When visiting a casino, in addition to gambling, many people look forward to dining in a nice restaurant with good food, service, and atmosphere. While casinos and casino hotels often offer a variety of restaurants, usually at least one is a fine dining establishment. While the manager is responsible for overseeing the entire restaurant operation, fine dining estalishments also may employ a Maitre d’Hotel. These individuals, often referred to as Maitre d’s, are responsible for managing the front of the house in the restaurant.
The Maitre d’, working under the supervision of the restaurant manager, assists in setting the standards and style for service in the dining room. The individual assists in the training of the wait staff as well as bus people, hosts, hostesses, and others who work in the dining room. The person oversees and supervises these employees.
Fine restaurants usually have reservation books. The Maitre d’ is responsible for keeping abreast of reservations to make sure there is enough staff scheduled during busy times. Because many casino restaurants have walk-ins, the person also often forecasts business. The Maitre d’ greets customers and welcomes them to the dining establishment. The person sometimes escorts customers to tables, assisting the hosts or hostesses when they are busy with other guests. The Maitre d’ tells customers about specials and makes sure a wine steward or member of the wait staff is sent over in timely fashion.
The Maitre d’ is responsible for arranging seating for large groups of guests. He or she accommodates any special seating requests. The Maitre d’ may handle other special needs at the request of customers, for example, champagne with an engagement ring in the glass for a couple about to become engaged or a birthday cake complete with candles and singing waiters. The Maitre d’ makes sure everything in the front of the house is in order, including making sure fresh flowers are in place, candles lit, napkins folded, and tables set. The Maitre d’ often walks around the dining room, stopping at tables to ask customers if they need anything and making sure everyone is pleased with the service and the food. If they are any problems, the Maitre d’ makes every effort possible to correct them to the guests’ satisfaction. When guests are done with their meal and ready to leave, the Maitre d’ assists them with their coats and thanks them for visiting the establishment. Other responsibilities of the Maitre d’ may include:
Annual earning for Maitre d’s in casinos and casino hotels range from USD 30,000 to USD 78,000 or more depending on a number of factors, including the geographic location, size, and prestige of the casino or casino hotel, as well as the specific restaurant. Other variables include the experience and responsibilities of the individual. Maitre d’s may also receive tips from customers.
Employment prospects are fair for Maitre d’s seeking employment in casinos and casino hotel fine restaurants. jobs may be found in a variety of eateries, including gourmet restaurants, full-service restaurants, specialty restaurants, and ethnic restaurants.
Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Detroit offer the greatest number of job possibilities. Other employment settings include casinos and casino hotels in other areas of Nevada, Mississippi, New York, Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona and California. Other regions hosting Indian gaming and land-based or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities. New casinos and casino hotels are constantly under construction. More casinos and casino hotels are also opening every year as areas legalize gambling.
Maitre d’s can advance their careers in a number of ways. Individuals may obtain experience and locate similar jobs in larger or more prestigious restaurants, resulting in increased earnings. Depending on experience, education, and career aspirations, some Maitre d’s may also be promoted to jobs such as restaurant managers.
Educational requirements for Maitre d’s in casino and casino hotel restaurants vary from job to job. In many cases, experience is accepted in lieu of education requirements. Most facilities require applicants to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some casino hotel restaurants prefer that applicants complete courses in dining room management, wine service, and hospitality from two- or four-year colleges or vocational technical schools. Others accept on-thejob training. Many casinos and casino hotels offer training programs in which individuals learn various aspects of restaurant operations.
Maitre d’s working in casinos and casino hotels should have experience working in a fine restaurant. Most start their careers as waitpersons. Many casino restaurants require prior experience as a Maitre d’. Maitre d’s should be neatly groomed individuals. They must be well-spoken and articulate with good communication skills. Individuals should enjoy being around others and providing good customer service. Understanding of restaurant “front of the house” operation is mandatory.
Depending on the specific state and facility in which the person works, he or she may need to meet minimum age requirements, hold a TAM (Techniques of Alcohol Management) card and a valid health card from the local public health department.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in this area can obtain additional information by contacting the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association (EFNRA) and the Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (CHRIE).
1. Visit the human resources departments of casinos and casino hotels to inquire about job openings.
2. Also fax or send your résumé and a short cover letter to human resources departments.
3. Stop by privately owned restaurants in casino facilities. These might also offer additional opportunities.
4. Jobs are often advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Restaurants,” “Maitre D’,” “Casino/Hotel Opportunities,” “Food Service,” “Fine Restaurant,” “Casino Hotel Restaurants,” or “Food and Beverage.”
5. Training programs can offer excellent experience in this field.
6. Check out casinos and casino hotels Web sites. Many list their job openings.
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