Host, Longleaf Restaurant

Host Position at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a world-class cultural destination dedicated to connecting people with plants and nature. The Longleaf Restaurant extends this mission through an exceptional culinary experience rooted in sustainability, freshness, and Southern hospitality.

Position Summary

The purpose of this position is to greet our guests upon entering and ensure they have a great experience before and after dining. Hosts are responsible for positive guest interactions while taking reservations and managing a wait. At all times, Hosts are expected to be attentive to our guest needs and making them feel welcome, comfortable, important and relaxed. Hosts are expected to have menu description knowledge, general restaurant information and directions knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Seating guests in Front Server sections and communicating wait times
• Maintain effective communication between the Host and Server team
• Stay updated on current food menu and hours of operation
• Maintain proper dining experience, assisting with checked coats or other items
• Always using a tray in dining room for glassware or any item smaller than your hands
• Perform basic cleaning tasks as needed or directed by supervisor
• Fill in for absent staff as needed
• Assist with special events as needed
• Greet all guests that enter the restaurant warmly with an appropriate greeting
• Adhere to grooming and appearance standards consistently
• Understand and can communicate events and services available at the Garden
• Prepare the tables with silverware other items that are clean and ready, making sure the items needed for the shift are stocked, performing all other preparation tasks

Guest Relations

• At all times displaying a refined and approachable demeanor to each guest
• Welcoming guests, opening doors, and seating tables as per our steps of service
• Communicating guest's arrival and any reservation notes to the intended server, chefs, and management
• Taking reservations, answering phones, and communicating messages to the proper recipients in a timely fashion
• Answering phones and following all phone etiquette procedures with concise and knowledgeable answers
• Assisting in edits during service to the restaurant's reservation sheet and working closely with the management staff to guarantee precise guest accommodation
• Thanking each guest for dining with us and inviting them back

Restaurant Operations

• Assist in maintaining a perfectly set dining room at all times. This would include but not limited to sweeping, cleaning floor mats, lighting candles, clearing and resetting tables
• Communicating upkeep needed for the restrooms
• Checking & tracking coats, umbrellas, hats, strollers and any other apparel checked by guests
• Full knowledge of with phone system functions
• Assisting with directions to the restaurant or the Atlanta Botanical Garden and its exhibits
• Checking and collecting menus from service areas and reviewing for cleanliness
• Maintaining a proper flow of guests to each server section
• Assist with upholding the Steps of Service for the entire Host Team

Requirements

• At least one year of experience as a host is required
• At least one year of experience using "Open Table" preferred
• Excellent oral communication skills required
• Positive interpersonal skills required
• Basic understanding of allergy and dietary needs and descriptions
• Must be available to work nights, weekends and holidays
• Must be punctual

Physical Qualifications

• Frequent walking with some standing at times
• Will walk for long periods of time, possibly extended distances
• Frequently lifts/carries up to 25 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Both Indoor and Outdoor dining events
• Varying schedule to include evenings, holidays and extended hours as business dictates

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Core Values

• Conservation: We value natural resources and ecosystems, making choices with the long-term sustainability of our planet in mind.
• Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards and expect commitment from each other to contribute to a positive image and reputation for the Garden.
• Inspiration: We inspire through the creation of an environment that supports imagination and expression of beauty, providing joy, delight, and a deeper appreciation of plants for everyone.
• Integrity: We demonstrate honesty, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior, exercising good judgment in our actions and communication.
• Respect: We value the diversity of our coworkers, volunteers, and guests, holding each other in the highest regard.