Restaurant Host

Study Hotels•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Truth Be Told, a British-inspired tavern located within The Study at University of Chicago, is seeking an engaging, organized, and hospitality-driven Host to join our Food & Beverage team. As one of the first and last points of contact for our restaurant guests, the Host plays an important role in creating a warm, welcoming, and memorable dining experience. Truth Be Told is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our Host welcomes hotel guests, university visitors, neighborhood regulars, and members of the Hyde Park community while managing reservations, seating, guest inquiries, and the overall flow of the restaurant. The ideal candidate genuinely enjoys meeting new people and creating connections with guests. We are looking for someone who is warm and engaging, highly organized, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and able to remain composed and attentive during busy service periods. Our caring and attentive associates reinforce our belief that guest service is our highest priority. We seek energetic, service-oriented individuals who take pride in creating thoughtful experiences, enjoy working as part of a team, and understand that genuine hospitality begins from the moment a guest arrives.

Requirements

Previous host, restaurant, hospitality, or comparable customer service experience preferred.
Experience in an upscale casual, full-service restaurant, hotel, tavern, or comparable hospitality environment is a plus.
Friendly, engaging, and professional demeanor with a genuine passion for hospitality and connecting with guests.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage reservations, seating, guest requests, and multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to remain composed, welcoming, and solutions-oriented during high-volume service periods.
Previous experience with OpenTable or another restaurant reservation and table management system preferred.
Previous experience with restaurant POS systems and handling guest transactions preferred.
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including professional telephone etiquette.
Ability to communicate effectively with restaurant, culinary, and hotel team members.
Working knowledge of food, menu ingredients, allergy considerations, and restaurant service preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Availability to work a flexible schedule based on restaurant needs, including early mornings, days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Proficiency in English required; a second language is a plus.
Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods throughout the shift.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move items weighing up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an upscale casual, full-service restaurant, hotel, tavern, or comparable hospitality environment.
Previous experience with OpenTable or another restaurant reservation and table management system.
Previous experience with restaurant POS systems and handling guest transactions.
Working knowledge of food, menu ingredients, allergy considerations, and restaurant service.
A second language is a plus.

Responsibilities

Warmly welcome and acknowledge guests upon arrival and create a positive first impression of Truth Be Told.
Manage the restaurant entrance and host stand while maintaining an organized, welcoming, and professional environment.
Seat guests according to established procedures while considering reservations, table availability, server sections, guest preferences, and overall restaurant flow.
Manage reservations accurately through OpenTable, including online, telephone, and in-person requests.
Confirm reservation details and accurately communicate special requests, celebrations, accessibility needs, or other relevant information to the appropriate team members.
Maintain and communicate accurate wait times and manage the guest waiting list during high-volume periods.
Answer incoming telephone calls professionally and assist internal and external guests with restaurant reservations, hours, menu questions, and general inquiries.
Assist with to-go and hotel guest dining orders, including receiving orders, entering information accurately, coordinating with the restaurant team, and communicating anticipated completion or delivery times.
Accurately process cash, credit card transactions, hotel room charges, and other approved forms of payment when required.
Maintain working knowledge of restaurant menus, ingredients, allergy considerations, beverage offerings, hours of operation, and hotel services.
Communicate allergy and dietary concerns to Servers, Culinary team members, and restaurant leadership according to established procedures.
Monitor the dining room and guest experience, recognizing opportunities to assist guests or support the service team.
Communicate guest concerns promptly and professionally and involve restaurant leadership when appropriate.
Coordinate with Servers and restaurant leadership to maintain balanced seating and efficient table utilization throughout service.
Assist Servers and Restaurant Support team members with appropriate service tasks when needed, including delivering items to tables and supporting the overall flow of service.
Complete opening, closing, and ongoing side work, including organization, stocking, cleaning, and maintenance of the host stand and surrounding guest areas.
Maintain menus and other guest-facing materials in clean, organized, and presentable condition.
Work collaboratively with Servers, Bartenders, Restaurant Support, Culinary team members, and restaurant leadership to provide seamless service.
Communicate effectively with Front Office and other hotel departments to assist hotel guests and coordinate restaurant-related requests.
Follow established food safety, sanitation, safety, security, and restaurant operating procedures.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and promptly communicate maintenance, cleanliness, safety, or operational concerns.
Perform additional duties as assigned based on restaurant and hotel operational needs.