Position Summary
The Restaurant Host is the first and last impression every guest has of Warren. More than managing reservations and seating tables, the Host is responsible for creating an immediate sense of warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality from the moment guests arrive until the moment they leave.
The Host serves as the communication hub of the dining room, coordinating guest flow while ensuring every visitor feels recognized, valued, and excited to dine with us.
At Warren, we don't simply seat guests—we welcome them into our home.Primary ResponsibilitiesFirst Impressions
The first 30 seconds set the tone for the entire dining experience.
Every Host is expected to:
- Greet every guest within 10 seconds of arrival.
- Smile naturally and make eye contact.
- Welcome guests warmly and professionally.
- Use guest names whenever possible.
- Open doors whenever practical.
- Offer sincere thanks as guests depart.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere, even during busy periods.
Guests should never feel ignored or like they are waiting to be acknowledged.
Reservation Management
Maintain an organized and accurate reservation system by:
- Managing reservations through the POS/reservation platform.
- Confirming upcoming reservations.
- Recording guest preferences and special requests.
- Noting birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.
- Identifying VIPs, members, and returning guests.
- Coordinating reservation changes with management.
- Maintaining accurate wait lists.
Seating Management
The Host is responsible for balancing the guest experience with restaurant operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Rotating server sections fairly.
- Managing table pacing to support the kitchen.
- Monitoring table availability.
- Preventing over-seating.
- Coordinating with managers regarding large parties.
- Adjusting seating plans as service evolves.
Great Hosts understand that smart seating creates better service.
Guest Communication
Throughout every shift, Hosts should:
- Provide realistic wait-time estimates.
- Update waiting guests regularly.
- Answer phones professionally.
- Respond to online inquiries promptly.
- Assist with reservations and event questions.
- Handle guest concerns calmly and professionally.
- Notify managers immediately of guest issues.
Dining Room Awareness
Hosts are expected to constantly observe the dining room.
This includes monitoring:
- Table status
- Guest flow
- Reservation timing
- Wait list progression
- Dining room appearance
- Entrance cleanliness
- Music volume
- Lighting
- Restroom condition
Every detail contributes to the guest experience.
Hospitality Responsibilities
Exceptional Hosts consistently:
- Recognize returning guests.
- Celebrate special occasions.
- Escort guests to their tables whenever possible.
- Present menus neatly.
- Offer coat assistance when appropriate.
- Thank guests sincerely as they leave.
- Create memorable first and last impressions.
Team Communication
The Host is the communication center of the front of house.
Maintain constant communication with:
- Managers
- Servers
- Bartenders
- Server Assistants
- Food Runners
- Kitchen Team
Communicate:
- VIP arrivals
- Guest celebrations
- Allergies or accessibility needs
- Reservation changes
- Wait-time updates
- Seating adjustments
- Special requests
Side Work & Daily Responsibilities
Complete opening and closing duties including:
- Clean entrance and podium.
- Organize menus.
- Polish menu covers.
- Restock reservation supplies.
- Ensure podium area is organized.
- Update reservation notes.
- Maintain a welcoming lobby.
- Assist with dining room presentation as needed.
Performance Expectations
Outstanding Hosts consistently demonstrate:
- Exceptional hospitality
- Positive attitude
- Professional appearance
- Organization
- Calm under pressure
- Strong communication
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Dependability
- Problem-solving skills
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance may be evaluated by:
- Guest satisfaction scores
- Greeting time (goal: within 10 seconds)
- Reservation accuracy
- Seating efficiency
- Wait-time accuracy
- Table balance among servers
- Dining room flow
- Guest feedback
- Team communication
- Attendance and punctuality
Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
