Denny's logo

Host/Hostess

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $12.75 - $17.75
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

flexible schedules
Professional development opportunities
Team-oriented work environment
Employee Discounts
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
retirement savings plan

Job Description

Denny's is a renowned full-service restaurant brand known for its welcoming atmosphere, diverse menu, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. With a rich history spanning several decades, Denny's has established itself as a favorite dining destination for families, travelers, and local communities. The brand emphasizes hospitality, quality food, and a friendly environment, making it a great place to work for individuals passionate about customer service and the restaurant industry. Operating across many locations, Denny's offers a range of career opportunities and values its team members as integral to its continued success and positive reputation.

The Host/Hostess position at Denny's plays a crucial role in the front-of-house operations, acting as the guests' first point of contact. This role involves greeting guests promptly and courteously, managing wait lists effectively, and supporting the restaurant's overall service flow. A Host/Hostess must create a positive and welcoming first impression, ensuring guests feel valued and comfortable from the moment they enter. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and a friendly demeanor are essential to excel in this position. This role reports directly to the Restaurant Manager, General Manager, or Manager on Duty, highlighting its importance in the daily functioning of the restaurant.

In addition to guest service, the Host/Hostess supports the restaurant by managing table assignments to balance server workloads and maintaining cleanliness and organization in front-of-house areas such as the host stand, lobby, and entryways. The role also involves assisting with clearing and resetting tables as needed, demonstrating teamwork and professionalism by collaborating with other team members including servers, service assistants, and cooks. Physical demands include standing and walking for extended periods, occasional lifting, and handling menus and seating tools. The work environment is dynamic, with exposure to noise, crowds, and changing guest flow, requiring adaptability and a calm, organized approach.

Denny's offers flexible schedules with shifts that may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, accommodating business needs. This position requires a commitment to punctuality, consistent attendance, and the ability to communicate clearly and courteously with guests and colleagues. Previous customer service or hospitality experience is preferred but not required, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in the restaurant industry or those who enjoy engaging with people in a fast-paced environment.

Overall, the Host/Hostess role at Denny's is essential to creating a memorable dining experience by ensuring guests are welcomed warmly and seated efficiently. It presents a rewarding career path for those who are enthusiastic about hospitality and working within a supportive team culture. With the backing of an established brand, employees in this role benefit from professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to a successful restaurant operation.

Job Requirements

  • Previous customer service or hospitality experience preferred but not required
  • strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • ability to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment

Job Qualifications

  • Previous customer service or hospitality experience preferred but not required
  • strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • ability to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
  • professional appearance and positive attitude
  • ability to handle multiple guest interactions simultaneously
  • ability to remain organized and attentive in a fast-paced environment
  • ability to adapt to changing guest flow and restaurant conditions

Job Duties

  • Greet guests promptly and courteously upon arrival
  • create a welcoming and friendly first impression for all guests
  • manage wait lists and communicate accurate wait times
  • escort guests to tables and provide menus as needed
  • respond to guest questions and assist with basic requests
  • manage table assignments to balance server sections and service flow
  • monitor dining room activity and table availability
  • communicate seating status and guest needs to servers and management
  • support servers and service assistants during busy periods as needed
  • maintain cleanliness of host stand, entryways, lobby, and waiting areas
  • keep menus, seating areas, and front-of-house spaces clean and organized
  • assist with clearing and resetting tables as needed
  • perform cleaning tasks including wiping surfaces, sweeping floors, removing trash, cleaning restrooms as assigned, and other cleaning or side work tasks assigned by management
  • work collaboratively with servers, service assistants, cooks, and management
  • maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude
  • follow direction from managers and shift leaders
  • demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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