What are the responsibilities and job description for the Host/Hostess position at Ember & elm?
Host — Ember & Elm Restaurant
Location: Marlborough, New Hampshire
Position: Host / Front of House
About Ember & Elm
Ember & Elm is a welcoming, hospitality-focused restaurant where great food is matched by genuine service and a warm guest experience. We’re looking for a friendly, organized, and dependable Host to be the first point of contact for our guests and an important part of our front-of-house team.
Position Overview
The Host is responsible for creating a positive first and last impression for every guest. This position involves greeting guests warmly, managing the dining room flow, coordinating reservations and seating, and communicating effectively with servers and management.
A key part of this role is developing strong proficiency with Toast Tables, including managing reservations, waitlists, table assignments, guest notes, and dining-room availability.
Responsibilities
- Warmly greet and welcome guests as they arrive
- Manage the host stand and maintain an organized, welcoming entry area
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, waitlists, and table assignments
- Become proficient in Toast Tables and use it accurately and efficiently during service
- Monitor table availability and coordinate seating to maintain an efficient dining-room flow
- Communicate clearly with servers, bartenders, managers, and kitchen staff
- Provide guests with accurate wait-time estimates and updates
- Answer phones and assist guests with reservations and general questions
- Maintain awareness of special occasions, guest notes, allergies, accessibility needs, and other relevant information
- Assist with maintaining the cleanliness and presentation of the dining room and host area
- Help ensure guests are seated promptly and thoughtfully
- Support the front-of-house team wherever needed during busy periods
- Handle guest concerns professionally and involve management when appropriate
- Maintain a calm, positive, and professional attitude during high-volume service
What We’re Looking For
- Friendly, outgoing personality with a genuine interest in hospitality
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to multitask and remain composed in a busy restaurant environment
- Dependable and punctual
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Ability to learn and confidently operate restaurant technology
- Previous restaurant or hosting experience is a plus, but we are willing to train the right person
- Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Toast Tables Proficiency
The successful candidate will be expected to become proficient in Toast Tables. Training will be provided, but the ability to learn and consistently use the system accurately is an essential part of the position.
Proficiency should include:
- Creating and managing reservations
- Managing the waitlist
- Assigning and changing tables
- Monitoring table status and dining-room availability
- Adding and reviewing guest notes
- Communicating accurate wait times
- Using Toast Tables to help manage the flow of service
What We Offer
- A supportive, team-oriented work environment
- Opportunities to develop hospitality and restaurant-management skills
- Training on Toast Tables and restaurant systems
- Opportunities for growth within the Ember & Elm team
- A workplace where professionalism, teamwork, and genuine hospitality are valued
If you’re personable, organized, dependable, and enjoy making people feel welcome, we’d love to meet you.
Pay: $15.00 - $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 3.0 – 15.0 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15 - $24