Host

About D.L. Mack's

D.L. Mack's is a Chicago-inspired American tavern from Vandelay Companies that blends timeless comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and genuine hospitality in a warm, inviting setting. Inspired by the character of classic neighborhood taverns and old-world post-Prohibition gathering places, D.L. Mack's delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience where quality ingredients, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere come together to create a place guests are proud to call their neighborhood favorite.


Known for its signature Chicago tavern-style pizzas, classic American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, D.L. Mack's is a destination for everything from family dinners and celebrations to happy hours and casual nights out. Every detail, from the chef-driven menu and thoughtfully curated beverage program to the timeless design and energetic dining room, reflects Vandelay's commitment to creating memorable guest experiences built on quality, craftsmanship, and authentic hospitality.


At D.L. Mack's, hospitality is about more than serving exceptional food. It is about creating genuine connections and making every guest feel like a regular. Our team members are passionate about anticipating guest needs, delivering polished yet approachable service, and creating an experience that is welcoming, memorable, and distinctly Vandelay.

About the Opportunity

A Host at D.L. Mack's plays an essential role in setting the tone for each guest's experience. As the first and last impression of the restaurant, Hosts deliver a warm, gracious welcome and ensure guests are seated efficiently and thoughtfully based on availability. They manage the flow of the dining room with confidence, staying attentive to reservations, private bookings, events, and walk-ins to support seamless service. Hosts answer the phone with professionalism and genuine warmth (always with a smile in their voice) and make sure every caller feels cared for and well-informed. Above all, this role helps create an inviting, memorable introduction to Vandelay's commitment to exceptional hospitality.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide concierge-level hospitality, ensuring every guest feels welcome, comfortable, and well cared for from arrival through departure.
• Build genuine relationships with guests, engaging on a name-to-name basis and fostering a warm, familiar atmosphere.
• Strategize seating and dining room flow by reviewing RESY reservation books, guest profiles, photos, and special requests prior to each service.
• Maintain the RESY database with detailed notes during and after service, and manage adjustments for private bookings, events, and reservation changes.
• Seat guests efficiently and thoughtfully, balancing guest experience with table availability, pacing, and service needs.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of menu items, table layouts, and seat numbers to support accurate communication and seamless service.
• Answer phone calls with professionalism and warmth, ensuring all callers feel supported and well-informed.
• Communicate clearly with servers, managers, and fellow hosts to coordinate seating plans and maintain smooth front-of-house operations.
• Assist with guest inquiries, special accommodations, and unique requests, always delivering service that exceeds expectations.
• Execute opening, mid-shift, closing, and side-work procedures to ensure the host stand and entry area remain organized, polished, and fully prepared for service.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• A warm, positive attitude with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership of the role.
• Exceptional attention to detail and clear, professional communication skills.
• Team-oriented mindset with consistent punctuality and reliability.
• Willingness to complete and pass training quizzes on service standards, guest experience, and job knowledge.
• Genuine passion for creating memorable moments of hospitality for our guests.
• Eagerness to learn, grow, and develop within the position and restaurant.
• Certification for food handling as required by state and local regulations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development and career growth
• Family Meals
• Dining discounts at all Vandelay Hospitality Group concepts
• All Vandelay Companies restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family
• A collaborative, uplifting culture where we take care of our guests by taking care of our people first

If you're a passionate professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to grow with a company that values hospitality and teamwork, we'd love to hear from you!

Vandelay Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.