The Kitchen Host/Hostess, Part-Time

HOUSTONIAN•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kitchen Host/Hostess represents the first impression of the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa and provides a welcoming, professional experience for members and guests. This role greets guests on arrival and departure, manages reservations and table availability, communicates wait times, monitors the wait list, and responds to special requests. The Host/Hostess helps distribute seating evenly, maintains front-of-house neatness, and ensures tables are ready for the next reservation. The position also answers phones, takes reservations and To-Go orders, and helps uphold the organization’s luxury service standards, discretion, and professionalism. The role requires working a varied schedule based on departmental needs, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Work takes place in a fast-paced environment with moderate to loud noise, extreme temperatures, and potentially slick floor surfaces. Physical requirements include frequent standing and walking, climbing ladders and stairs, kneeling, reaching overhead, and lifting or carrying objects weighing 10–30 pounds. The employee must communicate with guests and coworkers, use a two-way radio, work with computers and PDAs, read and understand written reports and instructions, and safely handle chemicals according to applicable requirements.

Requirements

At least one year of previous restaurant experience.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Close attention to detail.
Clear and effective communication skills.
Professional and friendly demeanor.
Ability to handle complaints professionally.
Ability to walk and stand during the shift.
Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and wipe.
Ability to carry trays or supplies weighing 10–30 pounds.
Upbeat, outgoing, and positive attitude.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Availability to work a varied schedule, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays, with days and hours varying based on departmental needs.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements for at least an eight-hour shift, including frequent standing, walking, climbing ladders and stairs, kneeling, reaching overhead, and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 10–30 pounds.
Ability to communicate effectively with guests, members, customers, and coworkers, including using a two-way radio clearly and accurately.
Ability to read instructions, reports, and log sheets; work with computers and PDAs in varying light conditions; and produce, read, understand, analyze, and communicate information from written reports.
Ability to work safely with chemicals according to SDS sheets and applicable laws, codes, and regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and organize reservations using a seating chart.
Greet arriving and departing guests warmly.
Escort members and guests to their dining area, present menus, and announce the server’s name.
Assist with special requests, such as high chairs or booster seats.
Use technological resources to perform duties effectively.
Answer phone calls and address questions.
Maintain menu knowledge and take To-Go orders.
Assist with order pickup.
Maintain knowledge of the campus and business hours, and assist members and guests as needed.
Help dining room staff set and clean tables.
Help servers serve water and drinks when needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.