Job Description

Restaurant Hostess at Marina Walk

will be responsible of

actively engaging and convincing customers to come into the restaurant

. This involves not only the typical duties of a hostess but also the need for

active promotion

and

customer engagement

outside the restaurant to draw in foot traffic.

1.

Engaging Passersby:

Active Outreach

: Walk along the Marina Walk and approach passersby, especially those who seem interested in dining, to invite them into the restaurant.

Friendly Interaction

: Use a friendly, approachable, and confident tone to start conversations with potential guests and generate interest in the restaurant.

Highlighting Features

: Inform potential customers about the restaurant's unique features, such as its ambiance, menu, specials, or happy hour offers.
2.

Promoting Restaurant Specialties:

Daily Specials & Promotions

: Mention any daily specials, limited-time offers, or discounts to entice customers to visit the restaurant.

Menu Highlights

: Briefly describe signature dishes, popular drinks, or food options that might appeal to the customer.

Atmosphere Appeal

: Share details about the atmosphere of the restaurant (e.g., "great outdoor seating with a view of the Marina" or "family-friendly environment").
3.

Building Customer Rapport:

Personalized Approach

: Engage with customers on a personal level, such as complimenting their style, asking about their day, or acknowledging their interests (e.g., suggesting a seafood dish if they mention liking seafood).

Active Listening

: Pay attention to customer preferences or concerns and tailor your pitch to meet their desires.

Establishing Trust

: Make customers feel comfortable with your presence by being genuine, friendly, and non-pushy. If they express disinterest, gracefully thank them and leave them with a friendly invitation to visit later.
4.

Handling Walk-In Customers:

Seating Management

: Once customers are convinced to enter, seat them promptly or add them to the waitlist if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition into the restaurant.

Reservation Confirmation

: If a customer makes a reservation after being engaged, ensure that their details are confirmed, and any special requests are noted.
5.

Creating a Welcoming Environment Outside the Restaurant:

Maintain Cleanliness

: Ensure the area around the restaurant entrance and along Marina Walk is clean and inviting. This could include tidying up outdoor seating areas, , and ensuring any outdoor signage is clear and appealing.

Signage and Displays

: Help arrange outdoor signage, menus, or flyers that are visible and attractive to passing customers.

Aesthetic Appeal

: Work with the restaurant management to ensure that outdoor displays, like the restaurant's windows, seating arrangements, and lighting, are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to the inviting atmosphere.
6.

Handling Customer Queries:

Menu Information

: Answer questions about the restaurant's menu, dietary options (e.g., vegan, gluten-free), or the ambiance to pique interest.

Provide Directions

: If customers are unsure of the location, assist with directions, or highlight landmarks to make it easier for them to find the restaurant.

Wait Times & Reservations

: Clearly explain wait times or reservation processes to manage customer expectations.
8.

Monitoring Customer Sentiment:

Engage Feedback

: Ask potential guests about what they're looking for in a dining experience and suggest how the restaurant can meet those needs. If the response is positive, gently guide them toward making a decision to enter.

Body Language Awareness

: Watch for signals of interest, like eye contact or stopping to listen, and adjust your approach accordingly. If someone seems in a hurry or uninterested, be polite and give them space.
9.

Collaborating with the Restaurant Team:

Team Coordination

: Communicate with servers and kitchen staff about any special needs or customer preferences, ensuring a smooth dining experience for everyone.

Keeping the Host Stand Updated

: When customers are brought in, ensure the host stand is updated with accurate reservation and seating information, and keep staff informed of guest preferences.
11.

Providing Exceptional Customer Service:

Politeness & Positivity

: Always maintain a professional, polite, and upbeat demeanor, representing the restaurant well.

Handling Rejections Gracefully

: Not everyone will be interested in coming in, so it's important to handle rejection gracefully and with respect. Thank them for their time and leave the door open for future visits.

Skills and Qualities Required:

Confidence

: Ability to approach strangers confidently without being too forward.

Excellent Communication

: A friendly, articulate, and engaging manner is essential to draw people in.

Sales Skills

: While not a hard sell, being able to "sell" the experience and atmosphere of the restaurant is key.

Patience & Persistence

: Not everyone will be immediately interested, but maintaining a positive attitude and persistence is important.

Cultural Sensitivity

: Especially in diverse places like Marina Walk, understanding different cultural norms and preferences is crucial for engaging a broad audience.

Strong Memory & Organization

: Keep track of customer names, special requests, and preferences for future reference.
Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

Restaurant Hostess: 3 years (Required)
Language:

English (Required) Arabic (Required) * Russian (Required)