Working in the full service restaurant business is an adventure on it's own. It's seriously a learning experience on every level. As a server, you learn to deal with people and how to keep your cool when things are getting rough and the people you're serving are making your life hell. As a cook, you learn to deal with stress and how to cook a steak the right way. Working as a busser, you learn to clean up quickly and how important it is to lift.
But the hosts, they are the smiling faces the guests see when they first walk in the door and the last warm goodbye they hear on the way out. We learn a little bit of everything from how to deal with awful people, to preparing certain dishes, to how to clean up quickly, all the way to handling stress. Some people see the host position as all fun and games, but it's really not. We deal with just as much glorified B.S. as the next restaurant worker and there's only a few things we would like everyone to know.
When we greet you, please use words to acknowledge our existence.
When you come in and we happily greet you, please don't just hold up x amount of fingers representing how many people are in your party. Please, use your words.
When we take you to a table, just take the table.
There is a really good reason we are putting you at the table. Chances are good that there aren't any booths open for you to go to, and if there are, the booth is in another server's section and they have either already been seated and shouldn't be double seated, or there isn't a server in that section. Take the table. Please don't cause a scene because there really isn't a lot that will get done at that point. Just take the table.
Sometimes we just can't put you next to the window or next to the fireplace.
This is referencing the last point. Yes, I see that there is a spot next to that window. Yes, I see that there is a table by the fireplace. No, I can't always put you right there. The spot you're seeking either does not have a server in that section, or they were just given a table to take care of. Please, just take the spot you are presented with. It won't kill you.
When we seat you, please don't assume that we're your server.
Just because we take you to your seats does not mean we're your server. We can't take your drink order, for that I'm sorry, but we just can't take your drink order. Forgive us.
If you have a child with you, no, you cannot sit in the bar.
There are specific laws that specifically say that no one under 21 years of age can go in the bar. There is literally nothing I can do about that, so please stop screaming at me.
Don't seat yourself.
Especially when there is a sign that says "Please wait to be seated." There are reasons for everything.
With all of this said, please keep these in mind when you go out next with your family and friends.
Sincerely, Your friendly neighborhood hostess.
