Host

POSITION TITLE: HOST

REPORTS TO: FLOOR MANAGER, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER & GENERAL MANAGER

DEPARTMENT: Front of House (FOH)

CLASSIFICATION: Variable Hour, Non-Exempt

STATUS: Full-Time / Part-Time (as scheduled)

PAY RANGE: $22 per hour

Position Summary

Bagatelle is more than a restaurant-it is an experience. Inspired by the celebratory spirit of the French Riviera, Bagatelle offers exceptional cuisine, vibrant energy, warm hospitality, and unforgettable moments. Every guest should feel as though they have been welcomed into the home of an epicurean bon vivant.

The Host is the first and last impression of the Bagatelle experience and plays a critical role in shaping every guest's visit. This position requires exceptional guest relations skills, emotional intelligence, grace under pressure, and the ability to remain composed in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. The Host is responsible for creating a warm, seamless arrival and departure experience while managing reservations, seating flow, and guest expectations with professionalism and genuine hospitality.

Success in this role requires excellent communication, organization, confidence, and the ability to anticipate guest needs before they arise. A Host represents the Bagatelle brand with poise, warmth, and attention to detail at every interaction.
Key Responsibilities

Guest Relations & Hospitality

• Welcome every guest with genuine warmth, professionalism, and a sincere, attentive greeting.
• Create a memorable first impression that reflects Bagatelle's luxury hospitality standards.
• Ensure every guest feels recognized, valued, and welcomed from arrival through departure.
• Engage with guests throughout service and thank them sincerely as they leave, ensuring a positive final impression.
• Build rapport with returning guests by recognizing names, preferences, and special occasions whenever possible.
• Handle guest concerns, complaints, and special requests with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment, escalating issues to management when appropriate.
• Welcome and assist all guests equally and courteously, including guests with disabilities and guests using service animals, and coordinate any seating or access needs with management in accordance with Company policy and applicable public accommodation laws.

Reservation & Guest Experience Management

• Manage reservations, walk-ins, cancellations, modifications, and waitlists accurately using the reservation platform.
• Communicate realistic wait times while actively managing guest expectations with transparency and professionalism.
• Confirm reservations and special event bookings according to Company procedures.
• Coordinate VIP arrivals, celebrations, special accommodations, and guest preferences with management and service teams.
• Maintain detailed guest notes, including allergies and dietary restrictions noted at booking, and ensure they are communicated to the service team.
• Assist with private dining inquiries, large party bookings, and guest communications.

Seating & Dining Room Flow

• Strategically seat guests to maximize operational efficiency while balancing server sections and maintaining service quality.
• Continuously monitor table status, guest pacing, and dining room flow to anticipate table availability.
• Communicate effectively with managers, servers, bartenders, and support staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Adjust seating plans throughout service based on changing restaurant conditions while maintaining a calm and organized approach.
• Present menus and assist guests until service staff arrive.

Communication & Brand Representation

• Answer phones professionally using Bagatelle standards.
• Respond confidently and accurately to guest inquiries regarding menus, hours, reservations, events, dress code, and restaurant offerings.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the restaurant layout and seating capacity, menus and daily specials, beverage offerings, private dining options, events and promotions, restaurant policies, and key management and service personnel.
• Represent the Bagatelle brand with professionalism, confidence, and consistency in every guest interaction.

Organization & Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming host stand and entrance area at all times.
• Ensure menus, reservation materials, and guest communication tools are stocked and organized.
• Complete opening, closing, and side-work checklists as assigned, timely and thoroughly.
• Complete reservation confirmations, guest follow-up communications, and thank-you emails according to Company standards.
• Maintain accurate reservation records and guest information, and keep guest personal information confidential in accordance with Company policy.
• Assist management with administrative duties related to guest services and reservations as needed.

Tips

• If participating in the tip pool, accurately report all cash tips and contribute to or receive from the tip pool in accordance with Company policy and applicable law.

Safety & Compliance

• Promptly alert the Manager on Duty to any guest who appears visibly intoxicated or underage, and to any disruptive or unsafe situation at the entrance.
• Keep the entrance, host stand, and walkways clear of hazards and maintain awareness of emergency exits and evacuation procedures.
• Immediately inform the Manager on Duty of any workplace safety concern, guest incident, or injury.

Professionalism & Teamwork

• Demonstrate composure, patience, and grace during busy service periods and challenging situations.
• Anticipate operational needs and proactively support managers and service teams.
• Collaborate with all departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Attend all mandatory meetings, pre-shift line-ups, and trainings.

Professional Standards

• Comply with all Company policies and procedures, including the Employee Handbook, and with applicable city, state, and federal laws.
• Uphold Bagatelle grooming, uniform, appearance, and hospitality standards at all times.
• Demonstrate integrity and consistently meet or exceed Bagatelle standards.
• Perform other related and compatible duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-2 years of host or guest relations experience in an upscale, luxury, or fine dining restaurant.
• Passion for hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Outstanding interpersonal and guest relations skills.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, organized, and professional under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with guests, team members, and management.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with reservation management systems preferred; ability to use reservation, POS, and timekeeping systems as required.
• Professional phone etiquette and confident communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate guest needs and resolve issues with diplomacy and discretion.
• Multilingual abilities are a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications of the position, and duties may be modified or added at any time based on business needs. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; employment with Bagatelle is at-will. Bagatelle is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, including the New York City Human Rights Law. If you are unable to perform any of the responsibilities outlined above, inform your manager or Human Resources so that the Company can engage in a cooperative dialogue regarding reasonable accommodation.


Requirements

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Flexible, variable schedule including evenings, late nights, weekends, holidays, and high-volume service periods based on business needs.

Extended periods of standing and walking throughout the shift, including escorting guests throughout the dining room.

Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, and light lifting.

Ability to regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Fast-paced environment requiring constant communication, multitasking, and guest interaction.

Exposure to varying restaurant conditions, including elevated noise and music levels, dim lighting, temperature changes at the entrance, and extended service periods.

Ability to maintain professionalism, composure, and exceptional hospitality standards during high-pressure service.

Salary Description


$22/hour