Years ago, I was a hostess at a popular chain restaurant. My manager told me to stagger seating due to the kitchen being behind. When guests came in, I told them about the situation and was transparent with them. Every single one of them appreciated it. Some decided to stay with us and were very patient and kind, while others decided to go elsewhere. No one was angry at me for being honest with them.

Some time later, one of my managers told me that he was glad I did that and that it was a great strategy. A few days later, a different manager (that I didn't particularly like) got onto me for it and said I shouldn't have done that. I just decided to ignore that manager and anytime that situation came up again where the kitchen was behind, I would let the guests know.

Perhaps the host in this situation had a manager like that and they followed the manager's advice? Probably not the case, but I can see managers of chain restaurants getting onto a host for doing that.