Blue Hostess you will be expected to work with guests and visitors to ensure satisfaction. A Georgia Blue Hostess will have to take initiative and get creative in resolving guest challenges and involve a manager only when previous methods have been unsuccessful.

ADA Information

Physical Requirements

• Close and distance vision
• Must be able to speak and hear
• Identify and distinguish colors
• Be able to stand and walk for long periods of time (up to 8 hours)
• Continual use of manual dexterity and gross motor skills with frequent use of bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills
• Able to reach hands and arms in any direction and kneel and stoop repeatedly

Working Conditions

• May be indoor or outdoor setting depending on outlet
• Varied weather conditions are expected
• Will work near moving or mechanical parts
• May work near toxic/caustic chemicals and with fumes or airborne particles.
• Varying schedule to include evenings, holidays, and extended hours as business dictates

Appearance/Uniform Standard

• Black blouse with sleeves, black non-denim pants/slacks (without holes or frayed edges) black socks, and closed-toed black slip-resistant shoes.
• Any undershirt must be short-sleeved and white
• No facial piercings
• Men must keep facial hair well groomed
• Fingernails are to be clean, less than ¼" with no nail polish