Host & Server Assistant - The Joneses

Oliverbonacini; Toronto; On-site; CAD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Oliver & Bonacini is seeking a part-time Host & Server Assistant in Toronto to greet guests, manage reservations, seat guests, and ensure a smooth dining room flow. You will assist with food running, monitor table quality, and maintain a welcoming host stand.

Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays is required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a polished presence with guests are essential for success in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Smart Serve Certification (required)
• Previous host, server assistant or front of house experience in a fast-paced restaurant is an asset
• A warm, welcoming and professional presence with guests
• Strong verbal communication skills, in person and on the phone
• High attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask
• Ability to take direction and work well as part of a team
• Ability to stay calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• A sense of professional urgency and momentum throughout service
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage, or a willingness to learn our menu inside and out
• Experience with reservation systems such as OpenTable or Resy is an asset
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Part time position
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift 25-35 lbs
• Legally eligible to work in Canada

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly as they arrive and thank them as they leave
• Manage reservations, waitlist and walk-ins using the reservation system
• Seat guests and balance sections, working with Servers and management to maximize seating and pace the dining room
• Answer phone calls, emails and guest inquiries about reservations, hours, menus and special events
• Keep the host stand, entrance and waiting area clean, organized and welcoming
• Manage coat check, if applicable
• Inspect all tables for proper mise en place, cleanliness and completeness
• Assist with food running, making sure plates reach the right guest without auctioning
• Monitor food quality and presentation standards
• Practice a high level of floor awareness, clearing and resetting tables as required
• Keep sections and service areas clean, organized and free of clutter
• Make sure condiments are pre-portioned and fridges are stocked with milk, cream, butter, etc.
• Empty garbage, change liner bags and dispose of garbage and recycling properly
• All shifts: Answer guest questions about food, beverages, wine and other restaurant services when needed
• Pass any guest comments or requests on to Servers to ensure a positive, memorable experience
• Follow all food safety standards and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Skills

Smart Serve Certification

FOH experience

Communication skills

Multitasking

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Food & beverage knowledge

Tools

OpenTable

Resy

Job description

Host & Server Assistant

Reporting to the Front of House Management Team, the Host & Server Assistant is often the first and last person our guests meet, and plays a key role in keeping service running smoothly.

The day to day:

Host

• Greet guests warmly as they arrive and thank them as they leave, creating a memorable first and last impression
• Manage reservations, the waitlist and walk-ins using the reservation system
• Seat guests and balance sections, working with Servers and the management team to maximize seating and pace the dining room
• Answer phone calls, emails and guest inquiries about reservations, hours, menus and special events
• Keep the host stand, entrance and waiting area clean, organized and welcoming
• Manage coat check, if applicable

Server Assistant

• Inspect all tables for proper mise en place, cleanliness and completeness
• Assist with food running, making sure plates reach the right guest without auctioning
• Monitor food quality and presentation standards
• Practice a high level of floor awareness, clearing and resetting tables as required
• Keep sections and service areas clean, organized and free of clutter
• Make sure condiments are pre-portioned and fridges are stocked with milk, cream, butter, etc.
• Empty garbage, change liner bags and dispose of garbage and recycling properly

All shifts

• Answer guest questions about food, beverages, wine and other restaurant services when needed
• Pass any guest comments or requests on to Servers to ensure a positive, memorable experience
• Follow all food safety standards and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Requirements & Skills

• Smart Serve Certification (required)
• Previous host, server assistant or front of house experience in a fast-paced restaurant is an asset
• A warm, welcoming and professional presence with guests
• Strong verbal communication skills, in person and on the phone
• High attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask
• Ability to take direction and work well as part of a team
• Ability to stay calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• A sense of professional urgency and momentum throughout service
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage, or a willingness to learn our menu inside and out
• Experience with reservation systems such as OpenTable or Resy is an asset
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Part time position
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift 25-35 lbs
• Legally eligible to work in Canada

Hourly wage: $17.95 + shared gratuities

AI Disclosure

To ensure a fair and efficient recruitment process, some aspects of candidate screening may be conducted using AI software. All assessments and outcomes are reviewed by our hiring team to provide thoughtful, personalized consideration. We are committed to transparency and respect, ensuring a welcoming experience for every candidate.

Accessibility & Accommodation

Oliver & Bonacini is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require accommodation or support during any stage of the hiring process, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met in a respectful and timely manner.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We value and embrace diversity in all forms and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Our recruitment practices are designed to ensure fairness, equity, and opportunity for every candidate.