Host

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION

Host

ABOUT THE LAKE:

The Lake is a new private social club opening in Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.

ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY:

Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina.

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY:

At The Lake, dining is at the heart of the member experience. Every meal should feel thoughtful, personalized, and memorable, combining genuine hospitality with exceptional food and beverage knowledge. Our service is designed to anticipate needs, foster meaningful relationships, and create moments that encourage members and guests to return again and again.

Team members are expected to uphold standards of service that are:

Detail-oriented and highly personalized

Professional, warm, and intuitive

Refined yet approachable

Consistent in quality while flexible to individual needs

Every interaction—from the initial greeting to the final farewell—should reflect a seamless and elevated dining experience.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Host is responsible for creating a warm and gracious first and last impression for every member and guest across The Lake's three restaurants. This role requires a polished, organized, and attentive professional who thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment and takes pride in setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, possesses strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and is committed to providing gracious, personalized service while contributing to a collaborative team culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Member & Guest Experience

Welcome members and guests warmly upon arrival and bid them a gracious farewell upon departure.

Recognize members by name and preference whenever possible, fostering genuine relationships.

Manage reservations, waitlists, and seating with discretion, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Escort members and guests to their tables, ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition into the dining experience.

Handle member inquiries, special requests, and seating preferences professionally and with urgency.

Service Standards & Execution

Execute all service standards in accordance with The Lake's hospitality philosophy.

Maintain an accurate and well-organized reservation book and floor plan across all three restaurants.

Answer and direct phone and email inquiries promptly and courteously.

Communicate effectively with servers, managers, and culinary teams to coordinate seating and pacing of the dining room.

Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming host stand and entrance at all times.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Work collaboratively with managers, servers, bartenders, food runners, and culinary teams to deliver seamless service.

Support the dining room during busy periods and contribute to an efficient service flow.

Participate in daily pre-shift meetings, training sessions, and ongoing education.

Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.

Operational Excellence

Follow all safety, sanitation, and club operational standards.

Complete opening, side work, and closing responsibilities thoroughly and efficiently.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the entrance, host stand, and waiting areas.

Assist with special events, private dining, and member programming as needed.

Member Engagement

Promote club events, seasonal menus, and featured experiences when appropriate.

Serve as a knowledgeable resource on the club's restaurants, hours, and offerings.

Contribute to a memorable first impression that encourages members and guests to return.

Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement

Participate in pre-opening training, service rehearsals, and operational setup.

Contribute feedback to improve service standards and operational procedures.

REPORTS TO:

Restaurant Manager

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

The Lake is seeking candidates who bring genuine hospitality, professionalism, and a passion for exceptional guest service.

Professional Experience:

1+ years of host, reservationist, or front-of-house experience in upscale, fine dining, luxury hospitality, or private club environments preferred.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.

Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Experience with reservation and POS systems is preferred.

Previous private club or Michelin-level restaurant experience is a plus.

Core Values Alignment:

Candidates should demonstrate alignment with Topography's core values:

• •Drive
• •Empathy
• •Excellence
• •Integrity
• •Positive Attitude

COMPENSATION:

The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes competitive hourly wages, gratuities where applicable, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer.

START DATE:

Fall 2026

LOCATION:

Chicago, IL