Embers - Host

Embers Restaurant•Ocean City, MD

3h•Onsite

About The Position

The Host/Hostess at Embers plays a critical role in delivering a refined, seamless guest experience. This position serves as the first point of contact and sets the tone for the entire evening through professionalism, warmth, and confident floor management. Hosts are expected to demonstrate strong situational awareness, anticipate guest needs, and support service flow while upholding the standards of an upscale dining environment. Embers is a family-friendly, upscale restaurant located on the third floor of our Ocean City venue. The space offers elevated coastal views, an open-concept kitchen with dual brick ovens, and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that blends classic chophouse dining with modern hospitality.Our culinary program features premium chophouse cuts, fresh seafood, nightly chef-driven specials, and a curated wine and cocktail program. Operated by the Taustin family, Embers maintains a culture rooted in hospitality, professionalism, and pride in service. This role requires frequent stair use while escorting guests and managing floor operations across multiple levels of the restaurant.

Requirements

Strong background in hospitality and guest-focused service
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
High level of attention to detail and situational awareness
Ability to multitask and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate across departments
Ability to follow established service standards, procedures, and brand expectations
Upscale previous restaurant experience required
Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours)
Ability to learn and operate reservation and seating software
Be able to communicate clearly and effectively in the predominant language(s) of our guests

Responsibilities

Serve as a polished and professional ambassador of the Embers brand from the moment guests arrive
Greet all guests warmly, confidently, and with genuine hospitality
Maintain strong control of the host stand and dining room flow at all times
Manage reservations and waitlists with precision using the reservation system
Review reservation notes in advance, including guest preferences, allergies, celebrations, and special requests, and communicate relevant details to management and service staff prior to seating
Demonstrate awareness of VIP guests, returning guests, and special occasions
Accurately quote wait times and proactively manage guest expectations during peak service
Suggest cocktails, aperitifs, or lounge seating when appropriate to enhance the guest experience during waits
Assist with delivering drinks from the bar to tables when needed and appropriate
Answer phone calls professionally, book reservations accurately, and respond to guest inquiries with confidence and knowledge of the restaurant
Know when to escalate questions or concerns to management
Accommodate seating requests whenever possible while maintaining balance and fairness across server sections
Seat guests strategically to ensure pacing of service and consistent execution throughout the dining room
Escort guests to tables with professionalism, offer menus, and clearly introduce their server
Inspect tables before seating to ensure cleanliness, proper setup, and alignment with Embers presentation standards
Maintain awareness of table turns, pacing, and course flow to support a smooth service
Communicate clearly and respectfully with servers, bussers, bartenders, and managers
Assist bussers with clearing and resetting tables to maintain dining room readiness
Balance covers between servers to ensure fairness, consistency, and optimal guest care
Maintain composure, professionalism, and a calm demeanor during high-volume service
Thank guests sincerely upon departure, invite them to return, and encourage feedback and reviews when appropriate
Be flexible and willing to assist in other areas of the restaurant as directed by management to support overall operations