As a greeter, you are the first and last person guests see in a restaurant. Therefore, you must always be alert, agile, and efficient. Keeping the restaurant tidy, making sure the customers are happy, and keeping an eye on every table are just some of the ways to keep customers happy.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Keeping Everything Organized
Step 1. Make sure you have everything ready before starting the work shift
You'll need to have plenty of pens and markers, seating plans, and paper ready to jot down customer needs. If something is missing, ask your manager to bring it up. You should also make sure all clean cutlery is ready for use.
Step 2. Pay attention to each area of the restaurant
Make a plan for the arrangement of chairs and the position of the waiter. Pay attention to the number of tables occupied in each area, the number of people sitting at those tables, and when customers start sitting. This will help you point out vacant seats to the waiters based on the quietest area.
If your restaurant accepts reservations, be sure to take that into account when planning your seating plan
Step 3. Communicate with the waiters
You have to know if a waiter is overwhelmed by two tables or can serve another table even when he is busy. The best way to find out is to ask. Remember, you and them work as a team!
If possible, ask busy waiters to serve other tables before inviting customers to sit down. You can also ask if a waiter is ready to serve a large group if a large group of guests enter at once
Step 4. Walk around the room to monitor each table
Sometimes, in the middle of a busy dinner time, you can lose track of guests who have left. If you're concerned about this, have someone oversee the welcoming area and walk around the room with a seating plan. Look for a table that is marked as “filled”, but is already empty. You can also check which customers are enjoying dessert, so the waiters in that area can get ready to serve new guests as soon as possible.
Step 5. Help clean and set the table if needed
Setting the table may not be part of your responsibility, but you should be willing to help out when needed. Wipe tables with a rag, arrange cutlery, and straighten restaurant chairs when you're not busy doing other things.
Method 2 of 3: Greet Guests
Step 1. Greet guests with a smile and greet them as they enter the restaurant
You are the one who makes the first impression. So, make sure you are always aware of the presence of a new guest. Greet customers warmly, and call them by name if the guest is a regular customer. Notify guests immediately if they have to wait so they have the option of having dinner elsewhere.
If you're busy serving other guests when a new guest arrives, greet them with a smile or say something like “I'll see you soon!”
Step 2. Ask how many people will eat
Don't assume that the two people who walk into the restaurant don't bring anyone else. Their other friends might not have come yet. Always ask the number of guests to come so you can adjust the size of the table as needed.
Step 3. Ask customers if they have a seating preference
Large guests will not be comfortable sitting in small chairs, while customers who have difficulty walking may prefer a table near the door so they don't have to walk far. Assess the situation for yourself, but don't hesitate to ask customers about their seating preferences.
Step 4. Answer phone calls quickly
The greeter at a restaurant is usually in charge of answering phone calls. Make sure you answer phone calls quickly and professionally. State the name of the restaurant and your name, then ask what they can help you with. Ask politely before putting off the call if you're busy.
Step 5. Remain calm even if the restaurant seems chaotic
When it was dinner time, it was very difficult to stay calm and think clearly. However, if you panic, the whole restaurant will become disorganized. If you're feeling depressed, take a deep breath and remember that busy dinner time will be over in a few hours.
Method 3 of 3: Giving the Customer a Seat
Step 1. Take customers to their respective tables
Don't run faster than your customers. Walk a little ahead of them while bringing the menu and cutlery to the selected table. Ask if they are happy with the position of the table before inviting them to sit down.
Step 2. Apologize to the customer if they waited too long
Most customers are willing to wait at least 10 minutes before being given a seat in the restaurant, especially if they didn't make a reservation. If your guests have to wait longer, offer a sincere apology while showing them their table. Ask management if you can offer free drinks or appetizers (don't offer this to guests until you get permission).
Step 3. Make sure your guests are seated comfortably
If the restaurant is quiet, arrange so that guests don't sit close to a full table. Of course, when the restaurant is full, guests will have to sit next to each other, but make sure each of them has enough space to be comfortable.
Step 4. Do a seat rotation
By placing your guests on a rotational basis, you can ensure that all the waiters are tipped that night. The rotation system will also prevent the waiters from being overwhelmed by having to serve several tables at a time.
Step 5. Place the menu book and cutlery for each guest on his/her seat
Do not place the menu directly on the table, because this looks rude and seems dismissive. However, place menus and cutlery carefully at each seat and make sure all guests are seated before you leave the table.
Be prepared to take drinking water or other small items for guests. If they ask for more, politely convey that the waiter will be there soon
Step 6. Talk to guests as they leave the restaurant
You are the last person to make contact. So, say farewell to guests who leave. This will allow them to have a pleasant dinner experience.
