Host - Restaurant evening/ weekend

QED Hospitality is a restaurant operations management group, focused on running Food & Beverage operations in boutique hotels and exclusive sites nationally.
We bring our operational acumen to the table, developing and managing restaurants tailored to the hotel, the region and the demands of the market. These are not cookie cutter concepts, but true restaurants born of the region and based on our history.

As a Host at Broussard's , you are the first impression of one of New Orleans' most iconic dining destinations. You set the tone for the guest experience from the moment guests arrive, creating a warm and genuine welcome while ensuring the dining room operates smoothly and efficiently.
The ideal candidate is personable, organized, confident, and genuinely enjoys taking care of people. You will work closely with the management, service, events, and culinary teams to manage reservations, coordinate seating, communicate wait times, and ensure guests feel welcomed and cared for throughout their visit.
This role is perfect for someone who understands that hospitality is more than simply seating a guest—it is about creating the moment and making every person feel like they belong at Broussard's.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Guest Experience & Hospitality
Welcome every guest warmly and professionally upon arrival and departure.
Create a positive first and last impression that reflects the elegance and hospitality of Broussard's.
Greet guests with genuine Southern hospitality while maintaining a polished and professional presence.
Assist guests with questions about the restaurant, menus, dining areas, events, and property.
Anticipate guest needs and look for opportunities to exceed expectations.
Respond to guest questions and concerns with patience, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented approach.
Support service recovery efforts by communicating guest concerns promptly to management.
Build positive relationships with returning guests and recognize regulars whenever possible.
Reservations & Seating
Manage reservations and accurately maintain the seating chart throughout service.
Utilize reservation systems such as OpenTable/Resy to manage reservations, guest notes, special requests, and table availability.
Monitor reservations, walk-ins, wait times, cancellations, and no-shows throughout the shift.
Communicate accurate wait times and seating expectations to guests.
Coordinate seating to balance guest flow, server sections, table turns, and overall service needs.
Escort guests to their tables and provide menus as appropriate.
Communicate important guest information, celebrations, allergies, accessibility needs, or special requests to the appropriate team members.
Maintain awareness of dining room capacity and assist management in managing guest flow during busy periods.
Communication & Teamwork
Work closely with managers, servers, bartenders, culinary teams, and events staff to ensure seamless service.
Communicate changes in reservations, guest requests, table status, and special circumstances in real time.
Assist the service team wherever needed to support a smooth operation.
Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude during high-volume service.
Participate in pre-shift meetings and remain informed about daily specials, events, menu changes, and operational updates.
Support seamless transitions between brunch, dinner, private events, and other service periods.
Events & Special Functions
Support the team in welcoming guests attending weddings, private dinners, celebrations, and other events.
Assist with guest arrival and seating for large parties and private functions.
Communicate event-specific information and guest requests to the appropriate leadership team.
Help ensure event guests receive the same level of genuine hospitality and attention to detail as restaurant guests.
Organization & Attention to Detail
Maintain an organized and professional host stand throughout the shift.
Keep menus, reservation materials, and other guest-facing items clean and organized.
Maintain accurate reservation notes and guest information.
Monitor the condition and appearance of guest entryways, host areas, and dining room spaces.
Identify and communicate maintenance, cleanliness, or safety concerns to management.
Follow all restaurant policies, procedures, and service standards consistently.
Safety & Professionalism
Maintain awareness of the restaurant environment and communicate safety concerns to management.
Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for guests and team members.
Handle difficult guest interactions calmly and professionally and involve management when appropriate.
Maintain guest confidentiality and discretion.
Represent Broussard's and QED Hospitality with professionalism at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Warm, welcoming, and professional demeanor.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to remain calm and composed in a busy, high-volume environment.
Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive guest experience.
Comfortable interacting with a diverse range of guests and personalities.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during high-volume service periods.
Ability to learn and effectively use reservation and restaurant technology.
Preferred
Previous host, restaurant, hotel, hospitality, or customer service experience.
Experience with OpenTable/Resy or other reservation management systems.
Previous experience in an upscale or fine dining environment.
Knowledge of New Orleans dining, hospitality, or tourism.
Familiarity with French-Creole cuisine and the history of New Orleans is a plus.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

Mobility and dexterity to move large, heavy objects up to 50 lbs. Manual dexterity to include using kitchen utensils and handling food items. Must be able to tolerate industry standard chemicals used for cleaning and sanitizing, and be able to withstand a hot and/or close environment. Must be able to work at a fast pace, and to respond to visual and oral cues.
About Broussard's Since 1920, Broussard's has been a cornerstone of New Orleans' French Quarter, delighting generations of locals and visitors with exceptional French-Creole cuisine, timeless elegance, and genuine Southern hospitality.
From brunch in our beautiful courtyard to dinner in our historic dining rooms and cocktails at the Empire Bar, Broussard's offers guests an experience rooted in New Orleans tradition. Our property also hosts weddings, private dinners, celebrations, and large-scale events throughout the year.