Host

Host

Mercadito is hiring Hosts for both of our Chicago locations: Mercadito River North (108 W. Kinzie St.) and our new Mercadito Lincoln Park (2423 N. Lincoln Ave., opening April).

Mercadito is an upscale, high-energy Mexican restaurant known for locally sourced ingredients, made-from-scratch execution, and hospitality-driven service. Our menu features bold, authentic flavors, seasonal guacamoles, scratch-made salsas, chef-driven plates, and a tequila-forward cocktail program, all served in a lively, high-volume environment.

With the Lincoln Park opening approaching, we are currently onboarding team members to support Mercadito River North and help build the opening team for Mercadito Lincoln Park.

Applicants may be considered for River North, Lincoln Park based on experience and availability.

Position: Host

Essential Functions:

• Deliver a high standard of hospitality and execution in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Maintain professionalism, urgency, and attention to detail throughout each shift
• Communicate clearly with teammates and leadership to support smooth service
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards
• Work a variety of hours, days, and shifts, including weekends and peak periods
• Stand and walk for the duration of a shift and move safely through all work areas
• Lift and move items up to 10 lbs regularly, up to 25 lbs frequently, and up to 50 lbs occasionally

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Greet guests warmly and create a strong first impression upon arrival
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and guest flow with accuracy and professionalism
• Escort guests to tables and communicate table status effectively with managers and service staff
• Maintain awareness of dining room pacing, seating rotation, and service levels throughout the shift
• Answer phones, respond to guest inquiries, and assist with reservation-related questions
• Support guest needs with confidence, professionalism, and a hospitality-first mindset
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, entrance, and surrounding guest-facing areas
• Assist with menu distribution, guest communications, and special requests as directed
• Communicate clearly with servers, bartenders, bussers, runners, and managers to support smooth service
• Help manage high-volume arrival periods while maintaining composure and attention to detail
• Support allergy and guest accommodation procedures using established guidelines
• Follow opening, running, and closing host procedures with consistency

Team Standards:

• Maintain strong teamwork and communication across the restaurant
• Follow all policies and procedures in the Employee Handbook
• Comply with all safety, sanitation, and cleanliness guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits & Perks:

• Dining discounts

Required Skills:

• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Strong hospitality and guest engagement skills
• Clear communication and teamwork
• Attention to detail and consistency
• Ability to multitask and stay organized under pressure
• Reservation and waitlist management skills
• Professional phone and in-person communication
• Knowledge of guest accommodations and service flow
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills
• Physical stamina and endurance
• Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and service standards

Compensation Details:

• Compensation: Hourly ($21.00 - $25.00)
• Benefits & Perks: Dining Discounts

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Orientation
• Adaptability to Changing Environments
• Conflict Resolution skills
• Ability to Work Collaboratively in a Team
• Stress management skills
• Organizational Skills
• Attention to Guest Needs
• Ability to Handle Multiple Tasks Simultaneously