Job Overview

Tsunami Sushi – Hostess Job Description

Position: Hostess / Host
Department: Front of House
Reports To: Manager on Duty
Mandatory: Hosts must be available to work Friday dinner, Saturday, and Sunday

Position Summary

The Hostess is responsible for creating a welcoming first impression and providing exceptional hospitality to every guest who visits Tsunami Sushi. This position manages guest seating, reservations, wait lists, and communication between the front-of-house team to ensure a smooth and organized dining experience. The ideal candidate is friendly, professional, attentive, and able to remain composed in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Guest Hospitality

• Greet every guest promptly with a warm, friendly, and professional attitude.

• Manage guest arrivals, reservations, walk-ins, and wait lists efficiently.

• Provide accurate wait-time estimates and communicate updates to guests.

• Escort guests to their tables while maintaining an organized and balanced seating rotation.

• Answer guest questions regarding the menu, restaurant policies, and general dining information.

• Respond to guest concerns professionally and involve a manager when necessary.

• Thank guests as they depart and help create a positive overall dining experience.

Reservations and Seating Management

• Manage reservations and table assignments through the restaurant's reservation system.

• Monitor table availability, server sections, and dining room capacity.

• Communicate with servers and managers to maintain a fair and consistent seating rotation.

• Monitor table status and update the reservation system promptly as tables become available.

• Coordinate large parties and special seating requests with management.

• Follow established procedures for managing wait lists, seating times, and guest flow.

Phone and Guest Communication

• Answer incoming phone calls professionally and promptly.

• Assist guests with reservation inquiries, restaurant hours, directions, and general questions.

• Communicate accurate information regarding takeout orders and direct calls appropriately.

• Follow restaurant procedures when transferring calls or requesting assistance from management.

• Maintain a calm, courteous demeanor during busy periods and when handling difficult interactions.

Dining Room Organization

• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional host stand and entrance area.

• Ensure menus and other guest materials are clean, presentable, and readily available.

• Monitor the dining room entrance and waiting area to maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

• Assist with general front-of-house duties and cleaning tasks during slower periods.

• Communicate table status, guest needs, and potential service issues to the appropriate team members.

Teamwork and Professionalism

• Work closely with servers, bussers, managers, and other team members to maintain efficient service.

• Follow all restaurant policies, procedures, and service standards.

• Arrive on time, maintain a professional appearance, and be prepared for each shift.

• Remain productive during slower periods by completing assigned cleaning, organization, and side work.

• Accept coaching and direction from management and contribute to a positive team environment.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

• Friendly, professional, and hospitality-focused attitude.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.

• Dependability, punctuality, and a willingness to learn.

• Previous restaurant or customer service experience preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to move throughout the restaurant safely and efficiently.

• Ability to carry menus and other light restaurant supplies.

• Ability to work in a busy environment while maintaining focus and professionalism.

Performance Expectations

Hostesses are expected to consistently demonstrate excellent hospitality, maintain accurate reservation and seating information, communicate effectively with the team, and help create a smooth flow of service throughout the restaurant. Every guest should feel acknowledged, welcomed, and valued from the moment they arrive until they leave.

The goal is to represent Tsunami Sushi with professionalism, teamwork, and genuine hospitality while helping deliver an exceptional guest experience every shift.