What is a good practice to make guests feel welcomed upon arrival?

Greeting guests with a smile and making eye contact is fundamental to creating a welcoming atmosphere. This practice conveys warmth and genuine interest, helping guests feel valued as soon as they arrive. A smile can create a positive First impression and establish a friendly rapport, while eye contact reassures guests that you are engaged with them and attentive to their presence.

In contrast, immediately offering a drink, while potentially a nice gesture, may not be the best initial interaction as it can come off as rushed and ignore the importance of establishing a connection first. Asking for their order right away can feel overwhelming and impersonal, neglecting the opportunity to ensure they feel comfortable and acknowledged. Telling guests about specials before greeting them disrupts the essential human connection that sets the tone for their experience and can leave them feeling overlooked. Making eye contact and offering a smile lays the essential groundwork for any follow-up interactions, making it the most effective practice for welcoming guests.