Skip to main content

Host Quick Start Guide

Master the front door and keep the restaurant flowing smoothly.

Before Your Shift​

Get Set Up​

  1. Log in with your credentials
  2. Review today's reservations
  3. Note any large parties or special requests
  4. Check table availability and any closures

Know Your Floor​

  • Floor Map shows all tables and current status
  • Green = Available
  • Other colors = Occupied or reserved
  • Know which sections belong to which servers

Seating Walk-In Guests​

Step 1: Greet & Count​

  1. Welcome the guest
  2. Ask party size
  3. Check for reservation

Step 2: Find a Table​

  1. Open Floor Map
  2. Look for green (available) tables
  3. Match party size to table capacity
  4. Consider server section balance

Step 3: Seat the Guest​

  1. Tap the table
  2. Tap Seat
  3. Enter party size
  4. Optional: Add guest name
  5. Lead guests to table

Step 4: Notify Server​

  • System automatically alerts assigned server
  • Or verbally notify if needed
  • Hand off menus at table

Managing Reservations​

View Today's Reservations​

  1. Tap Reservations tab
  2. See timeline of upcoming reservations
  3. Confirmed reservations show party size and notes

When Reservation Arrives​

  1. Find reservation in list
  2. Tap Arrived
  3. Seat at reserved table or adjust if needed
  4. Notes show special requests (birthday, allergy, etc.)

Reservation Didn't Show​

  1. Wait 15 minutes past reservation time
  2. Tap reservation → No Show
  3. Table becomes available again

Making New Reservations​

  1. Tap New Reservation
  2. Enter:
    • Date and time
    • Party size
    • Guest name
    • Phone number
    • Special requests
  3. System suggests available tables
  4. Confirm reservation

Managing the Waitlist​

Add to Waitlist​

  1. Tap Waitlist
  2. Tap Add Guest
  3. Enter:
    • Name
    • Party size
    • Phone number (for text alerts)
    • Seating preference (indoor/outdoor/bar)
  4. Give estimated wait time

Wait Time Estimates​

The system calculates based on:

  • Current table occupancy
  • Average turn times
  • Upcoming reservations
Party SizeTypical Wait Factors
1-2Faster - more table options
3-4Average wait
5-6Longer - fewer large tables
7+May need to combine tables

Notify Guest Their Table is Ready​

  1. Find guest on waitlist
  2. Tap Page Guest
  3. System sends text: "Your table is ready!"
  4. Wait 5 minutes for arrival

Guest Doesn't Respond​

  1. Page again
  2. If no response after 2 pages, move to bottom of list
  3. Note any no-shows for future reference

Table Management​

Table Status Overview​

StatusColorMeaning
AvailableGreenReady to seat
ReservedPurpleHeld for reservation
SeatedYellowGuest just sat
OrderedBlueFood ordered
ServedOrangeFood delivered
CheckRedBill presented
BussingGrayNeeds cleaning

Combine Tables​

For large parties:

  1. Tap first table
  2. Tap Combine
  3. Select adjacent table(s)
  4. Tables link together

Close a Table​

If table is out of service:

  1. Tap table
  2. Tap Close Table
  3. Enter reason
  4. Table shows as unavailable

Voice Commands (Hey Maximus)​

Say "Hey Maximus" then:

CommandAction
"What's available for 4?"Shows open 4-tops
"Seat party of 2 at table 5"Seats guests
"Add Smith party of 4 to waitlist"Adds to waitlist
"What's the wait for 6?"Gives estimate
"Page the Johnson party"Sends text notification
"Who's next on the waitlist?"Shows next guest

Common Situations​

No Tables Available​

  1. Offer waitlist with honest wait time
  2. Suggest bar seating if available
  3. Offer to take phone number and call when ready

Guest Wants Specific Table​

  1. Check if table is available
  2. If occupied, offer alternatives
  3. Add note to seat them there when open

Large Party Without Reservation​

  1. Check if tables can be combined
  2. Give honest wait estimate
  3. Consider seating part of party at bar first

Reservation Conflict​

If double-booked:

  1. Check nearby time slots
  2. Offer alternative table or time
  3. Apologize and compensate if needed

VIP or Regular Guest​

  1. Look for notes on their profile
  2. Seat promptly at preferred table
  3. Alert manager for special treatment

Complaint at Door​

  1. Listen calmly
  2. Don't argue
  3. Get manager immediately
  4. Guest dissatisfaction is not your fault to fix alone

End of Shift​

Handoff to Next Host​

  1. Review pending reservations
  2. Update waitlist status
  3. Note any special situations
  4. Log off your device

If Closing​

  1. Confirm no remaining waitlist
  2. Check for late reservations
  3. Turn off waitlist if closed
  4. Complete closing checklist

Tips for Success​

  1. Smile and greet - You're the first impression
  2. Balance sections - Distribute guests evenly to servers
  3. Communicate wait times honestly - Better to exceed expectations
  4. Know the menu - Be able to answer basic questions
  5. Watch the floor - Notice when tables are almost done
  6. Stay calm under pressure - Busy times require focus

Quick Reference​

Seat guest: Floor Map → Tap table → Seat → Enter party size

Add to waitlist: Waitlist → Add Guest → Fill details

Page guest: Waitlist → Find guest → Page Guest

Check reservation: Reservations → Find by name → Arrived

Voice: "Hey Maximus" + command

Last updated on