What are the responsibilities and job description for the Host position at Vandelay Hospitality Group?
About Vandelay Companies
For over a decade, Vandelay has defined what it means to deliver iconic, enduring hospitality experiences. With a growing portfolio that includes concepts like Hudson House, Drake’s Hollywood, and D.L. Mack’s, we are driven by a passion for craftsmanship, connection, and the pursuit of excellence.
Every Vandelay concept celebrates the spirit of American dining through timeless spaces, genuine warmth, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that leaves a lasting impression on every guest who walks through our doors.
About The Opportunity
A Host at Hudson House plays an essential role in setting the tone for each guest’s experience. As the first and last impression of the restaurant, Hosts deliver a warm, gracious welcome and ensure guests are seated efficiently and thoughtfully based on availability. They manage the flow of the dining room with confidence, staying attentive to reservations, private bookings, events, and walk-ins to support seamless service. Hosts answer the phone with professionalism and genuine warmth (always with a smile in their voice) and make sure every caller feels cared for and well-informed. Above all, this role helps create an inviting, memorable introduction to Vandelay’s commitment to exceptional hospitality.
Core Responsibilities
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.
For over a decade, Vandelay has defined what it means to deliver iconic, enduring hospitality experiences. With a growing portfolio that includes concepts like Hudson House, Drake’s Hollywood, and D.L. Mack’s, we are driven by a passion for craftsmanship, connection, and the pursuit of excellence.
Every Vandelay concept celebrates the spirit of American dining through timeless spaces, genuine warmth, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that leaves a lasting impression on every guest who walks through our doors.
About The Opportunity
A Host at Hudson House plays an essential role in setting the tone for each guest’s experience. As the first and last impression of the restaurant, Hosts deliver a warm, gracious welcome and ensure guests are seated efficiently and thoughtfully based on availability. They manage the flow of the dining room with confidence, staying attentive to reservations, private bookings, events, and walk-ins to support seamless service. Hosts answer the phone with professionalism and genuine warmth (always with a smile in their voice) and make sure every caller feels cared for and well-informed. Above all, this role helps create an inviting, memorable introduction to Vandelay’s commitment to exceptional hospitality.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide concierge-level hospitality, ensuring every guest feels welcome, comfortable, and well cared for from arrival through departure.
- Build genuine relationships with guests, engaging on a name-to-name basis and fostering a warm, familiar atmosphere.
- Strategize seating and dining room flow by reviewing RESY reservation books, guest profiles, photos, and special requests prior to each service.
- Maintain the RESY database with detailed notes during and after service, and manage adjustments for private bookings, events, and reservation changes.
- Seat guests efficiently and thoughtfully, balancing guest experience with table availability, pacing, and service needs.
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of menu items, table layouts, and seat numbers to support accurate communication and seamless service.
- Answer phone calls with professionalism and warmth, ensuring all callers feel supported and well-informed.
- Communicate clearly with servers, managers, and fellow hosts to coordinate seating plans and maintain smooth front-of-house operations.
- Assist with guest inquiries, special accommodations, and unique requests, always delivering service that exceeds expectations.
- Execute opening, mid-shift, closing, and side-work procedures to ensure the host stand and entry area remain organized, polished, and fully prepared for service.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- A warm, positive attitude with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership of the role.
- Exceptional attention to detail and clear, professional communication skills.
- Team-oriented mindset with consistent punctuality and reliability.
- Willingness to complete and pass training quizzes on service standards, guest experience, and job knowledge.
- Genuine passion for creating memorable moments of hospitality for our guests.
- Eagerness to learn, grow, and develop within the position and restaurant.
- Certification for food handling as required by state and local regulations.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
- Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time
- 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 Hospitality Group 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
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.