Maitre D

Lead Hosts are responsible for host training, the maintenance of training manuals and upholding standards of guest service. Responsible for the initial warm greeting and seating of guests, answering of telephones, taking reservations and messages, maintaining accurate guest counts and wait times and saying goodbye to all guests. Assist with Coat Check duties as directed.

Essential Functions

• Interact with, direct, train and develop host employees in a fair and dignified manner


• Warmly greet and seat guests in the restaurant


• Answer telephones, and take orders, messages and reservations


• Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends


• Safely and effectively move chairs, tables, highchairs and booster seats


• Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment


• Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction


• Multitask calmly and effectively under pressure


• Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels


• Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds


• Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests’ needs


• Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile


• Use tact and good judgement when dealing with guest challenges and respond to guest needs with patience and courtesy


• Assist with processing hosts’ new-hire paperwork


• Schedule, conduct and/or oversee all aspects new-hire and on-going host training


• Review and maintain host manuals and training materials


• Observe host employees’ service standards and communicate observations to Management, Partners and Trainers; Assist in developing and implementing necessary plans of action


• Assist with maintaining and updating restaurant’s “zoning” procedures


• Use proper phone and voicemail etiquette and guidelines


• Assist with clearing, cleaning and resetting tables and maintaining restrooms


• Sell and accurately account for gift cards


• Understand and respond knowledgeably to questions about the restaurant and menu


• Follow all steps of service


• Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions


• Proficiency in the use and operation of all necessary tools and equipment, including the reservation, telephone, paging and voicemail systems


• Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures


• Successfully complete alcohol awareness training


• Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook


• Get along well with others and be a team player


• Other duties will be assigned as needed