Host, Pufferfish Bar, Hotel Metro

Coury Hospitality•Milwaukee, WI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Host sets the tone for the entire guest experience through genuine hospitality, professionalism, and thoughtful attention to detail. This role is about creating a welcoming atmosphere, making every guest feel recognized, valued, and cared for. It involves seamless service and memorable moments through teamwork between the Host, Servers, Bartenders, Culinary, and Leadership. Every interaction is an opportunity to create a lasting first impression and build guest loyalty, anticipating needs before guests even ask.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Previous restaurant, hotel, fine dining, or hospitality experience preferred.
Luxury, boutique hotel, or upscale restaurant experience preferred.
Must meet all applicable state and local age requirements.
Must obtain and maintain any required food handler certifications.
Experience using restaurant reservation platforms such as OpenTable, SevenRooms, or similar systems preferred.
Strong communication, organizational, and guest service skills.
Ability to multitask while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills preferred, but not required.
Ability to stand and walk continuously throughout the shift.
Ability to escort guests throughout the restaurant while maintaining professionalism and guest engagement.
Ability to bend, reach, stoop and occasionally lift or carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to operate reservation systems, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced restaurant environment while maintaining exceptional hospitality and attention to detail.
Must wear required personal protective equipment as required by job responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Previous restaurant, hotel, fine dining, or hospitality experience.
Luxury, boutique hotel, or upscale restaurant experience.
Experience using restaurant reservation platforms such as OpenTable, SevenRooms, or similar systems.
Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.

Responsibilities

Welcoming guests with warmth, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm while creating an exceptional first impression.
Managing reservations, waitlists, walk-in guests, and seating assignments to ensure efficient dining room flow and outstanding guest experiences.
Using reservation systems to coordinate guest arrivals while maintaining accurate guest information and special requests.
Recognizing VIPs, returning guests, and special occasions while personalizing each dining experience.
Communicating wait times clearly and professionally while keeping guests informed and comfortable.
Escorting guests to their tables with confidence while presenting menus and introducing their Server.
Partnering with Servers, Bartenders, Culinary, and Leadership to coordinate seating, pacing, and overall dining room operations.
Communicating guest preferences, allergies, dietary restrictions, and special celebrations to the service team.
Maintaining a polished, organized, and welcoming host stand, entrance, and lobby area.
Responding thoughtfully to guest questions and service opportunities while escalating concerns when appropriate.
Creating memorable farewells by sincerely thanking guests and inviting them to return.
Taking pride in creating an atmosphere where every guest feels genuinely welcomed from arrival to departure.