Hosts/Hostesses

Employers

Approximately 435,600 hosts and hostesses are employed in the United States. Hosts and hostesses work in a variety of restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops throughout the country. Some individuals work for chain restaurants such as the Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, Cracker Barrel, TGI Friday's, and Applebees. Some restaurants cater to an upscale clientele, while others may be small or family owned.

One of the great things about this job is that there are a plethora of opportunities in almost every area of the country—whether it be in large cities or small towns.

Starting Out

Depending on the specific employment setting, this is often an entry-level job. Preference will be given to individuals who are articulate, well groomed, and have excellent customer service skills.

Aspiring hosts and hostesses can learn about job openings by visiting the Web sites of large restaurants or simply stopping by a restaurant to see if there are any job openings.