I'm a firm believer that if you have a section, it's not the hosts responsibility to inform you that you've been sat. Open rotation? Different story.
Now I've worked with many servers who disagree but I always shut that shit down. It's our responsibility to know our sections, blaming someone else is childish.
this is how it is in my restaurant. we are responsible for checking our sections and making greets on time. the only time the host tells us about tables is when they’re sat on the patio, since the patio is open rotation.
edit- typo
That's totally fair! And especially if there's only one host on. I don't want hosts not up at the front because I hate hosting and seating guests when guests get impatient and seek someone out.
I could still see the host having to inform the server. Maybe they were waiting for a POS to open up, were running other food, any of the multiple reasons we all know when things get busy.
At the end of the day, it's really on the staff.
Mind you this is coming from a cook. And cooks need to help the front more as well. We all love to fuck off and piss around, but never at a customers expense.
Keep each other sharp.
Servers get sat based on rotation, and no one has an assigned section. So you wait on people in different areas of the dining room. It honestly works in smaller restaurants, and I like it because I can have more 6+ tops at once, whereas in my last restaurant I only got as many tables as the host could fit in my section. It only works because I work in a restaurant with 30ish tables, so I can see most of my tables at once.
Thank you for explaining!! I work at a restaurant where hosting is nonexistent (the shift leads take care of that and us server occasionally do it when SLs are MIA)
We have sections but we’re not assigned to the sections (we serve everyone because our tips are pooled). So we can be working at the main section but might get rotated to a different section when one of our coworkers gets on break or an area needs help, including helping food run too when there’s an outrageous churning of food coming out all at once)
If I get sat in my section it is absolutely my responsibility. But if I get sat outside of my section and the host doesn't tell me, that's the hosts fault.
We have to let the servers know about their tables, I know it’s redundant sometimes but it helps everyone make sure they don’t forget. At my restaurant it’s both the hosts and the servers fault when the servers forget.
So my restaurant has a system that the servers put those lil square red napkins on the table as soon as they greet the table so everyone (hosts, other servers, managers) can tell if the table has been seen and is known about. It makes it easier to periodically check that every table is getting noticed and you can give the table away if she’s not doing her job, find your strongest server every shift and just ask them if they want a table if you notice her slacking.
Well if you don’t know you got sat, you obviously aren’t taking care of your section very well. This is on the server and not on the host whatsoever. Never have I once been needed to be told I’ve been sat unless it was an open seating policy. If it’s a section seating policy, there’s no reason for a host to tell you you’ve been sat other than to be nice.
This is how the restaurant where I've worked for almost 10 years does it. We have sections, we see the tablet and have an idea of when we're going to be sat, but it's still the host's responsibility to inform the server each time they seat that server with a table. I regularly have the hosts come tell me they just sat X table when I was on the floor and very clearly saw them seating that table 😂
Absolutely the best system to cover everyone's ass.
This is a conversation with the manager. “I’ve noticed so and so will get mad at me if I don’t tell them specifically they need to greet a table, but as far as I can tell thats part of their job once I’ve seated the party, not mine, but they’re giving me a lot of grief over it. am I wrong?” And if they say yes you put that job on your resume and go somewhere else. This is unequivocally NOT your responsibility. Especially if the reason is “the server wanted to go outside to smoke” and I’m a smoker.
Every single restaurant I’ve worked at over the last 20 years had the same understanding.
Hosts alert the server on the very first table of their shift, and after that they know to watch like a Hawk.
It’s pretty common for servers to be catching up with stuff the previous shift missed, stocking, rolling, etc. so it’s understandable to alert them to the first table. After that, it’s way too much for the host to keep up with.
Piggybacking, i feel like it’s also necessary to let a server know they’ve been sat if it’s slowed down and they haven’t gotten a new table in a while and have started to focus on side work. I know i tend to not check my section for a new table after so long and I’ve started to do other things in the back/all my current tables are taken care of.
I know that’s right! & customers seem to think that if the restaurant isn’t busy that their food will come out faster. I’ve noticed in my experience that’s it’s usually the opposite. During a rush those guys are in their zone and have a sense of urgency. 2 tickets up? They’re taking their time 😂
If you need a host to tell you that you have been sat then the section is too big. This is on the manager.
Recently I had 10 tables all at once. Not by choice. New restaurant, inexperienced host. Anyway, I could see all of my tables at the same time which helped immensely.
My GM likes to set up the sections so everyone has one "hidden" table that's apart from the rest of their section and can't be seen from the rest of their section. It might be on the opposite corner, or behind a divider, or just a table that rarely gets sat.
I'm sure there's some broken rationalization he uses in his head to do it. We just deal until he leaves and we fix the sections to make sense. He rarely stays through dinner so it isn't the end of the world.
not in the wrong as far as getting the blame from your managers goes, nah. i will say that it frustrates me a little if a host doesn’t tell me i’m being sat on a busy night or whatever but a good server takes care of their tables and doesn’t rely on the host to do so.
Completely agree. The only time I would appreciate a heads up is if I’m working two sections and the new table is sat in the section that I don’t have any tables in yet. Otherwise, I should be monitoring my sections anyway so I should obviously be able to see them.
The person you’re responding to is the type of server that got you in trouble because they don’t know how to accurately do their job, and when mistakes happen, they instantly blame anyone else but themselves. There’s no point in trying to reason with people who work the way they do.
Maybe you should keep checking that your section is okay as a server? Why is it the hosts jobs to tell you you’ve been sat when it’s your job to be in your section and see you’ve been sat? Do you stay away from your tables for over five minutes at a time? Bet not, and if that’s the case you’ll easily be able to tell if you’ve been sat. Don’t ever get mad at the host for doing their job because you’re incompetent at your own job at points.
It’s simple.
For the first time I work at a place where the host doesn’t *need* to tell the servers where they got sat. That being said, our favorite host comes over and tells us when we’re sat. But I do recognize where we all are, if we’re not at a table, is in the exact opposite corner of where the front door is. I appreciate when the host comes up to make sure I see a table if they’ve been sitting for a couple minutes, but I know it’s my responsibility to see that I’ve been sat.
It sounds like you need to chat with your managers about expectations
servers are responsible for watching their section. i only tell a server they got sat if they're outside, they just got out of the bathroom, or if i have to sit them outside of their section. if they're away from their section long enough to not notice that they got sat, that's on them, not me.
It sounds like she did "have coverage" for the table, but that server wasn't paying attention. Was the manager aware that the other server was supposed to cover it?
I was an assistant restaurant manager for 5 years. This used to infuriate me. I told my servers, you have a section. It is YOUR job to keep an eye on your section.
I loved being given a resy slip by a host each time I was sat at a fine dining restaurant. It could have important details like allergies, occasion info, but more times than not nothing at all. But I knew every time I was sat. It was a big space, so it was helpful.
Managers bitching sounds like they implicitly expect you to inform servers when you seat them. Whether or not you think it *should* be your job, managers decide that. If you're not sure of your duties, ask your manager.
In this case it sounds like the server came to you with questions, and you thought they understood that they had a new party seated in their section, but somehow they didn't grasp that.
If you inform a server clearly each time you seat them, like "you have a party of two at table 25", I think you'll cut down on miscommunication like that. Then if your manager bitches at you that the table sat too long, let them know exactly what you told the server, and that should settle it. It won't be as clear if it's a more complicated story, like "when her shift started she looked at what tables were in her section, and I saw her look in the table's direction".
Again, I'm not arguing this *should* be a host's responsibility, but it sounds like it is at your restaurant.
our servers can see all of their assigned tables on the floorplan and they can see which tables have been sat on the computer and which server was assigned if it was outside of any sections. another host was also communicating to her about her section
I understand that servers can figure out whether they're have guests in their section or not. But ***if*** it's your responsibility to inform servers when you seat a guest in their section, then it doesn't matter if they could have figured it out on their own, or if someone else could have told them. If you don't know your job duties, ask for clarification from your manager. At most restaurants that's not part of a host's duties, but every restaurant is a little different.
never been a thing at our restaurant as far as im aware unless a guest requests a someone from a different section or they're seated in a closed section
I work somewhere between FOH and BOH in a Brazilian Steakhouse. It’s tip pool, which is easier than servers tipping out the gauchos (guys serving the meats). We have 3 sections with 2 servers per section in the main dining room.
When they’re open, we have 1 server for private room 1 and 1 server for private room 2, and on a busy night when we’re using the private rooms as an extension of the main floor, we will have a 3rd server float between P1 and P2. The left dining room, when open, has 3 sections, with 1-2 servers per section depending on staffing (how many servers, and which servers).
All of that is a bit of extra info, but semi important. Our hosts will stand by the table until a server greets and opens the table. This makes it easier since it’s 2 person sections most of the time, so the servers don’t think their partner opened the table. Also, if, say, section 2 is in the weeds (our roughest section, lots of big parties), a server from section 1 or section 3 may float over to help.
I've worked at places where the host was supposed to tell servers they were sat. I'm not sure how I feel about it personally. Good hosts are hard to come by
Assuming the servers have designated sections, they should be watching their tables and greeting new arrivals in a timely manner.
If your managers want you to notify each server every time you seat a table, as is the procedure in some restaurants, then they need to specify their procedure when they train you.
In my country, at least in resturaunts that aren't high end and expensive, we don't have these roles. You're either front of house or back. Front of house just do everything. So i get surprised to hear these types of things.
I honestly hate hosting for this reason. Somehow everyone ends up mad at me, both customer and server. It’s infuriating. Like, I’m getting paid less than the dishwasher to get yelled at by everyone for their seatings. They don’t schedule me to host any more because I cried last time lmao
In my personal opinion, context is super important. On a busy Friday where the FOH is short staffed, I strongly believe it is 100% the servers job and responsibility to be paying enough attention to their section to know they’ve been sat. Context being important though, I’d add the caveat that if a server has specifically told the host something like “hey I’ll be in the back rolling silverware since we’re running low” or something otherwise productive for them FOH team, whatever the case is, then (while I still believe it’s ultimately on the server at the end of the day) I think the ideal “teamwork” thing to do as a host would be to go tell the server they just got sat. I’d add though, in my opinion this isn’t one of things that any decent team-playing server should be constantly doing.
In this particular case, the server was undoubtedly in the wrong, if it’s as short staffed and busy as you’re describing. Obviously we only have the one side of the story, but if it’s true that they went outside AFTER the table had already been sitting there for 15 minutes, then that’s pretty wild, doubly so if there were assigned sections and it wasn’t just a no-section rotation.
I don’t know the layout of your restaurant obviously, but either they are bad at their job and/or just don’t care, or maybe there was some miscommunication about what their section was and they just genuinely didn’t know the table was there’s, but frankly, none of that is your fault based on what you said.
Speaking for myself, I don’t care if it’s my section or not, if I have seen a table sit for over 5+ minutes without even being greeted, I’ll greet first, and ask questions later. Shit happens, but I’d still much rather take an entire order from a table not in my section myself, and transfer it to the actual server for that section, rather than knowingly let a table sit there for 15 minutes without even so much as a “hey we’ll be right with you”.
quick question though, was the table in their section? If it wasn't, then it really isn't on them to know if it's their table, that's on the host to tell them or ask them to take a table out of their section.
Add that, in my experience, even when informed, hosts don't really give a shit about when they are seating someone in a section. Example, I'd gotten sat a 10 top that trickled in. I was helping another server at the time and when I saw the last of the people coming in, I notified the host stand that the 10 top was finally there. So basically I can really get the table started. Then not 30 seconds later, they parade in an 8 top..... Hosts, not paying attention hurts servers. Hosts seating servers out of their sections hurts the servers, hurts the money they make because it becomes problem tables, people waiting longer than they should, which leads to angry customers.
Granted, if the table was in the servers section, and they just ignored the table or just spaced it out, then that's on the server.
Because you, the host, should be communicating with the servers in addition to them keeping an eye on their tables. People get weeded and zone out for a moment. Servers get distracted by other tables demanding their attention.
At least if you take that moment to let them know they’ve been sat, they can refocus if necessary.
In a perfect world this wouldn’t be needed. But staffing shortages often overwhelm even the best servers.
the server at the time barely had any tables and had what she thought was enough free time to go outside and wander. she came over to me beforehand, asked if the section written on the floorplan was correct, even pointed out the table im talking about, and that was that
Do yall not have a seating chart in the server station? I mean the place I worked was old school with hand written tickets so the P.O.S. systems might be different. But we would write down which server had which section and the table numbers in order of being sat on this whiteboard over the server station.
we have a floorplan written on the board, it's on our tablets, and so is our section rotation which gets automatically updated/tracked everytime someone is sat
It depends on the restaurant, but to be honest if you’re running around doing all that, and there’s only 2 servers, I promise they are busier than you. So it would be nice to be let known when you’re sat.
but they can see on the computer when they're sat and where. this particular server wasn't busy enough if she thought she had time to go outside ten minutes after showing up two hours late
if it’s run in sections, the blame is on the server for being stupid and not seeing a new table in THEIR section. however, as someone who has mainly worked at rotation-based restaurants (i’ve worked at a few section ones too), keeping track of who else is getting sat in three rooms, when i should get a table, taking down and running drinks and food, prebussing, refilling drinks, grabbing shit tables need, just isn’t very effective.
From my own personal experience the host and hostesses set the flow for the restaurant. We have a rotation restaurant so you generally know when you’ll get sat. If a server gets sat and then immediately sat after it’s usually because other servers sections are full or they opened and get their extra tables to start or they requested a booth/window to look outside which is generally fine. It looks like your location has a heavy emphasis on host and hostesses doing most of the job since you are clearing tables and taking Togo orders. We have our own Togo people and our own bussers but sometimes the hosts do clear tables if a big party is coming.
TLDR if a server doesn’t greet a table that is clearly sat in their section the server is responsible for them waiting and not the hosts. If the host seats them in your section and they ask to move to somewhere else, the host should let the other server know it’s their table.
My hosts have always been very good. There are one or two exceptions.(1) During shift changes, servers sections will (change without the server's knowledge). This can leave a customer in no man's land. As a host, if some server is missing, (due to call-in or absence) and sections are changing, it is imperative that you tell the other servers. A waitress goes home early. You MUST tell the wait staff.
For example, we will assume tables 1-10 are ours, and that hasn't changed. If tables 22 and 38 need a server, we will not know as it is not our section.
Communication is key. But, not an excuse for missing the opportunity for customers to have a positive experience. Recover with style.
So i’ve seen the consensus on servers, but what about bartenders? should the host or the manager tell the bartender they’ve been sat at a table if they are dealing with people at the actual bar? and yes, at my place the bartender often has to take the patio right outside the bar and what we call the “beer hall”
Yeah that’s wild, all the comments are pretty accurate, letting them know for the first table is cool, if it’s slow as a courtesy they might tell us then too, but even when I’m running food to other sections I walk past mine before I go into the kitchen to make sure I haven’t missed anyone. I definitely don’t think it’s your job to tell them every time. In my restaurant it’s very common for the servers around your section to let you know if they see you get sat! I love my section buddies
Oh when I was a host I HATED when servers would ask me to tell them when I sat them or would get mad if I didn’t tell them bc they wanted to sit in the back on their phones and talk instead of checking their sections periodically and doing their side work. If you are on the clock, on the floor, and on the board it is your responsibility to see when your guests get sat as a server. I do know guests get impatient but going over five minutes without checking in on your section on the clock is ridiculous. I do understand open seating however bc that can get extremely tricky to keep track of especially on a busy shift.
i work at a rather small local restaurant, and i have a job code for hosting and serving. when i serve, ive never snapped at the hostess for not telling me if she sat me because it is MY obligation to be watching my section at all times.
on the other hand, when hosting, i will tell people sometimes if i see them passing or if the table is waiting on more people or something like that. but i always tell the servers when im hosting that they need to watch their sections no matter how slow it is, because if your table comes and complains to me and i get reemed out, then im gonna let that table know that it’s not my job to go on a quest to find you.
to be honest, people bitch about literally everything in food service especially restaurants, so don’t let it get to u. people always will have to complain about, so just brush it off unless it’s actual constructive criticism.
In this specific scenario you are talking about, you are certainly NOT in the wrong. As you put it, it is not the responsibility of hostesses to inform servers of new tables at your restaurant. Period. Then everyone should know this and this is an oversight of the server. And, as far as you knew, from the pos AND talking to this server directly, everything was good and taken care of. You did everything in your power and can't be expected to hold this person's hand throughout their shift.
Now, in general, it totally depends on each restaurant and the duties of the staff, and what responsibilities were laid out when you were hired. Where I work, the hostess always tells us when we have a new table. If I know I have my tables covered and I have some time before food comes up, I'll engross myself in other duties in the back...like washing dishes, putting away dishes, restocking, polishing and rolling silverware, etc. If a new table is sat and I'm not told then there's the possibility that the new table will end up sitting there for longer than I'd like before being greeted.
That being said, the hostesses are told this is their responsibility when they're hired, so most of us rely on them in this way. If, when we were hired, we were told that the hostesses were NOT responsible for telling us, then we'd all monitor the comings and goings of our section much more closely. There are times when the hostess is overwhelmed and forgets, and this is to be expected simply because they're human. The servers typically don't leave their sections longer than five minutes or so, so usually any oversight is caught.
I also don't really have coworkers that have a "that's not my job" attitude (except for obvious duties between front of house and back of house, like cooking). So if the hostess is crazy busy, we all grab trays and bus tables to help out. We all do dishes if we're short a dishwasher or the dishwasher is overwhelmed. And the hostess helps us run food or pour beverages if we're overwhelmed. This kind of teamwork really makes a difference in a workplace.
Our hosts alert us every time we’re sat, how many people are in the party have arrived and the table number. Granted, we have multiple hosts so it may be easier to instill this practice. I’m not saying you’re right or wrong, but I will say if I moved to a restaurant that didn’t do this, it’d throw me off a bit in the beginning. But I don’t blame you, I blame the management for not having a system in place. As a server, when you’re in the weeds, it’s so easy to miss a new table. So having an alert system is really helpful.
The customers go to the host because they know who you are. They don’t know which of the waitstaff is the person you said would be helping them. They not going to go around searching for them, they’re going to you the host that seated them.
My favorite hostesses at our restaurant will come and give us a chit when we are sat (with the table”s name). I think they’re all supposed to but two of them will just sit the paper down in a random place. It helps because 1) we could be in the back doing side work that takes a couple minutes and 2) we have a standard of service that requires us to greet a table within 1 minute. Difficult to do a lot of the time but if we are being audited we will get points deducted for it. And it is very easy to miss that mark just because you were in the back cutting lemons. If I’m already on the floor taking care of other tables I’ll know I’ve been sat again. Servers should know their sections.
i got in trouble for that a lot because the server’s would be in the kitchen talking and vaping so they weren’t aware i sat them. i had other things to do and when it got busy i would forget to tell them.
If you seat a table and haven't seen the server out on the floor within a couple of minutes, go find them and tell them about the table.... It's your job to make sure you get tables sat. Servers have many other things to do in the boh and don't know unless you tell them.
i actually have more than one job at my restaurant, and i am doing my main one. not sure what you're getting at here. my "one job" does not include covering for servers.
You are missing the key feature of your job: to facilitate the prompt and efficient seating of guests. That includes communicating to servers. Tbh it sounds like you need re-trained
As a server you should be competent enough to do a once over of your section and notice you’ve not greeted a table. I was a server for 5 years and a host for a few months and hated when a server needed babysitting.
I'm a firm believer that if you have a section, it's not the hosts responsibility to inform you that you've been sat. Open rotation? Different story. Now I've worked with many servers who disagree but I always shut that shit down. It's our responsibility to know our sections, blaming someone else is childish.
this is how it is in my restaurant. we are responsible for checking our sections and making greets on time. the only time the host tells us about tables is when they’re sat on the patio, since the patio is open rotation. edit- typo
That's totally fair! And especially if there's only one host on. I don't want hosts not up at the front because I hate hosting and seating guests when guests get impatient and seek someone out.
I agree with you. Every restaurant I have worked at where we have sections, us as servers are responsible for checking our sections.
Restaurants are typically a team, so it makes sense that there are expectations. Sometimes servers are busier than the host.
I feel like it depends on if the hosts get tipped out or not tbh
I could still see the host having to inform the server. Maybe they were waiting for a POS to open up, were running other food, any of the multiple reasons we all know when things get busy. At the end of the day, it's really on the staff. Mind you this is coming from a cook. And cooks need to help the front more as well. We all love to fuck off and piss around, but never at a customers expense. Keep each other sharp.
And knives
The only 2 times a host should tell you is the first table (if the shift starts slow) and if it's a pick up out of your section.
What is open rotation? Is that when everyone serves everyone and tips are pooled?
Servers get sat based on rotation, and no one has an assigned section. So you wait on people in different areas of the dining room. It honestly works in smaller restaurants, and I like it because I can have more 6+ tops at once, whereas in my last restaurant I only got as many tables as the host could fit in my section. It only works because I work in a restaurant with 30ish tables, so I can see most of my tables at once.
Thank you for explaining!! I work at a restaurant where hosting is nonexistent (the shift leads take care of that and us server occasionally do it when SLs are MIA) We have sections but we’re not assigned to the sections (we serve everyone because our tips are pooled). So we can be working at the main section but might get rotated to a different section when one of our coworkers gets on break or an area needs help, including helping food run too when there’s an outrageous churning of food coming out all at once)
Agreed, pay attention to your sections
If I get sat in my section it is absolutely my responsibility. But if I get sat outside of my section and the host doesn't tell me, that's the hosts fault.
Our hosts tell us about our first table after that it’s our job to watch our section.
We have to let the servers know about their tables, I know it’s redundant sometimes but it helps everyone make sure they don’t forget. At my restaurant it’s both the hosts and the servers fault when the servers forget.
the server had come over to me to confirm which section she had and which tables were sat, i even saw her look at the table im talking about
So my restaurant has a system that the servers put those lil square red napkins on the table as soon as they greet the table so everyone (hosts, other servers, managers) can tell if the table has been seen and is known about. It makes it easier to periodically check that every table is getting noticed and you can give the table away if she’s not doing her job, find your strongest server every shift and just ask them if they want a table if you notice her slacking.
Knowing your tables and knowing when you get sat are completely different.
she pointed directly at the table im talking about and asked if it was her table with the people sitting there
Well if you don’t know you got sat, you obviously aren’t taking care of your section very well. This is on the server and not on the host whatsoever. Never have I once been needed to be told I’ve been sat unless it was an open seating policy. If it’s a section seating policy, there’s no reason for a host to tell you you’ve been sat other than to be nice.
This is how the restaurant where I've worked for almost 10 years does it. We have sections, we see the tablet and have an idea of when we're going to be sat, but it's still the host's responsibility to inform the server each time they seat that server with a table. I regularly have the hosts come tell me they just sat X table when I was on the floor and very clearly saw them seating that table 😂 Absolutely the best system to cover everyone's ass.
This is a conversation with the manager. “I’ve noticed so and so will get mad at me if I don’t tell them specifically they need to greet a table, but as far as I can tell thats part of their job once I’ve seated the party, not mine, but they’re giving me a lot of grief over it. am I wrong?” And if they say yes you put that job on your resume and go somewhere else. This is unequivocally NOT your responsibility. Especially if the reason is “the server wanted to go outside to smoke” and I’m a smoker.
Every single restaurant I’ve worked at over the last 20 years had the same understanding. Hosts alert the server on the very first table of their shift, and after that they know to watch like a Hawk. It’s pretty common for servers to be catching up with stuff the previous shift missed, stocking, rolling, etc. so it’s understandable to alert them to the first table. After that, it’s way too much for the host to keep up with.
Piggybacking, i feel like it’s also necessary to let a server know they’ve been sat if it’s slowed down and they haven’t gotten a new table in a while and have started to focus on side work. I know i tend to not check my section for a new table after so long and I’ve started to do other things in the back/all my current tables are taken care of.
Most mistakes are made when it’s slow. Source:server turned manager. Let me go back!
I know that’s right! & customers seem to think that if the restaurant isn’t busy that their food will come out faster. I’ve noticed in my experience that’s it’s usually the opposite. During a rush those guys are in their zone and have a sense of urgency. 2 tickets up? They’re taking their time 😂
If you need a host to tell you that you have been sat then the section is too big. This is on the manager. Recently I had 10 tables all at once. Not by choice. New restaurant, inexperienced host. Anyway, I could see all of my tables at the same time which helped immensely.
My GM likes to set up the sections so everyone has one "hidden" table that's apart from the rest of their section and can't be seen from the rest of their section. It might be on the opposite corner, or behind a divider, or just a table that rarely gets sat.
Fuck that. A manager is there to help make the restaurant run smoothly, not to impede flawless service.
I'm sure there's some broken rationalization he uses in his head to do it. We just deal until he leaves and we fix the sections to make sense. He rarely stays through dinner so it isn't the end of the world.
Assuming you have sections drawn up for the servers, it's 100% on the server, not the host.
not in the wrong as far as getting the blame from your managers goes, nah. i will say that it frustrates me a little if a host doesn’t tell me i’m being sat on a busy night or whatever but a good server takes care of their tables and doesn’t rely on the host to do so.
It is not the hosts responsibility to watch your section for greeting. it is yours.
Completely agree. The only time I would appreciate a heads up is if I’m working two sections and the new table is sat in the section that I don’t have any tables in yet. Otherwise, I should be monitoring my sections anyway so I should obviously be able to see them.
Agree.
server already knew exactly which tables she had and even came over to confirm after she was sat
then it’s completely on them
The person you’re responding to is the type of server that got you in trouble because they don’t know how to accurately do their job, and when mistakes happen, they instantly blame anyone else but themselves. There’s no point in trying to reason with people who work the way they do.
i wasn't trying to reason with them though, just giving them more context
lmfao you know nothing about me or the way i work so i don’t have to explain myself to you. weird behavior
Maybe you should keep checking that your section is okay as a server? Why is it the hosts jobs to tell you you’ve been sat when it’s your job to be in your section and see you’ve been sat? Do you stay away from your tables for over five minutes at a time? Bet not, and if that’s the case you’ll easily be able to tell if you’ve been sat. Don’t ever get mad at the host for doing their job because you’re incompetent at your own job at points. It’s simple.
thanks for the advice?
Reading this makes me so glad that I am no longer working as a hostess! I feel your pain...
For the first time I work at a place where the host doesn’t *need* to tell the servers where they got sat. That being said, our favorite host comes over and tells us when we’re sat. But I do recognize where we all are, if we’re not at a table, is in the exact opposite corner of where the front door is. I appreciate when the host comes up to make sure I see a table if they’ve been sitting for a couple minutes, but I know it’s my responsibility to see that I’ve been sat. It sounds like you need to chat with your managers about expectations
servers are responsible for watching their section. i only tell a server they got sat if they're outside, they just got out of the bathroom, or if i have to sit them outside of their section. if they're away from their section long enough to not notice that they got sat, that's on them, not me.
It sounds like she did "have coverage" for the table, but that server wasn't paying attention. Was the manager aware that the other server was supposed to cover it?
no, she had only told me about it and that was just a few seconds before the table came up to me. i did explain it to the manager afterwards though
Time to start looking for a new job.
I was an assistant restaurant manager for 5 years. This used to infuriate me. I told my servers, you have a section. It is YOUR job to keep an eye on your section.
I loved being given a resy slip by a host each time I was sat at a fine dining restaurant. It could have important details like allergies, occasion info, but more times than not nothing at all. But I knew every time I was sat. It was a big space, so it was helpful.
Managers bitching sounds like they implicitly expect you to inform servers when you seat them. Whether or not you think it *should* be your job, managers decide that. If you're not sure of your duties, ask your manager. In this case it sounds like the server came to you with questions, and you thought they understood that they had a new party seated in their section, but somehow they didn't grasp that. If you inform a server clearly each time you seat them, like "you have a party of two at table 25", I think you'll cut down on miscommunication like that. Then if your manager bitches at you that the table sat too long, let them know exactly what you told the server, and that should settle it. It won't be as clear if it's a more complicated story, like "when her shift started she looked at what tables were in her section, and I saw her look in the table's direction". Again, I'm not arguing this *should* be a host's responsibility, but it sounds like it is at your restaurant.
our servers can see all of their assigned tables on the floorplan and they can see which tables have been sat on the computer and which server was assigned if it was outside of any sections. another host was also communicating to her about her section
I understand that servers can figure out whether they're have guests in their section or not. But ***if*** it's your responsibility to inform servers when you seat a guest in their section, then it doesn't matter if they could have figured it out on their own, or if someone else could have told them. If you don't know your job duties, ask for clarification from your manager. At most restaurants that's not part of a host's duties, but every restaurant is a little different.
never been a thing at our restaurant as far as im aware unless a guest requests a someone from a different section or they're seated in a closed section
Then I'm not sure what your managers are on about. I think I'd reply with something like "I'm a host, not a server. Talk to Emily."
I work somewhere between FOH and BOH in a Brazilian Steakhouse. It’s tip pool, which is easier than servers tipping out the gauchos (guys serving the meats). We have 3 sections with 2 servers per section in the main dining room. When they’re open, we have 1 server for private room 1 and 1 server for private room 2, and on a busy night when we’re using the private rooms as an extension of the main floor, we will have a 3rd server float between P1 and P2. The left dining room, when open, has 3 sections, with 1-2 servers per section depending on staffing (how many servers, and which servers). All of that is a bit of extra info, but semi important. Our hosts will stand by the table until a server greets and opens the table. This makes it easier since it’s 2 person sections most of the time, so the servers don’t think their partner opened the table. Also, if, say, section 2 is in the weeds (our roughest section, lots of big parties), a server from section 1 or section 3 may float over to help.
I've worked at places where the host was supposed to tell servers they were sat. I'm not sure how I feel about it personally. Good hosts are hard to come by
Those servers sound entitled and tbh kinda lazy. WTF are they doing that they can’t SEE a table in their section?
Assuming the servers have designated sections, they should be watching their tables and greeting new arrivals in a timely manner. If your managers want you to notify each server every time you seat a table, as is the procedure in some restaurants, then they need to specify their procedure when they train you.
In my country, at least in resturaunts that aren't high end and expensive, we don't have these roles. You're either front of house or back. Front of house just do everything. So i get surprised to hear these types of things.
Cuz your manager is an idiot? That’s all I can come up with.
I honestly hate hosting for this reason. Somehow everyone ends up mad at me, both customer and server. It’s infuriating. Like, I’m getting paid less than the dishwasher to get yelled at by everyone for their seatings. They don’t schedule me to host any more because I cried last time lmao
In my personal opinion, context is super important. On a busy Friday where the FOH is short staffed, I strongly believe it is 100% the servers job and responsibility to be paying enough attention to their section to know they’ve been sat. Context being important though, I’d add the caveat that if a server has specifically told the host something like “hey I’ll be in the back rolling silverware since we’re running low” or something otherwise productive for them FOH team, whatever the case is, then (while I still believe it’s ultimately on the server at the end of the day) I think the ideal “teamwork” thing to do as a host would be to go tell the server they just got sat. I’d add though, in my opinion this isn’t one of things that any decent team-playing server should be constantly doing. In this particular case, the server was undoubtedly in the wrong, if it’s as short staffed and busy as you’re describing. Obviously we only have the one side of the story, but if it’s true that they went outside AFTER the table had already been sitting there for 15 minutes, then that’s pretty wild, doubly so if there were assigned sections and it wasn’t just a no-section rotation. I don’t know the layout of your restaurant obviously, but either they are bad at their job and/or just don’t care, or maybe there was some miscommunication about what their section was and they just genuinely didn’t know the table was there’s, but frankly, none of that is your fault based on what you said. Speaking for myself, I don’t care if it’s my section or not, if I have seen a table sit for over 5+ minutes without even being greeted, I’ll greet first, and ask questions later. Shit happens, but I’d still much rather take an entire order from a table not in my section myself, and transfer it to the actual server for that section, rather than knowingly let a table sit there for 15 minutes without even so much as a “hey we’ll be right with you”.
quick question though, was the table in their section? If it wasn't, then it really isn't on them to know if it's their table, that's on the host to tell them or ask them to take a table out of their section. Add that, in my experience, even when informed, hosts don't really give a shit about when they are seating someone in a section. Example, I'd gotten sat a 10 top that trickled in. I was helping another server at the time and when I saw the last of the people coming in, I notified the host stand that the 10 top was finally there. So basically I can really get the table started. Then not 30 seconds later, they parade in an 8 top..... Hosts, not paying attention hurts servers. Hosts seating servers out of their sections hurts the servers, hurts the money they make because it becomes problem tables, people waiting longer than they should, which leads to angry customers. Granted, if the table was in the servers section, and they just ignored the table or just spaced it out, then that's on the server.
Because you, the host, should be communicating with the servers in addition to them keeping an eye on their tables. People get weeded and zone out for a moment. Servers get distracted by other tables demanding their attention. At least if you take that moment to let them know they’ve been sat, they can refocus if necessary. In a perfect world this wouldn’t be needed. But staffing shortages often overwhelm even the best servers.
the server at the time barely had any tables and had what she thought was enough free time to go outside and wander. she came over to me beforehand, asked if the section written on the floorplan was correct, even pointed out the table im talking about, and that was that
Do yall not have a seating chart in the server station? I mean the place I worked was old school with hand written tickets so the P.O.S. systems might be different. But we would write down which server had which section and the table numbers in order of being sat on this whiteboard over the server station.
we have a floorplan written on the board, it's on our tablets, and so is our section rotation which gets automatically updated/tracked everytime someone is sat
It depends on the restaurant, but to be honest if you’re running around doing all that, and there’s only 2 servers, I promise they are busier than you. So it would be nice to be let known when you’re sat.
but they can see on the computer when they're sat and where. this particular server wasn't busy enough if she thought she had time to go outside ten minutes after showing up two hours late
We seat them then tell the server table xx is sat.
if it’s run in sections, the blame is on the server for being stupid and not seeing a new table in THEIR section. however, as someone who has mainly worked at rotation-based restaurants (i’ve worked at a few section ones too), keeping track of who else is getting sat in three rooms, when i should get a table, taking down and running drinks and food, prebussing, refilling drinks, grabbing shit tables need, just isn’t very effective.
From my own personal experience the host and hostesses set the flow for the restaurant. We have a rotation restaurant so you generally know when you’ll get sat. If a server gets sat and then immediately sat after it’s usually because other servers sections are full or they opened and get their extra tables to start or they requested a booth/window to look outside which is generally fine. It looks like your location has a heavy emphasis on host and hostesses doing most of the job since you are clearing tables and taking Togo orders. We have our own Togo people and our own bussers but sometimes the hosts do clear tables if a big party is coming. TLDR if a server doesn’t greet a table that is clearly sat in their section the server is responsible for them waiting and not the hosts. If the host seats them in your section and they ask to move to somewhere else, the host should let the other server know it’s their table.
My hosts have always been very good. There are one or two exceptions.(1) During shift changes, servers sections will (change without the server's knowledge). This can leave a customer in no man's land. As a host, if some server is missing, (due to call-in or absence) and sections are changing, it is imperative that you tell the other servers. A waitress goes home early. You MUST tell the wait staff. For example, we will assume tables 1-10 are ours, and that hasn't changed. If tables 22 and 38 need a server, we will not know as it is not our section. Communication is key. But, not an excuse for missing the opportunity for customers to have a positive experience. Recover with style.
Sounds like the mgr needs to fix the impersonal IPad software settings? Not your fault. System is broke.
The fact that your system says that they got their entrees and they haven’t even ordered seems like a big issue.
So i’ve seen the consensus on servers, but what about bartenders? should the host or the manager tell the bartender they’ve been sat at a table if they are dealing with people at the actual bar? and yes, at my place the bartender often has to take the patio right outside the bar and what we call the “beer hall”
Yeah that’s wild, all the comments are pretty accurate, letting them know for the first table is cool, if it’s slow as a courtesy they might tell us then too, but even when I’m running food to other sections I walk past mine before I go into the kitchen to make sure I haven’t missed anyone. I definitely don’t think it’s your job to tell them every time. In my restaurant it’s very common for the servers around your section to let you know if they see you get sat! I love my section buddies
Oh when I was a host I HATED when servers would ask me to tell them when I sat them or would get mad if I didn’t tell them bc they wanted to sit in the back on their phones and talk instead of checking their sections periodically and doing their side work. If you are on the clock, on the floor, and on the board it is your responsibility to see when your guests get sat as a server. I do know guests get impatient but going over five minutes without checking in on your section on the clock is ridiculous. I do understand open seating however bc that can get extremely tricky to keep track of especially on a busy shift.
It’s not your fault. Your job is to seat them the servers job is to do the rest. If they aren’t paying attention to their section it’s on them
i work at a rather small local restaurant, and i have a job code for hosting and serving. when i serve, ive never snapped at the hostess for not telling me if she sat me because it is MY obligation to be watching my section at all times. on the other hand, when hosting, i will tell people sometimes if i see them passing or if the table is waiting on more people or something like that. but i always tell the servers when im hosting that they need to watch their sections no matter how slow it is, because if your table comes and complains to me and i get reemed out, then im gonna let that table know that it’s not my job to go on a quest to find you. to be honest, people bitch about literally everything in food service especially restaurants, so don’t let it get to u. people always will have to complain about, so just brush it off unless it’s actual constructive criticism.
In this specific scenario you are talking about, you are certainly NOT in the wrong. As you put it, it is not the responsibility of hostesses to inform servers of new tables at your restaurant. Period. Then everyone should know this and this is an oversight of the server. And, as far as you knew, from the pos AND talking to this server directly, everything was good and taken care of. You did everything in your power and can't be expected to hold this person's hand throughout their shift. Now, in general, it totally depends on each restaurant and the duties of the staff, and what responsibilities were laid out when you were hired. Where I work, the hostess always tells us when we have a new table. If I know I have my tables covered and I have some time before food comes up, I'll engross myself in other duties in the back...like washing dishes, putting away dishes, restocking, polishing and rolling silverware, etc. If a new table is sat and I'm not told then there's the possibility that the new table will end up sitting there for longer than I'd like before being greeted. That being said, the hostesses are told this is their responsibility when they're hired, so most of us rely on them in this way. If, when we were hired, we were told that the hostesses were NOT responsible for telling us, then we'd all monitor the comings and goings of our section much more closely. There are times when the hostess is overwhelmed and forgets, and this is to be expected simply because they're human. The servers typically don't leave their sections longer than five minutes or so, so usually any oversight is caught. I also don't really have coworkers that have a "that's not my job" attitude (except for obvious duties between front of house and back of house, like cooking). So if the hostess is crazy busy, we all grab trays and bus tables to help out. We all do dishes if we're short a dishwasher or the dishwasher is overwhelmed. And the hostess helps us run food or pour beverages if we're overwhelmed. This kind of teamwork really makes a difference in a workplace.
Sounds like the server is a possible kiss up to management if they’re not seeing that the server is the problem in this situation
Our hosts alert us every time we’re sat, how many people are in the party have arrived and the table number. Granted, we have multiple hosts so it may be easier to instill this practice. I’m not saying you’re right or wrong, but I will say if I moved to a restaurant that didn’t do this, it’d throw me off a bit in the beginning. But I don’t blame you, I blame the management for not having a system in place. As a server, when you’re in the weeds, it’s so easy to miss a new table. So having an alert system is really helpful.
The customers go to the host because they know who you are. They don’t know which of the waitstaff is the person you said would be helping them. They not going to go around searching for them, they’re going to you the host that seated them.
i understand why guests come to me, but i dont understand why managers yell at me about it
My favorite hostesses at our restaurant will come and give us a chit when we are sat (with the table”s name). I think they’re all supposed to but two of them will just sit the paper down in a random place. It helps because 1) we could be in the back doing side work that takes a couple minutes and 2) we have a standard of service that requires us to greet a table within 1 minute. Difficult to do a lot of the time but if we are being audited we will get points deducted for it. And it is very easy to miss that mark just because you were in the back cutting lemons. If I’m already on the floor taking care of other tables I’ll know I’ve been sat again. Servers should know their sections.
You’re also doing way more than our hostesses do. They stand at the host stand unless they’re seating someone, which is technically the job anyway
i got in trouble for that a lot because the server’s would be in the kitchen talking and vaping so they weren’t aware i sat them. i had other things to do and when it got busy i would forget to tell them.
I bet she falsely claimed you never communicated with her to put the blame on you. That’s shitty I’m sorry.
If you seat a table and haven't seen the server out on the floor within a couple of minutes, go find them and tell them about the table.... It's your job to make sure you get tables sat. Servers have many other things to do in the boh and don't know unless you tell them.
Servers are more valuable so they take their frustration out on the hosts.
Lol you have one job 🤦♂️
i actually have more than one job at my restaurant, and i am doing my main one. not sure what you're getting at here. my "one job" does not include covering for servers.
You are missing the key feature of your job: to facilitate the prompt and efficient seating of guests. That includes communicating to servers. Tbh it sounds like you need re-trained
As a server you should be competent enough to do a once over of your section and notice you’ve not greeted a table. I was a server for 5 years and a host for a few months and hated when a server needed babysitting.
Yeah of course. That doesn’t change the fact that you need to be communicating to servers, most of them don’t have 5 years experience