How to Be Restaurant Greeter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 23, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When restaurants hire a greeter, they experience numerous benefits. These include an improved customer experience, increased customer loyalty, and a greater chance of return visits. The greeter is the first point of contact for customers, and their job is to make a friendly and welcoming first impression.

This encourages customers to feel comfortable and valued, creating a positive atmosphere that leads to a memorable dining experience. customers are more likely to return if they have had a good experience, making customer loyalty more likely and increasing the restaurants profits. Finally, the presence of a greeter can create an inviting atmosphere for potential customers outside the restaurant, encouraging them to come in and try out the restaurants offerings.

All of these factors contribute to a restaurants success, making it clear why having a greeter is so important.

Steps How to Become

Research restaurant greeters to understand the job duties and responsibilities. Become familiar with what is expected of a restaurant greeter.
Apply for a job as a restaurant greeter at local restaurants or online. You may have to submit a resume, cover letter and references.
Undergo an interview. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions such as why you want to be a restaurant greeter and how you would handle difficult customers.
Complete any training required by the restaurant. This may include learning about customer service, food safety and proper sanitation practices.
Attend orientation. During orientation, you will learn about the restaurant, its policies and procedures and how to use the restaurant's point-of-sale system.
Start working as a restaurant greeter. In this position, you will greet and welcome customers, seat them, answer questions and help them with menu items. You may also take orders and help with food preparation.

The rise of technology has had a significant effect on the restaurant industry. Restaurants need to keep up with the latest trends and capabilities in order to remain competitive. In order to remain capable, restaurant owners must stay informed and educated on the latest updates in the industry.

This includes reading industry publications, attending conferences and seminars, and staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends. restaurant owners must invest in the right equipment and training for their staff to ensure they are able to effectively use the latest technologies, such as digital point of sale systems, online reservation systems, and mobile payment options. By staying informed and investing in the right tools and training, restaurant owners can ensure they remain competitive and capable in the ever-changing restaurant industry.

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Job Description

Greet customers as they enter the restaurant and provide them with a warm welcome.
Ask customers how many people are in their party and direct them to their appropriate table.
Ensure that all customers are given menus, drinks, and other amenities requested.
Answer any questions customers may have about the menu or restaurant in general.
Be familiar with the specials and any upcoming events in the restaurant.
Thank customers for dining at the restaurant and invite them back.
Respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a courteous and professional manner.
Assist servers and bussers as needed.
Keep the restaurant entrance and lobby area neat and clean.
Assist with seating of large parties when needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Friendly, outgoing personality
Ability to interact with a wide range of customers
Knowledge of restaurant policies and procedures
Ability to answer questions concerning menu items
Ability to remain calm and professional in a busy environment
Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure
Ability to work well with other team members
Demonstrated organizational skills
Ability to effectively handle customer complaints

Having a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to make guests feel welcome are essential traits for restaurant greeters. These qualities ensure that customers have a pleasant experience from the moment they walk into the restaurant. A great greeter will make sure guests feel comfortable and appreciated, setting the tone for the rest of the meal.

They should be knowledgeable about the menu and eager to answer questions and offer suggestions. They can also help manage wait times and keep customers informed about their status. Overall, a great greeter will have an eye for detail, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations.

These skills will ensure that customers have a great experience from start to finish, ultimately resulting in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in hospitality and customer service?
What techniques do you use to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers?
How do you handle difficult customer situations?
What qualities do you possess that make you an ideal restaurant greeter?
In what ways do you go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction?
How do you adjust your greetings to different types of customers?
How would you handle a customer who does not wish to be greeted?
What do you find most rewarding about greeting customers?
Describe a time when you successfully defused a tense situation with a customer.
How do you handle multiple customers arriving at the same time?

Common Tools in Industry

Greeting Cards. To welcome and engage guests with a friendly greeting card. (eg: Welcome to our restaurant! We are happy to have you join us today. )
Guest Log. To keep track of guest visits and preferences. (eg: John Smith, 12/10/20, dined at 8pm, requested a booth. )
Menu. To provide customers with a list of items available to order. (eg: Our menu includes salads, burgers, and desserts. )
Special Offers. To promote discounts and specials to customers. (eg: Today's special is a burger for only $5!)
Point-of-Sale (POS) System. To process orders, take payments, and manage inventory. (eg: Please enter your order and payment details into the POS system. )
Table Management Software. To manage reservations, seating arrangements, and waitlists. (eg: You have a reservation for 12 people at 8:30pm. )
Customer Feedback System. To collect customer feedback to improve services. (eg: How was your experience with us today? Please rate us on a scale of 1-10. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
American Hotel & Lodging Association
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
International Council of Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Educators
American Culinary Federation
National Association of Foodservice Professionals
Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management
United States Bartenders' Guild
Specialty Coffee Association of America
National Association for Catering and Events

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Common Important Terms

Host/Hostess. A restaurant employee who greets and seats guests. They may also manage reservations and answer phones.
Maître d'. A French term for the head host or hostess of a restaurant, typically in charge of managing the front of house staff.
Waiter/Waitress. A restaurant employee who takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers.
Busser. A restaurant employee who clears and cleans tables, refills drinks, and assists waitstaff.
Server. A restaurant employee who takes orders, serves food and drinks, and helps to take care of customer needs.
Bartender. A restaurant employee who mixes and serves drinks to customers.
Cashier. A restaurant employee who handles cash transactions from customers.
Barista. A restaurant employee who prepares and serves coffee drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a Restaurant Greeter?

The purpose of a Restaurant Greeter is to provide excellent customer service by welcoming guests, seating them at tables, and ensuring their overall dining experience is pleasant and enjoyable.

What qualifications are necessary for a Restaurant Greeter?

Qualifications for a Restaurant Greeter typically include excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, knowledge of the restaurant's menu and specials, and the ability to multitask.

How many hours do Restaurant Greeters usually work?

Restaurant Greeters typically work part-time hours, usually 4-5 hours per day depending on the restaurant's operating hours.

What duties are associated with a Restaurant Greeter?

Duties of a Restaurant Greeter include greeting and seating guests, answering questions about the menu, making recommendations, taking orders, ensuring guests are satisfied with their experience, and helping with any other customer service needs.