Lead Host / Maître d'

About Drake’s Hollywood

Drake’s Hollywood is an upscale American restaurant inspired by the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Known for its premium steaks and seafood, expertly crafted cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere, Drake’s delivers an elevated dining experience where exceptional hospitality, impeccable execution, and memorable guest experiences take center stage.

At Drake’s Hollywood, dining is about more than great food and beverage. It is about creating moments. From celebratory dinners and business gatherings to spontaneous nights out, our guests come to Drake’s expecting an experience that feels elevated, energetic, and unforgettable. Every detail matters, and every interaction contributes to the atmosphere that defines our brand.

We are passionate about hospitality professionals who understand that exceptional service goes beyond execution. Our team members are polished, confident, engaging, and genuinely invested in creating meaningful connections with guests. They anticipate needs, create memorable experiences, and contribute to an environment where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and excited to return.

About the Opportunity

The Maître d’ at Drake’s Hollywood is the leader of the front door, responsible for setting the tone for both the guest experience and the Host team. Highly personable, organized, and communicative, this individual takes strong command of the host stand, gives clear direction to the team, and ensures the arrival, seating, and departure experience reflects the energy and elevated hospitality that define Drake’s.

We are looking for someone with natural presence and leadership instincts—someone who can create genuine connections with guests while simultaneously maintaining awareness of the entire dining room. The Maître d’ manages reservations, guest relationships, seating strategy, and dining room flow while keeping Hosts, managers, and the service team aligned throughout the shift.

This role also serves as a trusted partner to restaurant leadership, helping train and develop the Host team and supporting select administrative responsibilities related to reservations, guest information, communication, and front-of-house organization.

The ideal candidate is warm and engaging, exceptionally organized, confident giving direction, and composed under pressure. They understand how to create order in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing the personal connection and genuine hospitality our guests expect.

Core Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the host stand and lead the front-door experience throughout service

• Set the tone for the Host team by providing clear direction, maintaining organization, and reinforcing Drake’s hospitality and presentation standards

• Own the first and last impression of every guest’s experience

• Greet and engage guests with warmth, confidence, professionalism, and genuine hospitality

• Build meaningful guest relationships by learning names and preferences and creating memorable interactions

• Manage reservations, waitlists, walk-ins, and dining room flow with confidence and precision

• Utilize RESY to oversee reservations, guest profiles and notes, private bookings, events, and special requests

• Review the reservation book and guest profiles prior to service to anticipate needs and prepare the team for the shift

• Strategically manage seating to balance guest experience, pacing, table availability, and overall dining room flow

• Maintain awareness of the dining room throughout service and proactively adjust seating strategy as business needs change

• Communicate clearly and proactively with managers, Hosts, servers, and support staff to keep the restaurant aligned throughout service

• Give clear, respectful direction to the Host team and help maintain a sense of urgency, accountability, and teamwork

• Serve as a resource for Hosts when navigating guest requests, reservation challenges, wait times, and other front-door needs

• Assist restaurant leadership with training and developing Hosts in guest engagement, RESY, seating strategy, phone etiquette, and front-door standards

• Answer phones with professionalism, warmth, and polished communication

• Maintain accurate and thoughtful guest notes to support recognition and personalized hospitality on future visits

• Support select administrative responsibilities, including reservation follow-up, guest information, upcoming bookings, Host team communication, and front-of-house organization

• Maintain a polished, organized, and service-ready host stand and entrance throughout the shift

• Remain calm, solutions-oriented, and highly communicative during high-volume service

Requirements

• At least 18 years old

• Previous experience in a high-touch, guest-facing environment where hospitality, presentation, organization, and guest relationships are held to a high standard

• Experience in fine dining, upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, private clubs, concierge services, nightlife, or similar hospitality environments strongly preferred

• Highly personable and engaging, with a natural ability to build relationships and make guests feel recognized and valued

• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities without losing awareness of the guest experience

• Confident and clear communicator who is comfortable providing direction and maintaining alignment among a team

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and guide others while maintaining a positive, hospitality-driven approach

• Professional and polished written and verbal communication skills

• Strong phone etiquette and interpersonal presence

• Ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and make thoughtful decisions in real time

• Ability to multitask and remain calm, composed, and solutions-oriented under pressure

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to professionalism

• Familiarity with RESY or similar reservation platforms strongly preferred

• Strong administrative and organizational skills

• Desire to learn, grow, and develop within a hospitality-driven organization

• Certified for food handling as required by state and local agencies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds

• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available

• Flexible schedule

• Professional development and career growth

• Family Meals

• Dining discounts at all Vandelay Hospitality Group concepts

• All Vandelay restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family 

• A collaborative, uplifting culture where we take care of our guests by taking care of our people first

If you’re a passionate professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to grow with a company that values hospitality and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you!

Vandelay Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.