The Maître d' / Lead Host

Doughboy Restaurant Group • Chicago, IL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Maître d' / Lead Host is responsible for managing reservations, coordinating seating flow, and ensuring every guest receives a warm, professional welcome. This leadership role sets the tone for service and supports the host team to maintain efficiency and hospitality standards.

Requirements

• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with guests and colleagues.
• Customer-Oriented Attitude: A customer-centric approach and a genuine desire to provide exceptional service are vital.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to multitask, prioritize, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as restaurant hours may vary.
• Previous Experience: While not always required, previous experience in a customer service or hospitality role is often preferred.
• Familiarity with Reservation Systems: Basic knowledge of reservation management systems or the ability to quickly learn and adapt to them.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Basic understanding of food safety practices and procedures is beneficial, particularly if assisting with handling payments or interacting with food items.

Responsibilities

• Greeting Guests: Welcome guests as they arrive at the restaurant with a warm and friendly demeanor.
• Seating Arrangements: Manage the seating chart efficiently, ensuring that guests are seated promptly and appropriately based on their preferences and party size.
• Reservation Management: Keep track of reservations and ensure that reserved tables are ready when guests arrive.
• Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service by addressing guests' inquiries, concerns, and special requests courteously and professionally.
• Maintaining Waitlists: Manage waitlists during peak hours, accurately estimating wait times and keeping guests informed about their status.
• Communication: Liaise with servers, kitchen staff, and management to coordinate table turnovers and ensure smooth operations.
• Cleanliness and Organization: Maintain cleanliness and organization in the host/hostess station and waiting area, including keeping menus and promotional materials tidy.
• Assisting with Special Events: Assist in coordinating special events or private dining arrangements as needed.
• Handling Payments: Occasionally handle payments for guests who are settling bills at the host/hostess station.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life benefits available
• 75% employer contribution to a single BCBS HMO or PPO medical plan
• 401k with dollar-for-dollar match up to 4% with immediate vesting
• Paid time off
• Experience in a restaurant setting is preferred, but we will train great people!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees