Which of the following is a key responsibility of a hostess?

A key responsibility of a hostess is greeting and seating guests. This role is fundamental in creating a welcoming atmosphere in the restaurant, as the first impression of any dining experience often begins with the hostess. The task involves not just welcoming guests as they arrive, but also efficiently managing their seating arrangements to ensure a smooth flow of service.

By greeting guests warmly, the hostess sets the tone for their dining experience, helping them feel valued and appreciated. Seating guests effectively involves understanding the restaurant's layout and capacity, considering the preferences and needs of guests, and coordinating with the waitstaff to ensure a seamless transition to their table.

In contrast, cooking the food, managing the waitstaff, and handling complaints fall outside the purview of the hostess's primary duties. While these activities are important components of restaurant operations, they are typically assigned to chefs, managers, and the waitstaff, respectively, allowing the hostess to focus on her essential role in guest relations.