Reports To: General Hospitality ManagerGeneral Operations Manager
Location: Alternate Ending Beer Co. – Matawan, NJ
Estimated Weekly Hours: 28–32 hours
At Alternate Ending Beer Co., the host stand is more than a check-in point, it sets the tone for the entire guest experience.
We are seeking a Lead Host to oversee front-door hospitality, pacing, reservation flow, and guest communication while helping create a warm, organized, hospitality-driven environment. This is a leadership position for someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting, communicates confidently, and takes pride in creating memorable guest experiences.
The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, hospitality-focused, and comfortable balancing both guest interaction and behind-the-scenes planning.
The Lead Host plays a critical role in shaping the pace, energy, and hospitality experience of every service.
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Host Rate: $14/hour + tips (guaranteed minimum effective rate of $18/hour)
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Administrative Rate: $18/hour
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Administrative Time: 2 hours weekly (MondayThursday)
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Additional training, merch support, or approved admin projects compensated at the administrative rate
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Monday: Admin + Host shift
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Thursday: Admin + Lead Host shift
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FridaySaturday: Lead Host shifts
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Sunday: Lead Host shifts as needed
Specific scheduling and shift times may vary based on business needs.
You own the first impression of Alternate Ending.
Responsibilities include:
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Maintaining a strong and consistent presence at the host stand during peak service
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Managing guest flow and pacing
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Communicating accurate wait times
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Balancing server sections fairly and effectively
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Managing reservations and guest expectations
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Helping ensure smooth transitions throughout service
During weekly admin hours (MondayThursday), responsibilities include:
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Reviewing reservations and guest notes
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Identifying birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions
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Flagging large parties and potential operational challenges
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Identifying projected rush periods
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Communicating important notes to management
Prior to service, the Lead Host will briefly communicate key information to the service team, including:
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Special occasion tables
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Large parties
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Reservation timing surges
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VIPs and regular guests
This role is expected to lead proactively, not simply react during service.
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Assist with monthly merchandise inventory counts
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Help maintain organization of merchandise storage and displays
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Identify low stock levels
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Work toward building a streamlined and repeatable inventory process
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Assist in onboarding and training new hosts
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Model hospitality standards and professionalism
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Support consistency in guest-facing communication and service
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Strong communication and hospitality instincts
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Comfortable leading in a fast-paced environment
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Organized and detail-oriented
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Ability to multitask while staying calm under pressure
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Restaurant or hospitality experience preferred
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Strong ownership, accountability, and a team-first mentality
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Fewer seating bottlenecks
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Improved pacing and section balance
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Cleaner reservation notes and stronger communication
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More consistent recognition of guest celebrations
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Smoother weekend service flow
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A front door experience that feels organized, welcoming, and intentional
At Alternate Ending, hospitality matters. We believe every guest interaction is a touch point, and the Lead Host plays one of the most important roles in shaping that experience.
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Flexible availability required, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
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Knowledge of food, beverage, and hospitality service standards
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Knowledge of POS systems and basic computer skills
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Craft beer knowledge a plus; interest in learning encouraged
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Cicerone Level 1 certification encouraged, but not required
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Positive, hospitality-driven attitude with a professional appearance and demeanor
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Team-oriented and willing to support fellow staff members
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Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
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Reliable, observant, organized, and punctual
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Able to remain calm and efficient during busy, high-pressure service periods
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Enthusiasm for hospitality and for the Alternate Ending experience
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Must be able to stand and/or walk for up to 8 hours
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Must be able to bend, push, pull, and lift up to 25–50 lbs
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Frequently stands, walks, talks, hears, and uses hands and arms
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Occasionally sits, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls
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Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions
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Noise level is moderate
