Host/Hostess

Host/Hostess Position at Ember & Oak

Ember & Oak is a new chef-driven restaurant and event space opening at Katy Golf Club in Parsons, Kansas in Fall of 2026. We are building something genuinely special for SE Kansas a scratch kitchen rooted in local sourcing, real technique, and genuine hospitality in an upscale, casual setting.

Our goal is to source as locally as possible supporting the farms, ranches, and producers right here in SE Kansas. We intend to make as much as we can, using real traditional cooking methods and genuine technique. Every plate that leaves this kitchen is made with intention, every day.

We seat 175 in a full-service dining room and event space, with a full bar program and year-round golf tournament and banquet catering. This is a real operation with real volume and we're building a team that's serious about the craft.

Position Overview

As a Host or Hostess at Ember & Oak you will be responsible for serving as the first point of contact for our guests. The Host/Hostess plays an important role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere while helping ensure the restaurant operates efficiently.

Host/Hostess Duties and Responsibilities

• Warmly greet guests as they arrive and provide a welcoming first impression.
• Manage the seating of guests in an organized and efficient manner.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of table availability and restaurant capacity.
• Maintain and manage the guest wait list during busy periods.
• Provide accurate estimated wait times and communicate changes to guests.
• Escort guests to their tables and provide menus or other materials as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with servers, management, kitchen staff, and other team members regarding seating and guest needs.
• Answer incoming telephone calls professionally and assist guests with questions or direct calls appropriately.
• Assist with reservations and special seating requests, as applicable.
• Monitor the dining room and help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting entrance and guest area.
• Assist servers and other staff with guest needs when appropriate.
• Address guest questions or concerns professionally and involve management when necessary.
• Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude at all times.
• Follow all restaurant safety, sanitation, and service policies.
• Provide service for all to go orders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Host/Hostess Education and Qualifications

• Previous restaurant, hospitality, host/hostess, or customer-service experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Friendly, welcoming, and professional demeanor.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and courteous during busy periods.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, and capable of interacting with people. As the first and last point of contact for many guests, the Host/Hostess should take pride in providing a warm, professional, and memorable experience at Ember & Oak.

Host/Hostess Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of Host or Hostess, the employee is regularly required to stand for extended periods of time; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of Host or Hostess, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work involves exposure to hot surfaces and sharp utensils.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

In accordance with the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, candidates who are 21 years or older are permitted to mix, pour, dispense, and serve any alcoholic beverage. Individuals who are 18 years or older may only serve alcoholic beverages. Candidates aged younger than 18 years of age may not handle any alcoholic beverage in any capacity including but not limited to mixing, pouring, dispensing, and/or serving and are also subject to Child Labor Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for employment opportunities.