Host - EM

DRG Employer•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

The Host is the first team member guests encounter inside Eddie Merlot’s and is responsible for welcoming visitors and providing superior hospitality. The role includes greeting guests in person and by phone, scheduling and documenting reservations, and coordinating the flow of guests at the front of the restaurant through greeting, seating, and acknowledging departures. Hosts maintain a clean and orderly host station and work with Valets, Servers, Managers, and other team members to deliver outstanding guest service. Hosts help plan reservations and assign guests to tables or Servers, manage waiting lists and wait-time expectations, escort guests to tables, present menus, and support coat check as needed. The role also includes completing opening, side, and closing duties; maintaining the lobby and dining room; assisting with Platinum Club service; and supporting meetings, banquets, and special events when scheduled. Work days and hours vary with business needs.

Requirements

Meet the state age requirement for the position.
Read and communicate clearly and effectively in English.
Maintain professional attire and appearance in keeping with Eddie Merlot’s standards.
Have professional communication and social skills appropriate for guests.
Be self-motivated and able to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
Have a strong teamwork orientation, be well organized, and be able to take direction.
Have basic math and computer skills.
Be able to stand for four or more hours at a time.
Be able to lift and carry 15 pounds regularly.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

Complete and pass required initial and ongoing training modules.
Know the weekly work schedule, arrive on time, and meet uniform and professional appearance standards.
Create a positive first impression and exceed guest expectations at the front desk and in waiting areas.
Review reservation lists and coordinate with Managers to anticipate guest flow, peak times, and banquet or special-event duties.
Obtain Server and Busser station assignments from the Manager.
Complete opening, side, and closing duties promptly according to established standards and procedures.
Assist the Manager with reservation planning and assigning parties to appropriate tables or Servers.
Answer the phone promptly and professionally; take, confirm, and document reservations accurately.
Acknowledge and greet arriving guests, invite departing guests to return, and assist with coat check as needed.
Escort guests to assigned tables and deliver and present menus.
Manage business flow by using rotation seating, anticipating table turns, and following reservation and seating plans.
Reset dining room tables and perform other dining room maintenance duties.
Quote waiting times accurately, maintain the waiting list, and inform the Manager when waits exceed quoted times.
Maintain the safety, cleanliness, and organization of the host stand and lobby, and follow standard bathroom-check procedures.
Assist with Platinum Club service and encourage membership.
Work meetings, banquets, and special events when scheduled.
Communicate guest requests, complaints, and improvement ideas to Managers.
Support team members as needed and perform other duties assigned by Managers.
Follow Eddie Merlot’s policies, procedures, standards, and performance expectations, as well as applicable liquor, food-handling, sanitation, and safety laws and regulations.