Restaurant Training Manual - Welcoming Guests in the Restaurant

The Restaurant Hostess should be well groomed andguests have enjoyed so far, etc.)
be present at all times during working hours at theHostess must pull out the chair lightly from the table,
entrance of the restaurant.and offer them to sit. Disabled persons should be
She should acknowledge guests arrival with a brightapproached first, women and then men. Hostess
smile on her face and pleasant eye contact, whileshould assist the guests such that they are
stepping forward towards the guest. Hostess mustcomfortable and should push the chair gently forward
greet guests by their names (if available) with aand ask: "Please Mr./s (name of guest), are you
courtesy bow. Children should be acknowledged andcomfortably seated?" For first time guests, in case a
greeted individually by name (if available). If guest'schild is present, hostess must propose a high chair as
name is not known, hostess should confirm name byappropriate, and ask: "Would you like me to bring a
asking politely "You are Mr. or Mrs....?" Once the namehigh chair Mr./s (name of guest)?"
is known, she should say: "Welcome to (name ofHostess should unfold napkin on the guest's lap, from
outlet), Mr./s (name of guest)". Hostess will escortthe right hand side, ladies first then gentlemen, with a
guests to the table, showing the way to guests withsmile and eye contact. For subsequent visits to the
open palm hand, while walking side by side or at arestaurant, high chair is automatically offered to
slight distance in front, by saying: "This way please,guests without asking. Hostess must ensure that
Mr./s (name of guest)".guests are promptly seated and that the correct
Hostess must suggest aperitif by saying: "Would younumber of place settings are in place. Hostess should
like to sit at the bar for an aperitif first or would youinform guests that their order will be taken right
prefer to go straight to your table, Mr./s (name ofaway by saying: "Waiter would take your order right
guest)?" She should follow the guest's response andaway, Mr./s (name of guest)".
acknowledge by saying: "With pleasure Mr./s (nameHostess should also wish guests a pleasant meal
of guest), this way please" Hostess should enquireexperience and retire with a courtesy bow along with
about guest' preferred section of the restaurant, bya smile saying: "Please enjoy your (meal) Mr./s (name
saying: "Would you prefer a smoking or aof guest)". Hostess should advise headwaiter/waiter
non-smoking section of the restaurant, Mr./s (namewhether guests have already had an aperitif at the
of guest)?" Hostess must engage in a lightbar, in order for the headwaiter/waiter to propose
conversation tone with the guests while escortingaperitif to guests as appropriate. Hostess should
them. It should be natural and conversational waypresent herself well to the guests, should be calm,
(not overburdening with excessive conversation -polite and appealing to the guests.
conversation could be on guests stay, which activities