Lead Host/ Hostess

The Brand

Since the first Estiatorio Milos was founded in Montreal in 1979, our refined gastronomy has transcended the globe and acquired passionate fans in all our locations. With 12 locations and concepts both locally and internationally, the group continues to grow while striving towards excellence. We rely on the support of our team members to contribute to our worldwide operations. The Milos experience is about far more than an exquisite meal, it encompasses the time-honored virtue of hospitality or, to put it in Greek, philoxenia.

With its elegant design, commitment to ingredient quality and guest experience, Milos is more than a restaurant, it is a global hospitality brand combining food, service, culture, and environment.

Position Summary

The Lead Host / Hostess provides an exceptional guest experience by warmly welcoming guests, managing seating and reservations, and building strong guest relationships. This role leads and supports the host team, oversees guest flow, and works closely with management and service staff to ensure smooth operations and consistently high standards of service.

Role Responsibilities

• Welcome guests in a warm, professional manner, creating a positive first impression and recognizing returning guests and their preferences.
• Oversee seating and guest flow, balancing reservations, walk-ins, and table availability to support a smooth, well-paced service.
• Train, mentor, and lead the host team, fostering teamwork and consistently high standards of guest service.
• Manage floor and reservations planning, ensuring efficient use of seating while considering guest preferences and reservation details.
• Build and maintain strong guest relationships, noting preferences and special requests to help provide a personalized dining experience.
• Act as a primary point of contact for guest inquiries and feedback, addressing concerns professionally and involving management when needed.
• Collaborate with management and the head host to refine operational procedures, implement policies, and identify opportunities to improve the guest experience.
• Answer phones promptly, following appropriate scripting.
• Coordinate with reservations and the ground floor team to manage live restaurant availability and maximize covers.
• Bid farewell to guests, ensuring a positive end to their dining experience.
• Ensure all menus are clean, accurate, and distributed across stations.
• Assign tables based on guest needs and preferences, considering the flow of the restaurant.
• Maintain cleanliness and proper setup of dining and serving areas.
• Record dining reservations accurately via Guest Center/Open Table, keeping the database updated.
• Promote and provide information about events, promotions, and menu offerings.
• Liaise with kitchen, management, and service staff to ensure seamless service.
• Assist guests with coats and bags in the cloakroom, ensuring property security.
• Stay informed on venue concepts, menu items, and events to enhance guest interactions.
• Attend daily reception briefings for operational updates.
• Build strong relationships with building tenants as part of a guest recognition program.
• Handle special guest requests, dietary requirements, and event bookings, coordinating with the appropriate teams.
• Manage lost property according to SOP.
• Follow reception duties outlined in the SOP manual and maintain grooming standards.
• Ensure all health, safety, and food hygiene requirements are met.
• Provide attentive, personalized service to all guests, anticipating their needs and ensuring each feels welcomed and valued.
• Welcome and assist high-profile guests with the utmost professionalism and discretion.
• Any other task as assigned by management.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• 2+ years of related experience in a similar position within a fine dining, high-volume environment.
• Knowledge of POS and reservation systems.
• Experience managing seating, reservations, and guest flow to support smooth service.
• Ability to lead, train, and support the host team while maintaining high standards of service.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; bilingual skills are a plus.
• Excellent phone etiquette and the ability to anticipate and meet guests’ needs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude and welcoming feedback.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to build guest relationships and handle various guest relations scenarios.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing reservations and guest preferences.
• Professional demeanor and polished appearance, with a commitment to exceeding guests’ expectations.
• Ability to assist high-profile guests with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Strong work ethic and customer-focused approach.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform essential job functions consistently, safely, and successfully with local health and safety standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• May be able to lift and carry up to 25lbs at times.
• Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly frequent movements from place to place within the work area and property.
• Bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms, and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.
• Climbing steps regularly.
• Prolonged periods of standing.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is between $20-$27.
• The determination of what a specific employee in this job classification is paid depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, prior employment experience, job-related knowledge, qualifications and skills, etc.

Estiatorio Milos is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the Federal E-Verify Program.