Lead Host

We’re hiring people to join our team as LEAD HOST STAFF! The Lead Host coordinates the flow of the restaurant and is the first and last point of contact with our guests. Responsibilities include: coordinating guest seating and reservations for the host team effectively managing wait lists and providing accurate wait times coordinating with management to ensure smooth table turnover maintaining a professional, warm demeanor throughout each shift At least 2 years of Host experience in a high-volume restaurant is required. A Few of Our Lead Host Benefits: Restaurant Discounts Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance Domestic Partner Benefits 401(k) Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The menu highlights local produce, unique spices and ingredients and is built around mezze, Mediterranean small plates meant for sharing. Signature dishes include Hummus, Charred Eggplant Spread, House-made Labneh and Stracciatella, Green Falafel, Grilled Octopus and Chicken Kefta Kebabs. The bar program features a wine list with selections from the Mediterranean coastline, surrounding islands and California producers, as well as hand-crafted cocktail and Reserve cocktail menu. EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify LEAD HOST JOB DESCRIPTION Lead Hosts are responsible for host training, the maintenance of training manuals and upholding standards of guest service. Responsible for the initial warm greeting and seating of guests, answering of telephones, taking reservations and messages, maintaining accurate guest counts and wait times and saying goodbye to all guests. Assist with Coat Check duties as directed. Essential Functions Interact with, direct, train and develop host employees in a fair and dignified manner Warmly greet and seat guests in the restaurant Answer telephones, and take orders, messages and reservations Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends Safely and effectively move chairs, tables, highchairs and booster seats Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction Multitask calmly and effectivelyunder pressure Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces Key Responsibilities and Duties Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests’ needs Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile Use tact and good judgement when dealing with guest challenges and respond to guest needs with patience and courtesy Assist with processing hosts’ new-hire paperwork Schedule, conduct and/or oversee all aspects new-hire and on-going host training Review and maintain host manuals and training materials Observe host employees’ service standards and communicate observations to Management, Partners and Trainers; Assist in developing and implementing necessary plans of action Assist with maintaining and updating restaurant’s “zoning” procedures Use proper phone and voicemail etiquette and guidelines Assist with clearing, cleaning and resetting tables and maintaining restrooms Sell and accurately account for gift cards Understand and respond knowledgeably to questions about the restaurant and menu Follow all steps of service Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions Proficiency in the use and operation of all necessary tools and equipment, including the reservation, telephone, paging and voicemail systems Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures Successfully complete alcohol awareness training Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook Get along well with others and be a team player Other duties will be assigned as needed #J-18808-Ljbffr Ema