Dining Room Hospitality Host

Company Overview Black Briar is a Bold American Tavern anchored by an open coal grill, a serious raw bar, and ingredient-first cooking. We are opening in the West Loop - a neighborhood that knows the difference between a restaurant that performs hospitality and one that actually means it. The Host is the first person a guest meets and the last one they remember.
The Host is the front door of Black Briar - literally and culturally. Greeting every guest with warmth, confidence, and genuine presence - no scripts, no performance
Managing reservations, walk-ins, and waitlist with accuracy and composure in OpenTable
Executing the floor plan with intelligence - seating to protect both the guest experience and the kitchen’s rhythm
Maintaining full knowledge of the reservation book - special occasions, dietary needs, VIP guests, and return visitors
Answering the phone professionally and handling reservation inquiries with confidence and warmth
Coordinating with servers and runners on table readiness before seating
Maintaining the entrance, host stand, and front-of-house appearance to Black Briar’s standard at all times
Closing the host stand completely - reservation notes updated, next-day book reviewed, and floor plan set for the following shift
Prior host or front-of-house experience in a full-service restaurant preferred — Chicago dining experience a strong plus
Calm under pressure — a full dining room, a walk-in party, and a ringing phone do not rattle you
Proficiency with OpenTable or comparable reservation platform preferred
A genuine interest in hospitality
Competitive hourly wage $18-$20
Annual performance review with merit increase opportunity
You do not treat hospitality as a transaction - you treat it as a responsibility. We are committed to building a team that reflects the city we are proud to call home.