Maple & Ash Chicago - Maitre D
About The Position
Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we're building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations. We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world-class service, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, and Miami, you'll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education. Our culture is built on four core principles: Generosity: Always give more, exceed expectations. Excellence: Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise. Fun: Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey. Fail Fast: Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving. As our Maître D’, you are the heartbeat of the guest experience—the warm welcome, the seamless flow, the final goodbye that leaves a lasting impression. You’re the face of the restaurant and the guardian of its ambiance. We’re looking for a poised, intuitive leader who knows how to manage a door like a maestro conducts an orchestra. You thrive on the energy of a busy room, have a sharp eye for detail, and can charm a first-time guest or VIP regular with equal finesse.
Requirements
- A natural host: Warm, gracious, and endlessly observant.
- Experience in fine dining or high-volume, high-touch hospitality environments.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
- Leadership presence and a collaborative spirit—you elevate every team around you.
- Excellent communication, guest relations, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- The ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- A deep sense of pride in appearance and presence—you set the tone.
- A passion for building community—both inside and outside the restaurant.
Nice To Haves
- Comfort navigating guest platforms like SevenRooms and OpenTable (experience preferred).
Responsibilities
- Be the first and last face guests see—welcoming them with warmth, sending them off with grace.
- Read the room: Match guests with the right server or captain, set the tone, and maintain a fluid floor.
- Orchestrate the vibe: Manage lighting, music, and temperature to ensure an elevated, dynamic ambiance.
- Oversee and train the host team with the basics of service etiquette and hospitality standards.
- Prepare and lead pre-shift: Print OpenTable/SevenRooms reports and flow charts to ensure smooth execution and accurate guest communication.
- Collaborate with reservationists to create custom menus and flag special occasions, dietary notes, and VIP profiles.
- Partner with Events, Culinary, and FOH teams to manage large parties, special builds, and Bocuse-level experiences.
- Maintain VIP access, concierge relationships, and investor connections with polish and professionalism.
- Track and manage outreach ROI, and build relationships with residential buildings, retailers, and corporate offices to drive new guest acquisition.
- Stay on top of tech tools: Manage and maintain SevenRooms/OpenTable guest profiles, availability, capacity, and trend data.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
