Host

Black Briar • Chicago, IL

23d • Onsite

About The Position

Black Briar is a Bold American Tavern anchored by an open coal grill, a serious raw bar, and ingredient-first cooking. We are opening in the West Loop - a neighborhood that knows the difference between a restaurant that performs hospitality and one that actually means it. The Host is the first person a guest meets and the last one they remember. The Host is the front door of Black Briar - literally and culturally. You set the tone before a guest sits down, manage the flow of the room throughout service, and ensure that every person who walks through the door feels recognized and welcomed.

Requirements

• Prior host or front-of-house experience in a full-service restaurant preferred
• Calm under pressure — a full dining room, a walk-in party, and a ringing phone do not rattle you
• Proficiency with OpenTable or comparable reservation platform preferred
• Polished, professional appearance and presence
• Strong communicator — clear, direct, and kind with guests and team members alike
• Reliable and punctual — the door cannot open without you
• A genuine interest in hospitality

Nice To Haves

• Chicago dining experience a strong plus
• Genuinely warm and socially intelligent — you read a room without thinking about it

Responsibilities

• Greeting every guest with warmth, confidence, and genuine presence - no scripts, no performance
• Managing reservations, walk-ins, and waitlist with accuracy and composure in OpenTable
• Executing the floor plan with intelligence - seating to protect both the guest experience and the kitchen’s rhythm
• Communicating table status, guest notes, and pacing updates clearly to the FOH management team throughout service
• Maintaining full knowledge of the reservation book - special occasions, dietary needs, VIP guests, and return visitors
• Managing the door during peak periods with calm authority - holding the standard without making a guest feel managed
• Answering the phone professionally and handling reservation inquiries with confidence and warmth
• Coordinating with servers and runners on table readiness before seating
• Maintaining the entrance, host stand, and front-of-house appearance to Black Briar’s standard at all times
• Closing the host stand completely - reservation notes updated, next-day book reviewed, and floor plan set for the following shift

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage
• Gratuity participation
• Health benefits
• Paid time off, accruing after 90 days
• Paid sick leave per Illinois law
• Employee dining benefit
• Annual performance review with merit increase opportunity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed