Host / Hostess

Host

To make a difference by loving people with a warm welcome and genuine hospitality. As a Host, you'll be the first and last impression for every guest visiting our dual-branded Applebee's/IHOP restaurant. You'll help create a seamless guest experience by welcoming guests, managing seating for both dining concepts, and ensuring every guest feels valued from arrival to departure.

Essential Responsibilities

• Warmly greet guests as they arrive and thank them as they leave the restaurant (40%).
• Assist guests with seating while accommodating special requests and accessibility needs, including highchairs, booster seats, and mobility accommodations (35%).
• Manage wait lists, seating assignments, and guest flow across both Applebee's and IHOP dining areas to maximize efficiency and guest satisfaction (10%).
• Support servers and other front-of-house team members to ensure an exceptional guest experience (5%).
• Maintain a clean, organized host stand and complete assigned cleaning duties throughout the shift (5%).
• Invite guests to return and thank them for choosing our restaurant (5%).

Qualifications

• A genuine desire to care for others while growing and learning.
• Positive attitude with a passion for hospitality.
• Excellent verbal communication and guest service skills.
• Reading and basic writing skills.
• Ability to remain mobile throughout the entire shift.
• Ability to transport and carry items, such as highchairs or booster seats, weighing up to 15 pounds multiple times during a shift.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness by wiping tables, booths, chairs, and picking up debris throughout the restaurant.
• Flexibility to support guest needs across both the Applebee's and IHOP dining experiences.

Physical Requirements

• Move throughout the restaurant and communicate effectively with guests and team members.
• Frequently handle and grasp items weighing up to 5 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Bend, stoop, reach, and stand for extended periods.
• Maintain adequate vision to assess cleanliness throughout the restaurant and operate touchscreen systems.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Compensation

This position is paid at the applicable tip-credit minimum wage, plus tips where permitted by law. Total earnings will vary based on business levels, shift availability, and tips received.

Thrive Restaurant Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Tennessee locations participate in E-Verify as required by state law.