Host/Hostess- Chicago

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 suppliers 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

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Dining Discounts
• Paid Time Off
• Career Growth Opportunities

Smith & Wollensky participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an online system that allows companies to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. All new hires will be required to complete Form I-9 and successfully participate in the E-Verify process.