How to Greet Customers in a Restaurant and Improve Your Guest Experience in 2025

Greeting customers quickly and with care, using their names when you can, and showing respect are key to making a great first impression. As hosts and hostesses, you play an important role because your greeting shapes the whole dining experience, and effective customer relationship management can enhance this interaction.

However, sometimes your staff might not be well-trained and end up handling greetings on their own. This can result in impersonal greetings such as “Hi guys”, “How many?” or “Just one?”

Restaurant operators cite staffing (51%) and training (35%) as top challenges to success. A poor greeting can ruin a guest’s entire experience. But don't worry, I’ve put together a few tips and examples on greeting customers in a restaurant correctly. Scroll down for additional tips on improving your overall guest experience.

Defining the restaurant guest experience

The restaurant guest experience is the overall impression and satisfaction that customers have when dining at a restaurant. It encompasses various aspects, including food quality, service, atmosphere, and efficiency. A memorable dining experience is not just about the food; it’s about how guests feel from the moment they walk in until they leave.

Restaurant owners should focus on creating an experience that exceeds guests’ expectations. This means paying attention to every detail, from the warmth of the greeting to the ambiance of the dining room. A positive guest experience can lead to repeat business, positive word-of-mouth, and glowing online reviews. Providing an exceptional guest experience is important for standing out and building a loyal customer base.

Why is the guest experience in restaurants important?

The guest experience is a cornerstone of a restaurant’s success. It directly impacts customer loyalty and retention, which are vital for sustained growth. When guests have a positive experience, they are more likely to return, recommend the restaurant to others, and leave positive online reviews. This not only boosts revenue but also gives the restaurant a competitive edge in the crowded restaurant industry.

Restaurant owners should prioritize the guest experience to stay ahead of the competition. A negative guest experience, on the other hand, can lead to a loss of business and a damaged reputation. In an age where online reviews can make or break a restaurant, ensuring that every guest leaves satisfied is more important than ever.

Greet guests as people, not customers

Everything we’ve covered above, so far, provides practical tips to improve your guest greetings and create a more memorable dining experience.

However, greeting the right way is deeply rooted in your staff’s attitude towards the people who walk in through the door.

One effective way to shape that attitude is to refer to your diners as guests, not customers.

Here’s why.

The Oxford Dictionary defines a customer as:

A person who buys goods or services
A person whom one has to deal with

On the other hand, a guest is defined as:

One whom you would treat with respect and hospitality as if they were a visitor in your own home.

Using the term "guest" is a much more welcoming way to think about and talk about those who frequent your restaurant.

This is especially important when learning how to greet customers in a restaurant.

So, we suggest that starting today, if you are not already doing so, think about and talk about those who frequent your restaurant as guests, not customers - as if they were visitors at your own home.

Treat them the same way you would treat a close friend or loved one visiting you. With a house guest, you would be warm and friendly, smile, and ask how they’ve been and what’s going on in their life.

You would genuinely compliment them and be enthusiastic and animated. You’d be happy they were in your home. That is how you and your staff should be toward your restaurant guests.

Make greetings more personal

The key to an excellent greeting strategy is personalization. Approaching guests with a personal touch instead of a generic greeting like “Welcome to the restaurant” shows them you care.

“The ability to greet a guest by name and reference their previous visits can create a sense of familiarity and make them feel valued.” - Emily McCoy, Restaurant Business

Implementing a loyalty program can further personalize the guest experience by offering rewards and incentives that make guests feel appreciated and encourage repeat visits.

Advanced CRM systems like Eat App help you take your guest experience to the next level.

Further reading: 10 best restaurant CRM systems compared

These systems help you build rich guest profiles that contain a plethora of information about your diners - from their name and contact information to other details like seating preferences, order history, allergy information, and even their birthdays and anniversaries.

Armed with all this information, your hosts can greet diners with a personalized touch that would be impossible without a CRM system.

They can greet guests by their name, welcome them back if they are regulars, guide them to their preferred table without being asked where to seat guests, and specially treat them if they are VIP customers.

This level of attention to detail will delight your guests, make them feel special and important, and strengthen their loyalty towards your restaurant.

Okay, I know we said it’s good to not stick to a script but to adapt to the environment. However, if all else fails and your servers need a bit of guidance, give them a reference.

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Use mini-scripts to improve your greetings

Below are a few scripts for your host/hostess to greet and serve customers effectively.

Paired with the tips mentioned above, they will help your guests feel more welcome and start the dining experience off on the right foot.

Restaurant greeting scripts

Good: Hello, welcome to {restaurant}, how many people will be dining today?
Bad: "Table for two?"
Good: “Hello, may I have the name on the reservation?”
Bad: “Do you have a reservation?”
Good: “I’ll take you to your table”
Bad: “Follow me”

Phone scripts

Good: “Hi, thank you for calling {restaurant name}. This is {receiver name} speaking. How may I help you today?”
Bad: “This is {restaurant name}”

If the guest’s name has been picked up by caller ID:

Good: “Good afternoon/ evening. Am I speaking with Mr/Ms {guest name}? This is {receiver name} speaking from {restaurant name}. How are you today?“
Bad: “Hi, this is {receiver name}”

Goodbye scripts

Good: “We hope you enjoyed your visit, Mr/Ms {guest name}, see you again soon!”
Bad: “Goodbye”
Good: “Thank you for visiting us, we hope you have a great rest of the day”
Bad: ”Thanks, bye”

If the customer is regular:

Good: “It was great having you over once again, we hope to see you soon!”
Bad: “See you again.”

Print out the mini-scripts, and take a few minutes before your next pre-shift meeting to present them to your greeters. Ask them to practice the one they like most and role-play them with you at the next pre-shift meeting.

Once they get used to using them to greet (and create small talk) your guests, you’ll find they’ll want to help create an even more memorable guest experience.

Handle difficult situations like a pro

Okay, so you've doubled down on your greeting when guests arrive. But, it's also important to be prepared to greet guests in difficult situations.

Here are a few examples and tips on how to deal with customers that might be a bit impossible:

Dealing with late arrivals

In the case of late arrivals, it is essential to handle the situation tactfully, as guests expect a warm welcome and efficient accommodation. Greet late customers with a warm welcome and efficiently accommodate them.

Offer reassurance and provide alternatives if necessary, such as adjusting the reservation or offering a seat at the bar. This flexibility demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to customer satisfaction, even in challenging situations.

Addressing customer complaints

Occasionally, customers may have complaints or concerns. Once again, it comes down to training your staff to handle these situations with empathy and professionalism.

Actively listen to the customer, apologize if necessary, and work towards finding a satisfactory resolution.

By addressing complaints promptly and effectively, you can turn a negative experience into a positive one and build customer loyalty.

Handling special requests

Some customers may have special requests or dietary restrictions. Handle these requests with attentiveness and care.

Ensure that the kitchen is informed of any special requirements and communicate the options available to the customer.

By accommodating special requests, you can create a positive and inclusive dining experience for all customers.

Use a system, like Eat App to help with guest preferences. Sign up is free.

Welcome guests with special needs

Welcoming disabled guests to your restaurant is an essential part of providing excellent customer service and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and included.

Here are tips on how to greet a disabled guest at your restaurant:

Offer a warm and friendly greeting: Just as you would with any other guest, greet the disabled person with a smile and a friendly demeanor.
Introduce yourself and your role: Let the guest know your name and position at the restaurant, such as host, server, or manager.
Ask how you can assist: Before assuming anything, ask the guest if they require any assistance. This could involve helping them with their coat, providing a menu in an alternative format, or guiding them to the restroom.
Respect their preferences: If the guest has a disability that requires specific accommodations, respect their preferences and follow their instructions. For example, if they are deaf, use sign language or write notes. If they have low vision, provide a menu with large print or offer verbal descriptions of dishes.
Be patient and understanding: Some disabled guests may need more time to read menus, make decisions, or navigate the restaurant. Be patient and understanding, and avoid rushing them.
Maintain eye contact and speak directly to the guest: When interacting with the disabled person, maintain eye contact and speak directly to them, not to their companion or caregiver.
Offer assistance without being intrusive: While being helpful, avoid being overly intrusive or patronizing. Offer assistance when needed, but allow the guest to maintain their independence as much as possible.
Ensure the restaurant is accessible: Make sure your restaurant is accessible to disabled guests by providing ramps, wide doorways, accessible restrooms, and adequate signage.
Continuously improve: Regularly review your restaurant's accessibility and accommodations to ensure you are meeting the needs of all your guests. Be open to feedback from disabled guests and make adjustments as needed.

Further reading: How to understand your venue better from your reviews

In the restaurant world, it's often the small details that make the biggest impact. When guests come to your restaurant, they’re looking for more than just delicious food; they want an enjoyable, stress-free experience. The staff, decor, and atmosphere are all necessary in shaping how guests feel about their visit. To keep guests coming back, focus on the little things that can significantly enhance their overall experience.

Food quality and atmosphere

Food quality is a critical aspect of the restaurant guest experience. It directly impacts customers’ satisfaction and loyalty. Restaurant owners should focus on serving high-quality, fresh, and creative dishes that exceed guests’ expectations. The quality of the restaurant food can turn a first-time visitor into a repeat customer.

Equally important is the atmosphere of the restaurant. The decor, lighting, music, and overall ambiance play a significant role in shaping the guest experience. A welcoming and inviting atmosphere can enhance the enjoyment of the meal and make guests feel comfortable and valued. Restaurant owners should strive to create an environment that complements the food and service, making the dining experience truly exceptional.

Building loyalty and retention

Building loyalty and retention is crucial for a restaurant’s long-term success. Loyal customers are more likely to return, recommend the restaurant to others, and provide valuable feedback. Restaurant owners can build loyalty by offering exceptional service, personalized experiences, and loyalty programs.

Loyalty programs can include rewards, discounts, and exclusive offers that incentivize customers to return. These programs not only encourage repeat business but also make customers feel appreciated and valued. Additionally, collecting and acting on customer feedback is essential for continuously improving the guest experience. By listening to their guests and making necessary adjustments, restaurant owners can build trust and foster long-term relationships with their customers.

In conclusion, focusing on the guest experience, from the quality of the food to the atmosphere and personalized service, is key to creating a memorable dining experience that keeps customers coming back.

Top tips to improve your restaurant experience

Greeting guests warmly is just the beginning. Maintaining this level of engagement throughout their visit is essential to creating a memorable dining experience.

Focus on quality staff training

Be attentive to your guests

Great servers have a knack for knowing what guests need before they even ask, significantly enhancing the restaurant experience. Even during the busiest times, the best servers can anticipate requests and deliver top-notch service without drawing attention to themselves. Matthew Greenberg, a former maître d’ at the 2-star Michelin restaurant Melisse, says, “Anticipating your guests’ needs is the difference between good service and great service” (FSR Magazine).

Small actions like bringing extra napkins, providing an extra plate for shared dishes, and promptly refilling water glasses don’t require much effort but can significantly enhance the guest experience. When your staff is attentive, guests can fully enjoy their meal and company without having to search for their server.

Your staff’s timing is everything

Timing is key to creating an exceptional guest experience. Guests should be greeted and have their drink orders taken within minutes of being seated. If someone in the group orders a soup or salad, ensure the server knows whether they want it before or with their main course.

When a party orders appetizers, hold off on their main courses so they can enjoy their starters without feeling rushed. It's also important to serve all main courses at the same time, ensuring everyone in the party can enjoy their meal together.

Pro tip: Use a system, like Eat App, to help with guest preferences. Sign-up is free.

Improve your waiting experience

Guests willing to wait for a table are truly dedicated. They’ve chosen your restaurant over others and are showing they value your food and service. Show them you appreciate their loyalty by making their wait comfortable and enjoyable. Simple touches, like providing seating in the waiting area and updating guests on their table status, can make a big difference. A positive waiting experience can also attract new customers, as word-of-mouth recommendations often highlight the overall guest experience. You could even offer complimentary drinks or snacks to make their wait more pleasant.

Pro Tip: Use Eat App to manage your waitlist efficiently. With Eat App, you can easily update guests on their wait time, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from the moment they arrive.

Learn more about how Eat App can enhance your waiting area experience here.

Make it easy for loyal customers to split bills

Making it easy for guests to split the bill can get rid of many of the common headaches during the payment process. Your restaurant should have a system that allows servers to effortlessly split checks by different cards, seat numbers, or individual items. Guests are tired of writing their names and orders on the back of the check. A streamlined payment system not only improves the guest experience but also boosts server efficiency and table turn times. Plus, servers might see higher tips when guests don't have to wait 15 minutes for the check to be split.

With Eat App's Pay at Table feature, customers can split their bills and tip through the online app. This eliminates the need to wait for the server to return with the receipt and payment device, making the payment process quick and easy. Guests can leave the restaurant when they’re ready without any hassle.

Pro Tip: Implementing Eat App's prepayment system can further streamline operations and improve guest satisfaction. Remember, the little things matter. Delighted customers become repeat customers who advocate for your business. Prioritizing these details can make a significant impact on the guest experience.

Keep it clean

It might seem straightforward, but many restaurants still miss the mark on cleanliness. Dirty bathrooms or smudged windows can leave a bad impression on guests. If a restaurant neglects general cleanliness, it raises concerns about the kitchen and staff hygiene.

Focusing on these small details can greatly influence how guests perceive your food and service quality. A study by Technomic found that many diners consider cleanliness to be just as important as the taste and quality of the food.

Takeaways

A great restaurant greeting is more than just a welcome; it's a performance. It's about making guests feel valued, understood, and excited to be there.

A warm smile, sincere words, and a touch of personalization can transform a simple hello into a memorable experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Download our guide on how to improve your guest experience today

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)

How do you greet customers in your restaurant?

Smile and Connect: Greet customers with a genuine smile and make eye contact.
Respectful Greetings: Address customers with appropriate titles like "sir," "ma'am," or "miss."
Prompt and Polite: Respond quickly and politely to their presence.
Active Listening: Engage in attentive listening to understand their needs.
Leverage Systems: Use existing systems to manage customer flow efficiently.

How do you politely greet a customer?

A warm smile, eye contact, and personalized service are the cornerstones of a memorable greeting. By addressing customers by name and actively assisting them in their search, you create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits