The host stand is the first piece of furniture guests see. It sets the tone for the room and has to work hard for the staff behind it. Here is what we plan for when we build a custom host stand.
Height
Most host stands are built at about 40 to 44 inches tall, a comfortable standing height for staff and a natural height for guests to approach. Some designs add a raised lip or gallery rail around the top to keep menus and tablets in place.
Footprint
A typical freestanding host stand is about 24 to 36 inches wide and 18 to 24 inches deep. Measure the entry carefully: the stand should leave a clear path for guests, strollers and wheelchairs, and for staff to step out and greet people.
Storage
- Open shelves or cubbies for menus
- A drawer for pens, cards and small supplies
- Space for a phone, pager system or reservation tablet
Power and technology
Plan a power source and cable path for reservation tablets, POS terminals and chargers. Grommets and hidden channels keep cords out of sight. If the stand is freestanding, decide whether power comes from a floor box, the wall or a battery setup.
Materials and finish
Host stands get touched constantly. Solid hardwood tops with durable finishes hold up well, and edges should be eased so they stay comfortable to lean on. Matching the stand to the room's tables, bar or paneling ties the entry to the dining room.
Examples
For Ella Dining Room & Bar in Sacramento we built a white oak host stand with a gallery-rail top on custom-turned legs shaped to match the restaurant's existing furniture. At Slow and Low in Elk Grove the host stand is clad in white oak slats to match the slat screens in the dining hall.
Related
Banquettes vs. booths vs. chairs · Restaurant build-out timeline
See our restaurant millwork and hospitality millwork pages, or tell us about your restaurant.
Fine dining: we have built custom furniture for two Michelin-starred Sacramento restaurants, The Kitchen and Localis. See our fine dining work.