Restaurant Host

About Company:

Embergrove Hospitality is an independent, nimble, and gritty hospitality management company that proudly oversees 12 distinctive hotel locations, along with several bars and restaurants across the Midwest. Rooted in genuine, from-the-heart hospitality, the Embergrove team blends ingenuity, transparency, and hard work to deliver memorable guest experiences and strong business results.

With deep Midwestern roots and a hands-on approach, Embergrove manages every property with an entrepreneurial spirit—combining creative strategy, disciplined revenue management, and in-house marketing expertise. From boutique hotels to full-service properties, each location reflects Embergrove’s belief that exceptional hospitality starts with authentic people, thoughtful service, and relentless dedication to excellence.

About the Role:

As a Restaurant Host, you will be the first point of contact for guests, playing a crucial role in creating a welcoming and positive dining experience. Your primary objective is to manage guest seating efficiently while maintaining a smooth flow of service throughout the restaurant. You will coordinate with the waitstaff and kitchen team to ensure timely seating and minimize wait times, enhancing overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, you will handle reservations, manage the waiting list, and address guest inquiries or concerns with professionalism and courtesy. Your role is vital in setting the tone for the dining experience and supporting the restaurant’s operational success.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a customer service or hospitality role preferred but not required.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and manage physical tasks related to seating guests.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic proficiency with reservation and seating management systems or willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and reservation software such as OpenTable or Resy.
• Multilingual abilities to assist a diverse customer base.
• Conflict resolution skills and experience handling guest complaints effectively.
• Certification in hospitality or customer service training programs.

Responsibilities:

• Greet and welcome guests promptly and courteously upon arrival.
• Manage reservations and maintain an organized waiting list during peak hours.
• Escort guests to their tables and provide menus, ensuring a smooth seating process.
• Communicate effectively with servers and kitchen staff to coordinate table availability and guest needs.
• Address guest questions, special requests, and concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host station and entrance area.
• Assist with opening and closing duties as required, including setting up the host area.

Skills:

The required communication and interpersonal skills are essential for warmly greeting guests and managing their seating preferences, which directly impacts their dining experience. Organizational skills are used daily to maintain an efficient flow of guests and manage reservations, ensuring minimal wait times. Familiarity with reservation and POS systems allows for accurate tracking of table availability and guest information, streamlining operations. Preferred skills such as conflict resolution and multilingual abilities enhance the host’s capability to address diverse guest needs and resolve issues promptly. Overall, these skills combine to create a welcoming atmosphere and support the restaurant team in delivering excellent service.