Confessions Of A Restaurant Hostess | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Confessions Of A Restaurant Hostess

For anyone who doesn't understand what it's like to be a hostess.

184
Confessions Of A Restaurant Hostess

Many people write hostesses off as having the easy job in a restaurant, and while it is not particularly difficult, there is still a lot hostesses have to deal with that can equal that of a server. Having been a hostess for quite some time, I now understand the major difficulties surrounding this work. While we don’t have as much to handle as servers and bartenders, and don’t get as dirty as bussers or dishwashers, we have our own set of annoyances and hardships that can make working unbearable at times.

Hostesses are the face of the restaurant, the first person patrons see when they enter the building is a hostess. We always have to adorn a smile and act immeasurably friendly. While that in itself is not a great feat, it can be a drag to fake sometimes if you’re having a bad day. However, good hostesses will never break character no matter what — even if they have no reason to smile at all.

Our main job is to seat customers so that they can enjoy their meals at a nice table or booth. This job does seem pretty straightforward and simple, but it can actually be quite difficult on busy nights or when the restaurant is short staffed. While seating the customer is our first priority, we also have to make sure each server is getting a relatively equal amount of people to wait on, while trying not to double seat anyone or give them anything they can’t handle. At the end of the day, the hostess is always seating you where they choose for a reason and there is a method to our choices. We’re always trying to be fair to the waitresses, and customers make that increasingly difficult if they deny the table they are given and ask to be seated somewhere else. Of course your hostess will always oblige that request if possible, but sometimes we just want to say, “Sorry you can’t sit over there because I’ve just given Debbie two tables in a row and Cindy over here hasn’t gotten any tables yet."

Aside from seating people, we also have the pleasure of answering the phones — every single time they ring. While most phone calls end with us saying “Let me get my manager for you, one moment please," sometimes we’ll have to take down a reservation or even do a take-out order. I’ve personally never worked at a restaurant with call-ahead seating besides regular reservations, but you can imagine the stress that ensues when someone calls saying they have a party of 15 coming in within 20 minutes. Even so, hostesses will almost always pull it off. The same goes for take-out orders. While those seem like an easy process, they can be difficult when the customer doesn’t know the menu. A lot of work goes into perfecting take-out orders. While it’s not a necessity to tip hostesses for doing those, it is always appreciated. The rare patron who leaves behind a one or two-dollar tip definitely makes our day.

On top of those jobs, hostesses have to deal with a lot of complaining. It is not rare for an angry customer to take out their displeasure and frustration on a hostess. However, most of the time we have to hear about things that are out of our control. Once a patron is seated at their table, hostesses don’t have any power over their service or food. Yet, they still have to deal with the burden of an unhappy customer. They aren’t the only ones that give hostesses a hard time; even disgruntled waitresses can let out their frustrations of a slow night on the hostess.

While being a hostess does have its perks, there are many daunting parts about the job as well. So next time you venture out for lunch or dinner, make sure to smile and be friendly to your hostess, because we will always do the same for you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180810
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7762
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452878
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23522
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments