Host | Hostess

Host / Hostess

MIKA Coral Gables is seeking a polished, warm, and highly organized Host / Hostess to be the first and last point of contact for our guests.

The Host is responsible for creating an exceptional first impression, managing reservations and seating efficiently, recognizing returning guests and VIPs, and maintaining clear communication between the door, management, and service team.

At MIKA, hospitality should feel personal, effortless, and genuine. The Host sets the tone for the entire guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Warmly welcome and acknowledge every guest upon arrival.
• Provide a gracious and genuine farewell as guests leave the restaurant.
• Manage reservations, walk-ins, waitlists, and table assignments.
• Maintain accurate reservation information and guest notes in the reservation system.
• Confirm reservations and communicate special requests when necessary.
• Recognize returning guests, VIPs, regulars, and special occasions.
• Review reservations and VIP notes before each service.
• Communicate VIP arrivals immediately to management and the appropriate service team.
• Coordinate seating with managers and servers to maintain proper pacing and balanced sections.
• Understand table numbers, sections, dining-room capacities, and seating configurations.
• Monitor table status and anticipated turn times throughout service.
• Communicate professionally with guests regarding waits or reservation delays.
• Answer telephone calls professionally and assist with reservation inquiries.
• Accurately communicate information regarding menus, hours, dress code, parking/valet, private dining, and restaurant policies.
• Direct private-event inquiries to the appropriate manager or events team.
• Keep the host stand and entrance clean, organized, and professional at all times.
• Assist with coats, umbrellas, packages, and other guest needs when appropriate.
• Maintain communication with management regarding cancellations, no-shows, late arrivals, special requests, and unusual reservation situations.
• Support other Front of House team members when needed without leaving the host stand unattended.
• Complete all assigned opening and closing responsibilities.

Reservation & Guest Management

Hosts must maintain a strong understanding of MIKA's reservation procedures and systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Accurately entering and updating reservations.
• Reading all reservation notes before seating guests.
• Recording relevant guest preferences and information appropriately.
• Never deleting, moving, or significantly modifying reservations without following management procedures.
• Understanding which dining areas are available for online reservations and which require management approval.
• Communicating private-event or large-party inquiries immediately.
• Never promising a specific table unless it has been approved.
• Protecting guest privacy and maintaining discretion regarding VIPs and recognizable guests.

Hospitality Standards

Every Host / Hostess is expected to:

• Make eye contact and acknowledge arriving guests immediately.
• Smile and maintain welcoming body language.
• Never allow a guest to stand at the entrance without acknowledgment.
• Use the guest's name whenever appropriate.
• Walk guests to their table rather than pointing.
• Move with confidence and purpose never run through the dining room.
• Remain composed during busy periods.
• Never discuss internal problems, table conflicts, or operational issues in front of guests.
• Avoid personal phone use while at the host stand or on the floor.
• Maintain professional conversations and appropriate volume at the entrance.
• Never argue with a guest; involve a manager when assistance is required.
• Be proactive rather than waiting for a guest to ask for help.

Appearance & Professionalism

The Host team represents MIKA from the moment a guest enters the restaurant.

Hosts are expected to:

• Arrive on time and completely dressed and ready to work at the scheduled start time.
• Maintain excellent personal grooming and uniform standards.
• Keep personal belongings stored in designated employee areas.
• Maintain professional posture and presence at the host stand.
• Follow MIKA's uniform, attendance, and grooming policies at all times.

Qualifications

• Previous host, reservations, luxury hospitality, or upscale restaurant experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Naturally warm and welcoming personality.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable communicating with VIPs and high-profile guests with discretion.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Strong telephone etiquette.
• Experience with restaurant reservation systems is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Hosts, Servers, Captains, Managers, Sommeliers, Bartenders, and the Events team.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

What Success Looks Like

A successful MIKA Host does more than manage the door.

They know who is coming, recognize who has arrived, understand where guests should be seated, communicate with the team, anticipate potential issues, and make every guest feel expected and welcomed.

Our Culture

MIKA Coral Gables celebrates the flavors and hospitality of the Mediterranean under the culinary direction of Chef Michael White.

Our philosophy: "Tastes of the Riviera. Hospitality of Home."

Luxury at MIKA should never feel pretentious. Our hospitality is warm, polished, humble, authentic, and personal.

The Host / Hostess is responsible for ensuring that feeling begins at the front door and remains with the guest as they leave.