Host/Hostess

DescriptionThe Host/Hostess is the first and last point of contact for guests and plays an important role in creating a welcoming, organized, and positive dining experience. This position manages guest seating, waitlists, reservations, and communication with the service team while maintaining a professional and friendly front entrance. A great hostess doesn't simply "seat people." They control the flow of the restaurant—balancing sections, communicating with the floor, managing guest expectations, and making sure the restaurant doesn't get overwhelmed by seating too many tables at once.

Key Responsibilities:

Greet and welcome every guest in a friendly, professional manner.
Seat guests efficiently according to the restaurant’s seating rotation and table availability.
Manage reservations, walk-ins, and the guest waitlist.
Provide accurate wait-time estimates and communicate updates to waiting guests.
Answer incoming phone calls and respond to basic questions about hours, reservations, menu offerings, events, and restaurant policies.
Communicate with servers, bartenders, bussers, and managers to maintain an efficient flow of seating.
Monitor table status and coordinate with bussers to ensure tables are cleaned and ready for incoming guests.
Accommodate reasonable guest seating requests and communicate special requests to the appropriate staff.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, entrance, menus, and waiting area.
Assist with takeout orders, menus, or other front-of-house duties when needed.
Thank guests as they leave and invite them to return.
Handle guest concerns professionally and involve a manager when appropriate.
Maintain knowledge of daily specials, promotions, events, and restaurant activities.

Qualifications

Friendly and outgoing personality
strong communication and customer service skills
ability to remain organized in a busy, fast-paced environment
dependable and punctual; comfortable interacting with a wide variety of guests
able to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and high-volume shifts as scheduled.
Physical stamina to stand, walk for extended periods.
Basic math skills for handling payments and calculating tips.
Ability to lift 25-50 lbs. at times.
Ability to pass a corporate background check.
Ability to obtain required licensing.