Job Details

Host/Hostess Position

As the first and often the last point of contact in the restaurant our Hosts/Hostesses are responsible for greeting and seating guests in a warm, friendly and personalized manner upon arrival into the restaurant. This person must maintain a smiling attentive and courteous communication with guests and manage the phone calls and all questions in a polite manner. The Host presence at the front desk is required at all times to extend an appropriate welcome, farewell, and a sincere invitation for our guests' return.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Greet guests in a warm and friendly manner as they arrive at the restaurant with a smile.
• Seat guests efficiently and issue menus and wine list, drawing attention to BTG & Cocktails page.
• Manage seating chart, ensure optimal flow of diners and even distribution by server.
• Provide accurate wait times and monitor waiting list.
• Manage reservations using OpenTable, recording, printing and sharing important guest notes, including allergies.
• Management of the telephone system, responding to guest inquiries courteously, managing on-hold and call transfers.
• Manage take-out and delivery orders as directed by management.
• Perform regular restroom checks, ensuring guest supplies are topped up, waste bins emptied, and cleanliness maintained, drawing management attention to any issues that arise.
• Set up the host stand and coat check and maintain levels of cleanliness and order throughout service.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

Skills & Competencies:

• Must be able to perform under pressure in a high-volume restaurant setting.
• Must be able to handle guest incidents/complaints.
• Must be knowledgeable of Smith & Wollensky's menus, policies, procedures, the venue and the company history.
• Must be well versed in OpenTable and On-line ordering systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Leads by example and demonstrates good judgment.
• Maintains proper company dress-code standards at all times.
• Exhibits and uses good manners, proper personal hygiene, positive attitude, and promptness.

Minimum Education & Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous work experience as a Host is preferred.
• Working knowledge of OpenTable is preferred
• Basic computer skills

Environmental Working Conditions:

• Restaurant setting, front of the house.
• Must be able to stand and exert fast-paced mobility for entire shift.