Host - NAIA

DineAmic Hospitality•Chicago, IL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

NAIA, a Greek-Levantine dining destination by DineAmic Hospitality located on the Chicago River in River North, is seeking hosts. Inspired by Mediterranean culture and cuisine, NAIA offers a vibrant dining experience led by Chef Athinagoras Kostakos. Hosts are crucial for creating exceptional first and last impressions in this fast-paced, high-volume restaurant. The role involves managing guest flow, reservations, and waitlists, maintaining a welcoming entrance, and ensuring a seamless arrival experience. Hosts set the tone for the dining experience, collaborating with management and service staff to maintain service flow and provide professional, friendly assistance. They also support guest engagement initiatives, such as introducing the restaurant's rewards program.

Requirements

Previous restaurant host or customer service experience preferred (high-volume experience strongly preferred).
Experience with a guest reservation platform and POS system preferred; Open table and Toast strongly preferred.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8+ hours per shift).
Occasional lifting of up to 20–25 pounds (menus, highchairs, small furniture adjustments).
Frequent movement in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and twist throughout shift.
Must be able to move safely through dining area, including slick floors and tight spaces.
Technical proficiency with computers and POS systems.

Responsibilities

Greet every guest promptly with warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.
Manage reservations, waitlists, and walk-in guests using the reservation system.
Accurately quote wait times and manage guest expectations.
Strategically seat guests to balance server sections and maintain optimal service flow.
Communicate effectively with managers and service staff regarding table status, pacing, special requests, and guest needs.
Maintain strong knowledge of restaurant offerings and policies to assist with guest inquiries.
Answer phones professionally and assist guests with reservations, carryout orders, and general inquiries.
Process carryout orders and payments accurately in accordance with company procedures.
Document event and large-party inquiries through the designated inquiry platform.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, entrance, and lobby areas.
Monitor the dining room and entry areas to maintain a welcoming, organized, and well-paced environment.
Assist with menu presentation, coat check, and other guest touchpoints as needed.
Support service staff during peak periods to ensure smooth dining room operations.
Encourage guests to join the restaurant’s rewards program and share guest engagement initiatives when appropriate.
Complete opening, running, and closing side work as assigned.
Follow all company policies, sanitation guidelines, and hospitality standards.
Address guest concerns professionally and escalate issues to management when appropriate.
Contribute positively to team morale and support fellow team members during high-volume periods.
Complete additional duties as needed within the scope of the role.