Restaurant Host

Host Job Description

Reports To:                  Front of the House Manager, supervisors     

FLSA Status:               Hourly, non-exempt

Prepared By:               HR Director / F&B Director    

Prepared Date:            2/17/26

Compensation:            $17.00 per hour

About Us: 

Welcome to old-world grandeur with comfy, sumptuous updates that celebrate the spirit of good times, delicious food and great friends. We’ve designed a space and a place where top-rated, lively dining experiences unfold, inside and out. This is where people connect and indulge in every detail, every moment – in a truly special, historic destination, in total comfort and style. 

Launching in August 2026, our brand new Antithesis restaurant lives within the historic Royal Gorge Mansion (formerly the Robison Mansion, built it in the 1880s). Located in the Royal Gorge Region, Colorado (Cañon City), situated north of Westcliffe and east of Salida, Antithesis and the Royal Gorge Mansion are perfectly positioned at the mouth of THE Royal Gorge canyon on a pristine historic 4-acre property enclosed by a stunning circa-1880 iron fence with upwards of 80 trees, an historic fountain surrounded by cozy firepits and beautifully maintained grounds.

Summary: We are seeking a poised, courteous, and service-driven Host/Hostess to be the first and last point of contact for our guests. In this role, you will set the tone for the dining experience by providing a warm, elegant welcome, managing reservations with precision, and maintaining the flow of service throughout the dining room. Your presence reflects the standard of excellence we uphold and ensures each guest feels valued and attended to from arrival to departure.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Service

• Greet all guests promptly with warmth, grace, and professionalism.
• Escort guests to their tables with a sense of ceremony, ensuring proper introductions and comfort.
• Create a memorable first impression that reflects the restaurant’s elevated standards.
• Provide attentive, discreet service when handling special occasions, VIP guests, or returning clientele.

Reservation & Seating Management

• Manage reservations through the POS or reservation system (e.g., OpenTable).
• Confirm, modify, and coordinate bookings while optimizing table assignments for smooth service flow.
• Monitor dining room status and pacing to communicate effectively with service staff and kitchen.
• Keep accurate notes on guest preferences, allergies, anniversaries, and other personal touches.

Operational Support

• Maintain a clean, polished, and organized host stand and entry area at all times.
• Prepare seating charts, guest notes, and daily shift sheets as needed.
• Communicate with floor managers and servers to ensure timely table turns and proper pacing.
• Assist with coat check, valet coordination, and other front-of-house duties as required.

Education/Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma
• At least 1–2 years of hosting or guest relations experience in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment.

Knowledge

• English language and professional communication skills are required
• Exceptional verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Grace under pressure with the ability to handle multiple tasks calmly and efficiently.
• Impeccable grooming, attire, and presentation standards.

Preferred

• Experience using reservation systems such as OpenTable
• Knowledge of fine dining etiquette, pacing, and service language.
• Foreign language skills and familiarity with international clientele are a plus.

Working Conditions/Essential Job Functions

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Direct contact with guests, managers, and employees
• Occasional environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Jewelry should be limited and not detract from a professional appearance or interfere with job performance. The following guidelines have been established:
• Rings may be worn on no more than two (2) fingers per hand. 
• Employees may wear a maximum of two (2) pairs of earrings on the ear lobe only, of a style not exceeding 1/2” in diameter or 1” in length.
• Tattoos, piercings and hair colors will be evaluated

We love Colorado and we care about our team members and our guests. That’s why the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is 100% smoke-free, inside and out. No smoking of any kind is allowed on any Royal Gorge Route Railroad properties or sister properties, including all Railroad property, on the train, at Happy Endings Caboose Cafe, the Royal Gorge Mansion or the Royal Gorge Route Inns. We do not provide additional “smoke breaks” for any staff member beyond what is legally required.  In addition, any staff member that smokes on a designated break, must not have any scents of smoke on clothing, hair and/or breath. Any staff member scene smoking or vaping on company owned property or the train will be subject to immediate termination.

Being a smoke-free environment for guests and a smoke-free workplace for staff ensures we uphold our customer promise - to provide a world class experience. It also means we uphold our employee promise - to provide a healthy, professional, clean atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.