What is the function of a host?

Back in my restaurant days, the host was the first face of the restaurant. Opening the door with a smile and a greeting, just like welcoming someone into your home.

I think that the hosts missed that day of training. As we walked in the doors, there were two teenaged girls at the host stand, a manager dude chatting them up and a harried 50something host running her ass off.

Teen#1: eyeroll at manager
Manager: flirt flirt flirt
Teen#2: /sigh, exasperated look at the one working host "Where did you just put that table?" /argh
Harried Host: point and run away from teenangst!
Teen#2: "How many?"
Us: 4, 2 kids
Teen#2: /sigh "Kids menu?"
Us, actually J: Yes, please 2 kids menus :)
A to Q: /sigh eyeroll

Now I realize that being a host is ubertaxing on a teen's social schedule but is it too much to ask for some sort of greeting? I mean, really! I get more animated greetings from the cardboard cutouts that Wal*Mart tries to pass off as human greeters!

During our meal, I watched the hosts. It seems that their host duties include walking the dining rooms, snarling at tables, deep sighs and huge eyerolls. Yes, that is the exact attitude I get from DK & J when I ask them to work but DK & J don't get a paycheck.

Sadly, the hosts seem to be the norm for teens these days here in Wooster. Pissed that they have to work, pissed that they have to talk to people who are not anywhere as cool as they are. Get over it, honey! You have just started on your life of servitude. Your thong's a bit too tight. Find some big girl panties and suck it up!