Guest Experience Host — Reservations & Flow Leader

DineAmic Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Commuter Benefits

401K + Match

Company-paid Employee Assistance Prog

Food & Beverage Discounts

Job summary

NAIA, the Greek-Levantine dining destination along the Chicago River, seeks hosts to deliver warm, seamless arrivals in a fast-paced setting. As the first and last impression, you will manage reservations, greet guests, quote wait times, and seat guests to balance service flow.

You will answer phones, assist with carryout orders, maintain a tidy host stand, and collaborate with managers and servers. Experience in high-volume hospitality, familiarity with OpenTable or Toast, and availability

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Customer service

Reservations management

Communication

Teamwork

POS systems

Tools

OpenTable

Toast

Job description

NAIA, the Greek-Levantine dining destination along the Chicago River, seeks hosts to deliver warm, seamless arrivals in a fast-paced setting. As the first and last impression, you will manage reservations, greet guests, quote wait times, and seat guests to balance service flow.

You will answer phones, assist with carryout orders, maintain a tidy host stand, and collaborate with managers and servers. Experience in high-volume hospitality, familiarity with OpenTable or Toast, and availability