Job Posting: Host/Hostess | Social Bird Kitchen & Bar
Compensation: $16.90 per hour + tips
About Us
Social Bird Kitchen & Bar is a lively neighborhood gastropub on Restaurant Row in Lafayette, CA, opened in 2019 by East Bay restaurateurs Esin and Curtis deCarion (Esin Restaurant & Bar, Revel Kitchen & Bar). We serve thoughtfully prepared sustainable American fare, craft cocktails, curated beers, and a carefully selected wine list inside an energetic dining room with a wraparound bar and three outdoor patios. We're a team-first house where great hospitality, local ingredients, and genuine community matter.
Position: Host/Hostess
The Host/Hostess is the first and last impression every guest has of Social Bird and we take that seriously. We are looking for an outgoing, warm, and organized hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and genuinely loves welcoming people. You will set the tone for the entire guest experience from the moment someone walks through our door.
Responsibilities
- Greet and seat guests with a warm, professional demeanor that reflects the Social Bird brand
- Manage the floor plan and seating rotation to optimize guest satisfaction and table flow
- Answer phones, take and confirm reservations, and respond to guest inquiries promptly and professionally
- Maintain an organized, clean, and stocked host station throughout each shift
- Coordinate table resets with bussers and servers to minimize guest wait times
- Communicate anticipated wait times and manage the waitlist with accuracy and hospitality
- Partner closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless, coordinated service
- Assist with opening and closing side work as assigned
Qualifications | Required
- Previous experience in a host/hostess role or similar guest-facing position in a restaurant setting
- Must hold or be able to obtain a valid California Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire
- Exceptional communication, multitasking, and organizational skills
- Ability to remain calm, composed, and guest-focused under pressure
- Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Team-oriented mindset with a passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences
Qualifications | Preferred
- Familiarity with Resy or a similar reservation management platform
- Prior experience in an upscale-casual or high-volume dining environment
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly base wage starting at $16.90 per hour + tips, commensurate with experience, in compliance with California state minimum wage law
- Health insurance available for eligible employees
- Paid sick leave in accordance with California's Healthy Workplaces Healthy Families Act
- Part of an established, award-recognized hospitality group (Social Bird Kitchen & Bar, Revel Kitchen & Bar, Esin Restaurant & Bar)
Equal Opportunity Employer
Social Bird Kitchen & Bar is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, including FEHA.
Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process may contact us for assistance.
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Schedule varies based on business needs
- Paid sick time
Pay: $16.90 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
