Experienced Hosts - River North & West Loop

DineAmic Hospitality; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Commuter Benefits

401K + Match

Company-paid Employee Assistance Program

Food & Beverage Discounts

Job summary

A restaurant in Chicago is seeking a Host to deliver exceptional service in a high-paced environment. Responsibilities include managing guest flow, reservations, and providing warm welcoming experiences. Successful candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to work under pressure. The role offers benefits such as paid leave, 401K matching, and food discounts, making it an attractive opportunity for hospitality-driven professionals.

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant host or customer service experience preferred.
• Experience with a guest reservation platform and POS system preferred.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet every guest promptly with warmth and professionalism.
• Manage reservations and waitlists using the reservation system.
• Communicate effectively with teams and guests about table status.
• Maintain a welcoming and organized environment at all times.

Skills

Strong organization

Clear communication

Customer service

Teamwork

Emotional intelligence

Tools

Reservation systems

POS systems

Job description

Hosts are responsible for delivering exceptional first and last impressions for every guest in our fast-paced, high-volume, full-service restaurant environment. As the primary point of contact both in person and over the phone, this role requires strong organization, clear communication, and a commitment to hospitality and teamwork. Hosts manage guest flow, reservations, and waitlists while maintaining a welcoming and organized entrance and lobby area.

Successful candidates are hospitality-driven professionals who remain composed under pressure, communicate effectively with guests and team members, and take pride in creating a warm and seamless arrival experience. Hosts help set the tone for the dining experience, collaborating closely with managers and service staff to maintain balanced service flow while providing professional, friendly assistance to guests both at the host stand and through phone interactions. They also support guest engagement initiatives, such as introducing guests to the restaurant’s rewards program when appropriate.

Essential Responsibilities + Duties

• Greet every guest promptly with warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and walk-in guests using the reservation system.
• Accurately quote wait times and manage guest expectations.
• Strategically seat guests to balance server sections and maintain optimal service flow.
• Communicate effectively with managers and service staff regarding table status, pacing, special requests, and guest needs.
• Maintain strong knowledge of restaurant offerings and policies to assist with guest inquiries.
• Answer phones professionally and assist guests with reservations, carryout orders, and general inquiries.
• Process carryout orders and payments accurately in accordance with company procedures.
• Document event and large-party inquiries through the designated inquiry platform.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, entrance, and lobby areas.
• Monitor the dining room and entry areas to maintain a welcoming, organized, and well-paced environment.
• Assist with menu presentation, coat check, and other guest touchpoints as needed.
• Support service staff during peak periods to ensure smooth dining room operations.
• Encourage guests to join the restaurant’s rewards program and share guest engagement initiatives when appropriate.
• Complete opening, running, and closing side work as assigned.
• Follow all company policies, sanitation guidelines, and hospitality standards.
• Address guest concerns professionally and elevate issues to management when appropriate.
• Contribute positively to team morale and support fellow team members during high-volume periods.
• Additional duties as needed within the scope of the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous restaurant host or customer service experience preferred (high-volume experience strongly preferred).
• Experience with a guest reservation platform and POS system preferred; Open table and Toast strongly preferred.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands.

Physical Demands + Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8+ hours per shift).
• Occasional lifting of up to 20–25 pounds (menus, highchairs, small furniture adjustments).
• Frequent movement in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and twist throughout shift.
• Must be able to move safely through dining area, including slick floors and tight spaces.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Communication Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Integrity
• Personal Development
• Professionalism
• Self-Management
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Technical Proficiency with computers and POS systems

Benefits + Perks

• Paid Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• 401K + Match
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program
• Food & Beverage Discounts

DineAmic Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.