Lead Host

About the Restaurant:

Catalina Kitchen Bar is the fourth concept from the Ditka's Restaurant Group who has been operating restaurants in Chicago and Pittsburgh since 1997. Catalina Kitchen Bar is an elevated neighborhood restaurant featuring modern American cuisine and professional service in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Our scratch kitchen will feature a beautiful raw bar, house-made pasta, fresh fish, and meat shipped directly from our Chicago butcher. We offer an extensive wine list, local craft beer, and a unique cocktail program.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Lead Host to join our team and provide exceptional leadership at the front desk. The Lead Host is responsible for creating an outstanding first and last impression for every Guest, overseeing the host team, and ensuring smooth and efficient seating and service flow. Working closely with our management team, this role provides guidance and support to hosts, manages reservations and wait lists, and maintains a professional and welcoming atmosphere at all times. The ideal candidate will have experience handling a reservation system during high-volume shifts, along with strong communication skills, leadership ability, and a genuine passion for guest service while modeling our company’s standards of professionalism, cleanliness, and hospitality.

Job Description:

Key Performance Elements/Essential Functions

• Operational Leadership Manages front desk operations in alignment with the General Manager’s direction, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of daily responsibilities. Maintains a thorough understanding of all company policies, procedures, and operating standards while clearly communicating these to all personnel.
• Team Training & Development Trains, coaches, and counsels host team members while facilitating their growth and professional development. Encourages a positive, respectful work environment free of harassment and misconduct.
• Guest Experience Excellence Creates a welcoming environment by opening doors for Guests upon arrival and departure, warmly greeting and seating them, and accommodating special needs such as accessibility seating, boosters, and high chairs. Manages Guest expectations during busy times, provides accurate wait estimates, and ensures every Guest departs feeling appreciated and invited to return. Handles incoming calls courteously and efficiently in accordance with established guidelines.
• Cleanliness & Presentation Monitors and maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of all restaurant areas, including restrooms, entryways, and exterior spaces. Assists with the ongoing upkeep of the Greeter area, ensuring menus, Point of Sale merchandise, promotional materials, and other guest-facing items are well maintained and presentable. Completes assigned weekly cleaning projects and reports any deficiencies to management.
• Guest Recovery & Service Support Strives for flawless recovery when addressing Guest complaints and alerts management immediately to any issues. Provides support to the dining room as needed by running food, bussing tables, rolling silverware, or assisting with service flow. Maintains strong working knowledge of restaurant operations including hours of operation, menu offerings, payment policies, and take-out programs.
• Safety, Security & Professionalism Upholds safety and security standards at all times, maintaining a professional image of the restaurant through personal appearance, uniforms, and overall facility presentation. Completes all other duties as assigned by management.
  
  
  

Key Competencies/Characteristics

• Core Values & Leadership Lives and demonstrates the company’s Core Values and Disciplines at all times. Possesses strong leadership and motivational skills that inspire others to perform at their best.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills Displays excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills. Builds positive connections with Guests and team members through friendliness, attentiveness, and a naturally approachable demeanor.
• Problem Solving & Guest Recovery Handles challenges with composure, applying effective problem resolution and guest recovery skills to ensure a positive outcome and foster Guest loyalty.
• Personal Demeanor Maintains a pleasant, easy-going attitude with a genuine smile. Exhibits warmth, sensitivity, and politeness in every Guest interaction. Inspires cooperation and teamwork through self-confidence, positivity, and enthusiasm.
• Professionalism & Discipline Demonstrates self-discipline, dependability, and trustworthiness. Always presents a neat, clean, and professional image, upholding restaurant appearance standards.
• Resilience & Service Commitment Stays calm and positive under pressure, even in stressful conditions. Shows a strong commitment to serving others with genuine hospitality, going above and beyond to meet Guest needs.
• Attention to Detail Applies keen attention to detail and strong analytical skills to ensure consistency, accuracy, and operational excellence.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds
• Able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 4 hours at a time.
• Able to speak clearly and listen attentively to Guests/employees.
• Must meet any federal, state, county or municipal regulations pertaining to the service of food and beverages.
  
  
  

Additional Information

• Extreme environmental demands on front of house people are few. The majority of work takes place indoors in climate controlled areas.
• The only chemicals involved are those of the cleaning kind. Training is given as to the appropriate use of these chemicals.
• During a typical shift a front of the house Team Member will have intense Guest contact and be involved in moderately to very stressful situations.
• Team Members must work well with limited supervision within their specific position functions but must be highly interactive with other Team Members to accomplish work.
  
  
  

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 3 years experience working in a hospitality as a host or in a supervisor role.