Host/Hostess - Yakiya

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in Glendale, California in 1983, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With close to 2,800 locations globally, Panda Restaurant Group continues to fulfill its mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences while fostering an organizational culture inspired by family values and a commitment to improving lives. The group embraces diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel valued and welcome in an environment that supports professional growth and personal development.

The role of Host/Hostess at Panda Restaurant Group is a pivotal position within the dining experience, greatly influencing the guests' initial and final impressions of the restaurant. This position is dynamic and requires a high level of customer service skills as the Host/Hostess is responsible for greeting and seating guests in a manner that optimizes the flow and turnover of tables. A smooth-running shift depends significantly on the Host/Hostess's ability to manage seating effectively while ensuring guests feel welcomed and taken care of. This role requires a blend of interpersonal, organizational, and multitasking abilities to coordinate front-of-house operations successfully.

The Host/Hostess not only welcomes guests warmly but also provides menus, answers immediate questions regarding the menu or beverages, and communicates any special guest needs to servers and kitchen staff. They play an essential role in suggestive selling, advising guests on balanced meal choices based on taste profiles, ingredients, and sauces to enhance their dining experience and maximize sales opportunities. Additionally, the Host/Hostess handles take-out orders, processes payments, and ensures accuracy in fulfilling special requests.

Beyond typical greeting and seating duties, this role encompasses responsibilities such as accommodating special seating needs, managing telephone calls, taking and confirming reservations, pre-planning balanced seating arrangements, and assisting servers with serving beverages. The position requires active engagement in maintaining cleanliness and safety standards within the front desk and lobby areas through opening or closing routines and other cleaning tasks. Flexibility is essential, as the Host/Hostess is expected to perform miscellaneous administrative tasks as assigned by management.

Panda Restaurant Group offers full-time associates a progressive compensation package including base pay ranging from $18.04 to $21.04 per hour, supplemented by bonus opportunities. Comprehensive benefits accompany the role such as paid training, continuous career and leadership development, medical and dental insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee discounts. The company encourages internal growth and offers clear pathways for advancement into management positions.

Panda Restaurant Group fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace culture with a strong focus on equal opportunity employment. They provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring and employment process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The vibrant work environment is fast-paced, requiring Host/Hostesses to stand for extended periods, manage guest interactions effectively, and maintain composure during busy shifts.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about delivering exceptional customer service in a dynamic restaurant setting who seek opportunities for growth and development within a successful and expanding company. The Host/Hostess position at Panda Restaurant Group not only allows employees to become a crucial part of the dining experience but also to contribute meaningfully to a company that values family, integrity, and excellence in hospitality.