Host

OVERVIEW At PUBLIC, service is at the heart of everything we do. Our team delivers a service that is personal, gracious, friendly, knowledgeable, and genuine. We believe in creating memorable experiences by connecting with guests on a human level—through passion, empathy, curiosity, and authenticity. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. We are an inclusive employer and celebrate diversity in all forms. PUBLIC is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported. This is a unique opportunity to join the latest venture from iconic hotelier Ian Schrager and help shape the continued growth of the PUBLIC brand. SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

The Host/Hostess is responsible for delivering excellence in guest service by developing relationships with guests, providing personalized service, anticipating and delivering guests’ needs, supporting leadership, ensuring guest reservations are honored, seating walk-ins whenever possible, and seating hotel guests and VIPs always. Ensure service standards are complied with and that all guests' needs are taken care of with clear, genuine communication and flawless execution.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide excellent, friendly, courteous, and professional service to all internal and external guests, in every interaction.
• Maintain effective communication with restaurant manager, maîtres, service and culinary team members before, after and during service.
• Maintain and ensure the overall cleanliness and safety of work area/assigned station and the establishment.
• Maintain complete knowledge of:
  • Variety of alcoholic beverages; must retain and maintain knowledge of all food and beverage menu items.
  • Dining room layout, table/seat/section numbers, proper table setups, room capacity, hours of operation, price range and dress code.
  • Restaurant reservation procedures.
  • Daily house count, arrivals, departures, VIPs.
  • All department policies / service procedures.
• Communicate reservation or cancellation changes to management as they arise throughout the shift.
• Greet the guests at the entrance of the restaurant.
• Ensure that the host/hostess stand is cleaned and organized.
• Seat guests according to the floor plan.
• Show guests to their assigned tables and ensure guests are pleased with their tables.
• Ensure tables are set to the best service of the guests.
• Ensure all menus are clean and in sufficient quantity.

• Anticipate heavy business times and organize procedures to handle guests waiting in line.
• Maintain positive guest relations at all times.
• Monitor guests’ reactions and confer frequently with management to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and participate to ensure that all tables are cleared and reset according to the department procedures.
• Assist restaurant teams with their job functions to ensure optimum service to guests: when requested.
• Assist in menu printing.
• Attend training and meetings as and when required.
• Develop relationships with guests in order to provide personalized service.
• Resolve guest complaints, handling all guest interactions with the highest level of hospitality and professionalism, accommodating special requests whenever possible.
• Respond to guests’ requests in an accurate and timely manner, creating a positive outcome that will result in a memorable experience.
• Proper handling of VIP’s, recognize repeat guests and protect their privacy and confidentiality.
• Must be knowledgeable about PUBLIC i.e., location, cuisine, etc.
• Maintain knowledge about surroundings, i.e., nearby entertainment, theaters, etc.
• Ensure that PUBLIC reporting procedures are aligned with applicable SOP.
• Ensure all hotel and restaurant policies, standards and local laws are followed.
• Ensure sanitation fundamentals and Health Department requirements that are set forth by PUBLIC, local, state and federal regulations are in compliance.
• Ensure compliance with all hotel policies and procedures at all levels.
• Undertake any reasonable tasks and secondary duties as assigned by a manager.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have the ability to work on weekends, holidays and late hours when necessary.
• Must be able to commit to work at least 3-4 shifts per week.
• Maintain a high level of personal appearance and hygiene at all times.
• Must have the ability to report to work on time and when scheduled.
• Must have the ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.
• Be attentive, accountable, highly organized, and able to plan multiple activities in a timely fashion.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Possess excellent phone skills and be guest service oriented and proactive.
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor and composure at all times.
• Ability to be friendly, engaging, gracious and the ability to focus and connect with all guests and team members and exceed their expectations.
• Have an upbeat, energetic, authentic, and professional attitude at all times.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of menus, reservation books, and small items (up to 20 lbs).
• Frequent bending, reaching, and turning to greet and seat guests efficiently.
• Stamina to work in a fast-paced environment, including evenings, weekends, and special events.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous customer service or hospitality experience is preferred but not always required.
• Experience as a host/hostess, server assistant, or in guest-facing roles is an advantage.
• Previous experience with SevenRooms is an advantage. 
• Must be able to handle guest inquiries and resolve concerns with professionalism.
• Ability to multitask and manage seating flow in a fast-paced environment.

PUBLIC is an equal opportunity employer. We select, train, and promote the most qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category. PUBLIC complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).