COMPANY SUMMARY: The Akira Back restaurant in The Grandscape Development of The Colony, TX is modern Japanese cuisine with 5-star service. This innovative concept was created by Michelin Star award winning Chef Akira Back. The Akira Back portfolio of restaurants consists of 24 locations in 12 different countries with many more locations set to open in the next 12 months. The company is growing rapidly with opportunities for passionate team members to expand their experience and grow with the brand.

The Akira Back host/hostess position is responsible for greeting and checking in guests upon their arrival, maintaining an accurate wait list when applicable while also seeing guests to their table when they are ready.

This job description is a summary of duties; however, it is by no means an all-inclusive list. It is merely a broad guide to expected duties of the position.

• Inform the guests that their table is ready and invite them to the table
• Carry guests’ drinks to their seats/tables from the bar area and transfer their tab to the table if needed or applicable
• Pull out chairs and tables to make it easier for the guests to sit down
• Respond to guests’ requests at the time of seating, i.e., providing directions/escorting guests to the restroom
• Responsible for ensuring guests are closed out at the bar or transferred
• Perform all assigned duties as detailed in your opening, afternoon and closing checklists
• Distribute the server’s slips (guest notes) and ensure any updates are given to servers and management promptly
• Check the guest database to identify all regulars/VIP guests and inform management upon their arrival
• Use OpenTable when taking reservations and when checking on current or future reservations; ensure accuracy when entering data into OpenTable
• Answer calls promptly to maximize the restaurant’s capacity
• Accommodate regulars and reservation requests of concierges and any other referring companies/services
• Utilize all tables to achieve higher turnaround of guests
• Work closely with concierges and other agents to increase reservations
• Assume all other responsibility relating to operational items at the reception desk
• Complete all administrative duties competently, efficiently, thoroughly, and in a timely manner
• Update all operational telephone numbers as needed
• Move furniture as directed by management, including but not limited to tables, chairs, bar stools, banquettes, bar tables, boxes, equipment, etc.
• Understand and execute every aspect of the Company’s emergency procedures, policies and procedures within employee handbook, and with the geographical layout of the operation and to know the exact whereabouts of all operational equipment
• Scan through the restaurant in intervals to identify any empty tables and inform the Lead or Senior Host person and Manager on Duty
• Stock all the necessary stationery (pens, pencils, papers, white-out tapes, table plans, stapler, hole puncher, etc.) and double check against the required stock levels before shift
• Assists and/ or completes additional tasks as assigned

IN ADDITION TO THE AFOREMENTIONED ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, THE POSITION WILL BE EVALUATED ON THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES:

• Accountability
• Development
• Working relationships
• Judgment
• Quality of work
• Job skills knowledge
• Productivity
• Dependability
• Punctuality
• Adherence to Policy
• Verbal communication
• Attitude
• Appearance
• Teamwork
• Guest satisfaction

EDUCATION/REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma preferred
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Valid Driver’s License
• 21 years of age
• Texas Food Handlers Card
• Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards

WORKING KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a host/hostess in a high-volume/ fine-dining restaurant
• Thorough knowledge of restaurant operations including food, beverage, service techniques and guest interaction
• Knowledge of all reservations policies and able to make reservations
• Knowledge of cancellation fees, cake fees, corkage fees, etc.
• Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system
• Be familiar with all hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately
• POS systems
• Opening and closing duties
• Proper lifting techniques
• Guest relations
• Sanitation and safety
• Safe alcohol service
• Beverage presentation
• Fast-paced operations

SKILLS:

• Create and maintain a sense of urgency
• Must have strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and assertively in the English language, both verbally and in writing with staff, clients, and the public
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude always
• Ability to keep an open and objective view
• Ability to listen empathetically and be respectful always
• Ability to maintain composure and stay focused
• Ability to maintain personal integrity
• Ability to work as a team, stay organized, handle various projects at one time, follow up and make accurate decisions
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and sometimes stressful environment, and work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Consistently maintain a well-groomed appearance, posture, and hygiene
• Move effectively and efficiently throughout the venue floor and bar areas
• Outgoing personality, warm and friendly, demonstrate enthusiasm and professionalism
• Use strong judgment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

• Must present and maintain a professional image to further the overall theme of the restaurant
• Must have good positive energy to make it through the day
• Must be able to read the computer monitors
• Must be able to print legibly for guests to read
• Must be observant and quick to respond to various situations
• Must be able to move quickly through work and set the pace at venue
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
• Must be dexterous and able to participate in all service aspects.
• Must be able to twist, tow (push or pull), reach, bend, climb and carry as necessary
• Must be able to push and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Ability to reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Ability to talk, hear, taste, smell, and specific vision abilities required by the job to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Work indoors and/or outdoors, exposed to hot and/or cold surfaces, steam, and wet floors
• Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds and smoke, the severity of which depends upon guest volume
• Involves constant public contact
• Fast paced, high volume, high energy
• Hours may be part-time (less than 30 hours per week)
• Schedule could exceed 30 hours per week
• Work varied shifts to include days, nights, weekends, and holidays

US Candidates Only

Akira Back is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Shift:

• Evening shift
• Night shift

Weekly day range:

• Every weekend
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Host/hostess: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Food Handler Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person