Company Overview
At IHOP of Greater New Orleans Area, we are more than just a restaurant; we are a thriving community of dedicated and passionate individuals. Our commitment to creating and maintaining a great work environment ensures that every team member can thrive and grow with us. Located in the heart of the Greater New Orleans area, Ruby Enterprises offers a vibrant company culture and meaningful connections with our local community. Join us and be a part of something special.
Job Summary
The role of an IHOP hostess or host primarily involves creating a positive first impression for guests. They greet and welcome customers, seat them at appropriate tables, manage waiting lists during busy times, and communicate with servers and kitchen staff to ensure a smooth flow of guests. Hosts/hostesses also answer customer inquiries and maintain a clean and organized waiting area. Their goal is to provide excellent customer service and enhance the overall dining experience.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain professional functional working relationships with IHOP Team Members and guests.
- Greet guests as they enter the restaurant (within 30 seconds) and seat them as soon as a table is available.
- Rotate station seating to ensure the quality of guest service.
- May handle guest complaints, inquire about the quality of the dining experience, thank guests and invite them to return.
- Handle cash in an accurate and responsible manner.
- Take register readings, make interim cash reports, count cash register receipts and make frequent cash drops according to Company cash-control policies.
- Answer the telephone, take messages and take and complete all To Go orders.
- Maintain guest checks in numerical order.
- Maintain a waiting list as necessary.
- Check restrooms every 30 minutes to ensure proper stock levels and cleanliness.
- Clear, clean and reset tables and clean chairs, booths and floors after guests leave.
- Perform cleaning duties according to posted cleaning charts.
- Comply with IHOP uniform and appearance standards per IHOP SOP guidelines.
- Perform other assignments or tasks as assigned by the General Manager, Assistant Manager or acting supervisor.
Qualifications
- Strong customer service skills are essential for creating a positive and welcoming environment for guests.
- Effective communication is key for interacting with guests, servers, and kitchen staff.
- Hosts/hostesses should have a friendly and outgoing personality to make guests feel welcome.
- Ability to manage waiting lists and seating assignments efficiently, especially during busy times.
- The role may involve handling waiting guests during peak hours, so the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure is important.
- Accurate seating assignments and communication with servers are crucial for guest satisfaction.
- Collaborative skills to coordinate with servers and kitchen staff for efficient table turnover.
- Being able to adapt to changing situations and guest needs is important.
- The ability to handle customer concerns or issues professionally and find suitable resolutions.
- Managing multiple tasks, such as answering phones, seating guests, and checking for online/TOGO orders.
- If responsible for taking payments, basic math skills and cash-handling experience may be necessary.
- Maintaining a neat and professional appearance, including adhering to the restaurant's dress code.
- Punctuality and reliability are highly valued in the restaurant industry.
- Adherence to health and safety guidelines to ensure guest and staff safety.