Palma Host

Proper Hospitality Careers•Santa Monica, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Palma Host is responsible for greeting guests, managing reservations and waitlists, coordinating with front-of-house and kitchen teams, and ensuring a positive guest experience. This role requires excellent communication and organizational skills to maintain a smooth and welcoming environment, especially during peak dining hours. The host will also assist in problem resolution and provide support to the entire service team.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Previous experience in a customer service or hospitality role, particularly in a restaurant, is preferred.
Familiarity with reservation systems, phone etiquette, and customer service standards.
Experience handling guest inquiries, managing waitlists, and working in a high-volume environment is a plus.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with guests and team members in a friendly and professional manner.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to maintain composure and professionalism during busy dining hours and high-stress situations.
Proficient in handling guest reservations, managing waitlists, and using reservation software or systems.

Responsibilities

Greet guests with a friendly, professional demeanor as they arrive at the restaurant, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued.
Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, providing guests with information about the restaurant’s menu, specials, and wait times.
Escort guests to their designated tables, assist with seating arrangements, and ensure that they are comfortable.
Establish rapport with guests by remembering their preferences and special requests to enhance their dining experience.
Manage restaurant reservations through phone, email, or reservation system, ensuring accuracy in booking details (e.g., guest count, special requests).
Maintain and update the waitlist, notifying guests promptly when their table is ready.
Monitor dining room flow, balancing the seating arrangements and ensuring timely seating of guests, especially during peak hours.
Coordinate with the front-of-house and kitchen teams to ensure smooth guest transitions, seating, and timely service.
Communicate with the server team to ensure that they are informed of guest preferences, special requests, or any dietary restrictions.
Assist in managing guest flow during peak dining times to prevent bottlenecks and ensure that all guests are seated in a timely manner.
Answer phone calls and address guest inquiries regarding menu items, wait times, special events, and restaurant policies.
Monitor the dining area to ensure guests are enjoying their experience, and proactively address any guest concerns or needs.
Handle guest complaints or issues with professionalism, escalating to management if necessary, and ensuring the issue is resolved swiftly and satisfactorily.
Maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even during busy or high-pressure periods, ensuring a positive environment for both guests and staff.
Work closely with the server, bartender, and management teams to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
Assist in the training of new hosts, sharing best practices for guest service and operations.
Provide support during busy times by helping to answer phones, assist with coat checks, or help guests with additional requests.