The maître d’ is another term for ‘head waiter’ and is a key figure within the industry.
This person oversees the dining room operation in a restaurant and coordinates the work of the Front of House team. The maître d’ is also responsible for customer relations, and must ensure that a restaurant’s customers receive impeccable service at all times.
He / she will make sure the restaurant is set perfectly before opening; that all glassware and cutlery is clean and shiny; that every member of the waiting team is well presented and knows what’s on the menu; what the ‘Specials’ are (i.e. which dishes to promote); how many guests have pre-booked and how many ‘walk in’ bookings the restaurant can accommodate.
The maître d’ is the person who will have scanned the guest list in advance and will have identified any special seating, say for VIPs. He / she will manage any difficult situations including complaints, or the restaurant being full or very busy, leading to extended waiting times.
The maître d’ is seen as the ‘king or queen’ of the restaurant domain and generally has the authority to offer complimentary items, organise additional services for customers, such as taxis.
Skills, Experience and Personality Needed:
- Strong attention to detail
- Thorough knowledge of the food service industry, dining etiquette and manners
- Exceptional customer service skills
Benefits and Considerations:
- Depending on location and size of the restaurant, a maître d’ can expect to earn circa £2,000- £3,000 more than a member of the general waiting team – a salary in line with supervisory roles in other industries such as healthcare, automotive, technology
- The hours are not necessarily longer than in other industries
- It’s a hugely fun role for someone who genuinely enjoys being with people and ensuring they are having a great experience
- Evening and weekend working is the norm
- Can be stressful at times
