Right This Way

Like thousands before me, I worked my way through college in the restaurant industry. Possibly a precursor to my current role as a consultant, I found myself in charge of training duties.The most important point that I could instill in a new hostess was that of leading the patrons to a table.

For a busy restaurant, there is always a plan or strategy involved in with seating guests. It is up to the hostess to implement that plan in a way that allows the guests to feel welcomed, yet not corralled like cattle.

In a way, the patrons are looking for guidance. No one goes to a fine dining restaurant expecting a sign saying, “Sit Anywhere You Like”. That is for fast food and truck stops. Instead, patrons expect someone to greet them and let them know that, “We have a wonderful table prepared for you. Right this way…” [Read more]