Host / Reservationist

Black Briar is a Bold American Tavern anchored by an open coal grill, a serious raw bar, and ingredient-first cooking. We are opening in the West Loop - a neighborhood that knows the difference between a restaurant that performs hospitality and one that actually means it. The Host is the first person a guest meets and the last one they remember.

The Role

The Host is the front door of Black Briar - literally and culturally. You set the tone before a guest sits down, manage the flow of the room throughout service, and ensure that every person who walks through the door feels recognized and welcomed. You report directly to the AGM and GM.

What You Own

• Greeting every guest with warmth, confidence, and genuine presence - no scripts, no performance
• Managing reservations, walk-ins, and waitlist with accuracy and composure in OpenTable
• Executing the floor plan with intelligence - seating to protect both the guest experience and the kitchen’s rhythm
• Communicating table status, guest notes, and pacing updates clearly to the FOH management team throughout service
• Maintaining full knowledge of the reservation book - special occasions, dietary needs, VIP guests, and return visitors
• Managing the door during peak periods with calm authority - holding the standard without making a guest feel managed
• Answering the phone professionally and handling reservation inquiries with confidence and warmth
• Coordinating with servers and runners on table readiness before seating
• Maintaining the entrance, host stand, and front-of-house appearance to Black Briar’s standard at all times
• Closing the host stand completely - reservation notes updated, next-day book reviewed, and floor plan set for the following shift

What We’re Looking For

• Prior host or front-of-house experience in a full-service restaurant preferred — Chicago dining experience a strong plus
• Genuinely warm and socially intelligent — you read a room without thinking about it
• Calm under pressure — a full dining room, a walk-in party, and a ringing phone do not rattle you
• Proficiency with OpenTable or comparable reservation platform preferred
• Polished, professional appearance and presence
• Strong communicator — clear, direct, and kind with guests and team members alike
• Reliable and punctual — the door cannot open without you
• A genuine interest in hospitality

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage $18-$20
• Gratuity participation
• Health benefits
• Paid time off, accruing after 90 days
• Paid sick leave per Illinois law
• Employee dining benefit
• Annual performance review with merit increase opportunity

Who You Are

You are the kind of person who makes someone feel at ease without trying. You remember faces. You notice when something is off before anyone says a word. You do not treat hospitality as a transaction - you treat it as a responsibility. Chicago guests are discerning and they will know whether this place is the real thing. You make sure the answer is always yes.

Apply

Black Briar is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the city we are proud to call home.

To apply, send your resume and a brief note on why Black Briar to: careers@blackbriarchi.com