Drift - Host

Drift Restaurant; Halifax; On-site; CAD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gratuities

Health & Dental benefits

Transit pass reimbursement

RRSP contributions

Employee Assistance Program

Referral bonus program

Job summary

Freehand Hospitality is seeking a Host/Hostess for Drift, located in Halifax. You will create a warm first impression, assist servers for seamless service, and ensure the dining room operates smoothly.

You’ll manage reservations, coordinate with staff, and seat guests while maintaining cleanliness and efficiency. The role requires a Serve Right certification and a calm, multitasking mindset in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Valid Serve Right Certification.
• Restaurant experience is considered an asset.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to take direction and prioritize a variety of tasks at once.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a level of professional urgency and momentum.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Effectively manage reservations and walk-ins to maximize seating capacity.
• Communicating with servers, bartenders and managers to maintain proper guest flow throughout the restaurant.
• Escorting guests to their table, engage them in conversation and seat them accordingly.
• Developing a briefing sheet before each shift that will inform co-workers of shows/concerts, special events and nbs as well as special requests for birthdays, anniversaries etc.
• Possessing a working knowledge of the restaurant trade area (location, surroundings, nearby attractions, directions, etc.).
• Ensuring that the front entrance, host stand and surrounding areas are fully stocked and free from clutter and debris.
• Knowing all table numbers and maintain awareness of which servers are in each section.
• Maintaining the cleanliness of assigned areas by completing checks regularly throughout shift.
• Following all food safety standards and systems.
• Such other related duties and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Professionalism

Job description

Host/Hostess at Drift with Freehand Hospitality

About Freehand Hospitality

Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. We celebrate diverse culinary styles—from upscale Maritime dining to classic French fare—paired with genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.

About Drift Salon & Bar

Owning a strong connection to time and place, Drift, located in Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, pays homage to this region’s land, people and history. Celebrating our natural abundance, Drift’s culinary vision is to showcase the East Coast’s most beloved ingredients stemming from a vibrant community of artisans, producers, farmers and fishers. Chef Anthony Walsh has crafted menus featuring eclectic interpretations of familiar Maritime fare. Whether you’re sampling an incredible variety of raw bar delicacies or tucking into a piping hot Seafood Hodge Podge, Drift’s dishes aim to deliver equal parts comfort and surprise.

Job Description

We are looking for a Host/Hostess at Drift who will be responsible for creating a warm and welcoming first impression for all guests, supporting servers in delivering seamless service, and ensuring the dining room operates smoothly and efficiently.

What you will be doing as a Host/Hostess:

• Effectively manage reservations and walk-ins to maximize seating capacity;
• Communicating with servers, bartenders and managers to maintain proper guest flow throughout the restaurant;
• Escorting guests to their table, engage them in conversation and seat them accordingly;
• Developing a briefing sheet before each shift that will inform co-workers of shows/concerts, special events and nbs as well as special requests for birthdays, anniversaries etc;
• Possessing a working knowledge of the restaurant trade area (location, surroundings, nearby attractions, directions, etc.).;
• Ensuring that the front entrance, host stand and surrounding areas are fully stocked and free from clutter and debris;
• Knowing all table numbers and maintain awareness of which servers are in each section;
• Maintaining the cleanliness of assigned areas by completing checks regularly throughout shift;
• Following all food safety standards and systems;
• Such other related duties and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

The person we are looking for has:

• A valid Serve Right Certification;
• Experience working in a restaurant is considered an asset;
• Ability to remain calm under pressure;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Organizational skills;
• Ability to take direction and prioritize a variety of tasks at once;
• Strong oral communication skills;
• Ability to maintain a level of professional urgency and momentum.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays;

• Excellent observation skills & high attention to detail, offering a helping hand to all guests whenever needed, before they even need to ask;

• High level of product knowledge.

Why join us and what's in it for you?

• Gratuities
• Comprehensive extended Health & Dental benefits
• Integrated learning environment with room to grow
• Access to our gym and fitness facility
• 50% reimbursement of monthly transit pass
• Company RRSP contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Eligible for company referral bonus program
• Working along side a collaborative team of likeminded individuals

A member of The Armour Group, Freehand Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you would like to join an organization with which you can have a work-life balance, career growth, long term job stability, and an opportunity to positively contribute to the community, this position may be for you!