Host at Melvyn's

Proper Hospitality Careers•Palm Springs, CA

About The Position

The Host at Melvyn's welcomes guests, manages reservations and the waitlist, coordinates seating with restaurant teams, and helps ensure a smooth and positive dining experience. The role provides guests with information about the menu, specials, and wait times; escorts them to their tables; and communicates preferences, special requests, and dietary restrictions to the appropriate team members. The Host monitors guest experience and dining room flow, answers inquiries by phone, and addresses concerns professionally, escalating issues to management when needed. The position also supports restaurant operations during busy periods and assists with training new hosts. The role requires extended periods of standing and walking, occasional lifting and carrying, and frequent interaction with guests in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to remain composed and professional during busy dining hours and high-stress situations.
Ability to handle reservations, manage waitlists, and use reservation software or systems.
Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the restaurant for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry menus, supplies, and occasionally heavier items such as seating materials.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with frequent guest interaction.

Nice To Haves

Previous customer service or hospitality experience, particularly in a restaurant.
Familiarity with reservation systems, phone etiquette, and customer service standards.
Experience handling guest inquiries and managing waitlists.
Experience working in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

Greet guests warmly and professionally and provide information about the menu, specials, and wait times.
Escort guests to tables, assist with seating arrangements, and help ensure their comfort.
Build rapport with guests by remembering preferences and special requests.
Manage reservations by phone, email, or reservation system, ensuring booking details are accurate.
Maintain and update the waitlist and notify guests when tables are ready.
Monitor dining room flow and balance seating to support timely service, especially during peak hours.
Coordinate guest transitions and seating with front-of-house and kitchen teams.
Inform servers of guest preferences, special requests, and dietary restrictions.
Help manage guest flow during peak dining times and prevent bottlenecks.
Answer phone calls and respond to inquiries about menu items, wait times, special events, and restaurant policies.
Monitor the dining area and proactively address guest needs or concerns.
Handle complaints professionally, escalate to management when necessary, and help ensure issues are resolved.
Work with server, bartender, and management teams to support smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
Assist with training new hosts by sharing guest-service and operational best practices.
Provide support during busy periods, including answering phones, assisting with coat checks, and helping guests with additional requests.