Bridgewater Wines + Dines is a unique family run business business model. We are a wine retail store and a casual upscale dining restaurant.
At Bridgewater Wines + Dines, we believe every guest experience begins long before the first bite or sip. As our Hostess / Director of First Impressions, you are the face of our restaurant, the first smile, the warm welcome, and the person who sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience.
This role combines traditional hostess responsibilities with front-of-house leadership. You'll ensure guests feel genuinely welcomed while supporting the service team, maintaining smooth dining room operations, and helping create memorable experiences from arrival through departure.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience
- Welcome every guest with warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine hospitality.
- Learn guest names whenever possible and recognize returning guests.
- Manage reservations, waitlists, and seating flow efficiently.
- Escort guests to their tables while introducing specials, events, or promotions.
- Ensure guests feel acknowledged immediately, even during busy periods.
- Handle guest concerns professionally and involve management when appropriate.
- Thank guests sincerely, see guests out and invite them to return.
- Assist with daily retail tasks, ie. wine club, etc.
Director of First Impressions
- Ensure the entrance, host stand, retail area, and waiting areas remain spotless and inviting.
- Maintain menus, wine lists, promotional materials, and event signage.
- Monitor music, lighting, cleanliness, and overall ambiance near the entrance.
- Assist in creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the Bridgewater brand.
- Promote upcoming events, wine tastings, memberships, and specials with enthusiasm.
Front of House Leadership
- Assist managers in directing table rotations and maintaining service flow.
- Communicate effectively with servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and management.
- Help coordinate seating during peak service to maximize efficiency.
- Support team members when needed by bussing tables, delivering beverages, or assisting guests.
- Help train and mentor new host staff on service standards and hospitality expectations.
- Lead by example through professionalism, positivity, and teamwork.
- Help maintain service standards throughout the dining room.
Operational Support
- Answer phones professionally and assist guests with reservations and event inquiries.
- Maintain accurate reservation systems and guest notes.
- Assist with opening and closing duties.
- Monitor cleanliness of menus, entrance, waiting areas, and restrooms throughout service.
- Assist with retail wine sales and gift card purchases when needed.
- Lead weekly wine tasting experiences with guests
Qualifications
- Hospitality mindset with a genuine love of people.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Positive attitude under pressure.
- Strong multitasking abilities.
- Leadership experience is preferred.
- Restaurant or hospitality experience preferred.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during busy service periods.
- Weekend and evenings a must.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Director of First Impressions:
- Creates an immediate feeling of warmth and hospitality.
- Knows many guests by name.
- Keeps the dining room flowing efficiently.
- Supports the entire front-of-house team.
- Solves problems before guests notice them.
- Maintains a polished, welcoming environment.
- Helps every guest leave saying, "We'll definitely be back."
Core Expectations
Every guest should feel:
- Welcomed within moments of arriving.
- Valued throughout their visit.
- Appreciated when they leave.
We hire for hospitality first and teach the rest.
At Bridgewater Wines + Dines, our Director of First Impressions isn't simply a hostess, they are the ambassador of our brand, a leader of our guest experience, and an essential part of creating the warm, memorable hospitality that keeps guests coming back. Come learn and grow with us!
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- What is your weekly availability?
- If you were offered the position, when would you be able to start?
Work Location: In person
