HOST

Job Overview

Since 1947, The Colony Palm Beach has been the center of Palm Beach social life hosting U.S. Presidents, European Royalty and welcoming travelers from around the world. Be part of a historic, luxury boutique hotel exhibiting polished charm and ambiance only steps away from world-famous shopping and dining on Worth Avenue and the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Colony Palm Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Work Place.

Job Overview:

Present a positive first impression of the restaurant's friendliness, excellent service and high standards. Effectively coordinate and control the flow of guests by greeting, seating, and acknowledging departures of guests in a gracious and professional manner while in accordance with the hotel's standards of quality. This role must strive to provide anticipatory service at all times. Practice social distancing, observe mask mandates and maintain hand washing routine as ordered by the CDC, Palm Beach County, and the State of Florida.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Create an exceptional experience at the host stand and waiting areas. Deliver a positive first impression of the restaurant.
2. Consistently provide friendly, engaging and anticipatory guest service and heartfelt hospitality.
3. Review the reservation list and coordinate with Managers to anticipate guest flow, peak times, and requirements associated with special events.
4. Assist in creating station assignments for Servers and Bussers.
5. Complete opening, and closing duties in a timely manner following established standards and procedures.
6. Assist the Manager in planning reservations and assigning parties to appropriate sections and/or servers.
7. Answer the outlet phone in a timely, professional, and courteous manner.
8. Correctly receive, confirm, and document reservations and guest notes in the OpenTable reservation system.
9. Review guest notes in OpenTable before each shift to facilitate anticipatory service at all times. Communicate important information to managers and servers.
10. Confirm reservations by calling guests to verify information in OpenTable.
11. Acknowledge and greet arriving guests; invite departing guests to return.
12. Identify and acknowledge repeat guests.
13. Use guest's name at every opportunity.
14. Offer to assist guests with coat check upon arrival and departure as needed.
15. Escort guests to assigned table; present menus.
16. Ensure knowledge of menu, specials and promotions.
17. Seat guests appropriately. Control the flow of business with rotation seating, anticipating table turns, and following the reservation and seating plan.
18. Observe tables and keep track of clean, dirty and occupied tables.
19. Communicate with servers to ensure smooth transition of tables and even distribution of guests throughout the restaurant.
20. Accurately quote wait times to guests and correctly maintain the wait list.
21. Communicate with manager if wait times are running over quoted times to guests.
22. Maintain the safety, cleanliness and organization of the host stand and lobby/foyer area.
23. Respond to guest inquiries and requests.
24. Collaborate with team members to communicate any special needs or guest requests.
25. Maintain all menus, ensuring menu are free of debris, stain, or tear.
26. Maintain children and guest supplies.
27. Communicate information regarding guest complaints and/or ideas to Managers immediately.
28. Support team members by assisting with server, busser or runner duties as needed.
29. Go above and beyond and take initiative to resolve guest complaints and create loyalty.
30. Maintains high standard of personal appearance and grooming; comply with dress code.
31. Maintain the highest level of standards of quality of products and service at all times.
32. Clean and sanitize assigned host areas thoroughly before and after shift end.
33. Assist support staff with polishing glasses and silverware, folding napkins, cleaning and sanitizing menus, etc.
34. Adhere to local and government compliance with health and safety regulations to ensure a clean and safe work environment for guests and employees.
35. Maintain knowledge of all safety and emergency procedures and is aware of accident prevention policies.
36. Follow outlet policies, procedures and service standards.
37. Maintain a professional courteous manner with all guests and fellow employees.
38. Perform any other duties as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications

Standard Specifications:

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. 1 year of hosting experience in a fine dining/upscale restaurant/hotel.
3. Excellent guest service skills and passion for hospitality.
4. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English.
5. Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with guests and co-workers.
6. Ability to compute basic mathematical calculations.
7. Ability to work well under pressure.
8. Strong team-work orientation, well organized, ability to follow instructions.
9. Detail-oriented and thorough.
10. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
11. Ability to perform consistent work to the hotel's high standards.
12. Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
13. Ability to maintain personal hygiene.
14. Ability to work quickly and efficiently.
15. Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times.

Desirable:

1. Previous experience with OpenTable and Food & Beverage POS systems.
2. Previous luxury guest service/Forbes training.
3. Fluent in a secondary language.
4. Food Handler certificate.
5. Responsible Alcohol Service certificate.

Physical Requirements:

1. Prolonged periods of standing and walking. Frequently pulling, pushing, and bending.
2. Exposure to outdoor environment factors.
3. Ability to use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach and carry with hands and arms.
4. Able to grasp, lift and/or carry, or otherwise, move goods weighing a maximum of 30 lbs. following appropriate safety procedures.