Embers - Host

Embers Inc; Ocean City (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Job summary

A family-friendly upscale restaurant in Ocean City is seeking a Host/Hostess to deliver exceptional service and enhance guest experiences. This key role requires strong hospitality skills, the ability to manage reservations, and maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ideal candidates will have previous upscale restaurant experience and excel in communication and situational awareness. Join our team to contribute to an upscale dining experience that balances classic chophouse dining with modern hospitality.

Qualifications

• Experience in upscale restaurants is crucial for effective guest management.
• Strong communication skills enhance the overall guest experience.
• Ability to multitask effectively in a busy environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for guests, ensuring a warm welcome.
• Manage reservations and guest expectations efficiently.
• Support the dining experience flow while maintaining service standards.

Skills

Strong background in hospitality and guest-focused service

Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills

High level of attention to detail and situational awareness

Ability to multitask and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment

Strong organizational and time-management skills

Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate across departments

Ability to follow established service standards, procedures, and brand expectations

Education

Upscale previous restaurant experience

Tools

Reservation and seating software

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts

Summary of Position

The Host/Hostess at Embers plays a critical role in delivering a refined, seamless guest experience. This position serves as the first point of contact and sets the tone for the entire evening through professionalism, warmth, and confident floor management. Hosts are expected to demonstrate strong situational awareness, anticipate guest needs, and support service flow while upholding the standards of an upscale dining environment.

Embers is a family‑friendly, upscale restaurant located on the third floor of our Ocean City venue. The space offers elevated coastal views, an open‑concept kitchen with dual brick ovens, and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that blends classic chophouse dining with modern hospitality. Our culinary program features premium chophouse cuts, fresh seafood, nightly chef‑driven specials, and a curated wine and cocktail program. Operated by the Taustin family, Embers maintains a culture rooted in hospitality, professionalism, and pride in service. This role requires frequent stair use while escorting guests and managing floor operations across multiple levels of the restaurant.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a polished and professional ambassador of the Embers brand from the moment guests arrive
• Greet all guests warmly, confidently, and with genuine hospitality
• Maintain strong control of the host stand and dining room flow at all times
• Manage reservations and waitlists with precision using the reservation system
• Review reservation notes in advance, including guest preferences, allergies, celebrations, and special requests, and communicate relevant details to management and service staff prior to seating
• Demonstrate awareness of VIP guests, returning guests, and special occasions
• Accurately quote wait times and proactively manage guest expectations during peak service
• Suggest cocktails, aperitifs, or lounge seating when appropriate to enhance the guest experience during waits
• Assist with delivering drinks from the bar to tables when needed and appropriate
• Answer phone calls professionally, book reservations accurately, and respond to guest inquiries with confidence and knowledge of the restaurant
• Know when to elevate questions or concerns to management
• Accommodate seating requests whenever possible while maintaining balance and fairness across server sections
• Seat guests strategically to ensure pacing of service and consistent execution throughout the dining room
• Escort guests to tables with professionalism, offer menus, and clearly introduce their server
• Inspect tables before seating to ensure cleanliness, proper setup, and alignment with Embers presentation standards
• Maintain awareness of table turns, pacing, and course flow to support a smooth service
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with servers, bussers, bartenders, and managers
• Assist bussers with clearing and resetting tables to maintain dining room readiness
• Balance covers between servers to ensure fairness, consistency, and optimal guest care
• Maintain composure, professionalism, and a calm demeanor during high‑volume service
• Thank guests sincerely upon departure, invite them to return, and encourage feedback and reviews when appropriate
• Be flexible and willing to assist in other areas of the restaurant as directed by management to support overall operations

Qualifications/Skills

• Strong background in hospitality and guest‑focused service
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of attention to detail and situational awareness
• Ability to multitask and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate across departments
• Ability to follow established service standards, procedures, and brand expectations

Education and/or Experience

• Upscale previous restaurant experience required

Physical Demands

• Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours)

Computer/Technology Skills

• Ability to learn and operate reservation and seating software
• Comfortable entering and managing guest information accurately

Language/Communication Skills

• Be able to communicate clearly and effectively in the predominant language(s) of our guests