What should be stocked in the host area before opening?

Having menus and toothpicks stocked in the host area before opening is essential for a smooth operation. Menus are crucial because they provide customers with information about the available dishes, drinks, and any specials, allowing them to make informed choices quickly upon being seated. Having them readily available helps to streamline the seating process, ensuring that guests can start their dining experience without unnecessary delays.

Toothpicks serve a practical purpose as well; they offer guests an option for convenience, particularly after meals, and contribute to an overall positive dining experience. When the host area is well-prepared with these items, it reflects well on the restaurant's organization and readiness to serve customers, creating a welcoming environment.

The other options, while they may have their own importance, do not provide the same level of readiness for immediate guest interaction as menus and toothpicks. Extra napkins are useful but not the primary focus upon opening; serving trays are typically used by staff rather than stocked in the host area, and gift cards, although a good addition, are not directly related to the initial seating and immediate dining experience.