Host

Host – Alternate Ending Beer Co.

Reports To: General Hospitality Manager & General Operations Manager Location: Alternate Ending Beer Co. – Matawan, NJ Estimated Weekly Hours: 15–30 hours

Position Overview

At Alternate Ending Beer Co., the host stand is more than a check-in point, it sets the tone for the entire guest experience.

We are seeking a Host to oversee front-door hospitality, pacing, reservation flow, and guest communication while helping create a warm, organized, hospitality-driven environment. This is a leadership position for someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting, communicates confidently, and takes pride in creating memorable guest experiences.

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, hospitality-focused, and comfortable balancing both guest interaction and behind-the-scenes planning.

The Lead Host plays a critical role in shaping the pace, energy, and hospitality experience of every service.

Compensation

• Host Rate: $12/hour + tips (guaranteed minimum effective rate of $18/hour)
• Additional training, merch support, or approved admin projects compensated at the administrative rate

Key Responsibilities

Front Door Leadership

You own the first impression of Alternate Ending.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a strong and consistent presence at the host stand during peak service
• Managing guest flow and pacing
• Communicating accurate wait times
• Balancing server sections fairly and effectively
• Managing reservations and guest expectations
• Helping ensure smooth transitions throughout service

Pre-Shift Planning & Communication

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing reservations and guest notes
• Identifying birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions
• Flagging large parties and potential operational challenges
• Identifying projected rush periods
• Communicating important notes to management

Prior to service, the Lead Host will briefly communicate key information to the service team, including:

• Special occasion tables
• Large parties
• Reservation timing surges
• VIPs and regular guests

This role is expected to lead proactively, not simply react during service.

Merchandising Support

• Assist with monthly merchandise inventory counts
• Help maintain organization of merchandise storage and displays
• Identify low stock levels
• Work toward building a streamlined and repeatable inventory process

Training & Team Development

• Assist in onboarding and training new hosts
• Model hospitality standards and professionalism
• Support consistency in guest-facing communication and service

What We're Looking For

• Strong communication and hospitality instincts
• Comfortable leading in a fast-paced environment
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to multitask while staying calm under pressure
• Restaurant or hospitality experience preferred
• Strong ownership, accountability, and a team-first mentality

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Fewer seating bottlenecks
• Improved pacing and section balance
• Cleaner reservation notes and stronger communication
• More consistent recognition of guest celebrations
• Smoother weekend service flow
• A front door experience that feels organized, welcoming, and intentional

At Alternate Ending, hospitality matters. We believe every guest interaction is a touch point, and the Lead Host plays one of the most important roles in shaping that experience.

Qualifications

• Flexible availability required, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Knowledge of food, beverage, and hospitality service standards
• Knowledge of POS systems and basic computer skills
• Craft beer knowledge a plus; interest in learning encouraged
• Cicerone Level 1 certification encouraged, but not required
• Positive, hospitality-driven attitude with a professional appearance and demeanor
• Team-oriented and willing to support fellow staff members
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Reliable, observant, organized, and punctual
• Able to remain calm and efficient during busy, high-pressure service periods
• Enthusiasm for hospitality and for the Alternate Ending experience

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand and/or walk for up to 8 hours
• Must be able to bend, push, pull, and lift up to 25–50 lbs
• Frequently stands, walks, talks, hears, and uses hands and arms
• Occasionally sits, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls
• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions
• Noise level is moderate