Host - NAIA

Brought to you by DineAmic Hospitality and situated along the Chicago River in River North, NAIA is a sweeping Greek-Levantine dining destination inspired by the culture, cuisine, and hospitality of the Mediterranean. Led by internationally acclaimed Chef Athinagoras Kostakos, NAIA features vibrant mezze, fresh seafood, wood-grilled specialties, and an expansive beverage program in a stunning indoor-outdoor waterfront setting.

NAIA is seeking h osts who can deliver exceptional first and last impressions for every guest in our fast-paced, high-volume, full-service restaurant environment. As the primary point of contact both in person and over the phone, this role requires strong organization, clear communication, and a commitment to hospitality and teamwork. Hosts manage guest flow, reservations, and waitlists while maintaining a welcoming and organized entrance and lobby area.

Successful candidates are hospitality-driven professionals who remain composed under pressure, communicate effectively with guests and team members, and take pride in creating a warm and seamless arrival experience. Hosts help set the tone for the dining experience, collaborating closely with managers and service staff to maintain balanced service flow while providing professional, friendly assistance to guests both at the host stand and through phone interactions. They also support guest engagement initiatives, such as introducing guests to the restaurant’s rewards program when appropriate.

Essential Responsibilities + Duties

• Greet every guest promptly with warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and walk-in guests using the reservation system.
• Accurately quote wait times and manage guest expectations.
• Strategically seat guests to balance server sections and maintain optimal service flow.
• Communicate effectively with managers and service staff regarding table status, pacing, special requests, and guest needs.
• Maintain strong knowledge of restaurant offerings and policies to assist with guest inquiries.
• Answer phones professionally and assist guests with reservations, carryout orders, and general inquiries.
• Process carryout orders and payments accurately in accordance with company procedures.
• Document event and large-party inquiries through the designated inquiry platform.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, entrance, and lobby areas.
• Monitor the dining room and entry areas to maintain a welcoming, organized, and well-paced environment.
• Assist with menu presentation, coat check, and other guest touchpoints as needed.
• Support service staff during peak periods to ensure smooth dining room operations.
• Encourage guests to join the restaurant’s rewards program and share guest engagement initiatives when appropriate.
• Complete opening, running, and closing side work as assigned.
• Follow all company policies, sanitation guidelines, and hospitality standards.
• Address guest concerns professionally and escalate issues to management when appropriate.
• Contribute positively to team morale and support fellow team members during high-volume periods.
• Additional duties as needed within the scope of the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous restaurant host or customer service experience preferred (high-volume experience strongly preferred).
• Experience with a guest reservation platform and POS system preferred; Open table and Toast strongly preferred
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands.

Physical Demands + Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8+ hours per shift).
• Occasional lifting of up to 20–25 pounds (menus, highchairs, small furniture adjustments).
• Frequent movement in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and twist throughout shift.
• Must be able to move safely through dining area, including slick floors and tight spaces.

Core Competencies 

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Communication Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Integrity
• Personal Development
• Professionalism
• Self-Management
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Technical Proficiency with computers and POS systems

Benefits + Perks

• Paid Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• 401K + Match
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program
• Food & Beverage Discounts

DineAmic Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.