Guest Relations Lead

Erg-Restaurants-III-LL; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Grove, a local Grand Rapids restaurant, is seeking a Guest Relations Lead to connect with guests, remember preferences, and help craft memorable visits. The role blends hospitality with administrative tasks and guest data management, with a focus on Friday and Saturday evening service.

You’ll collaborate with the GM, chef and service team to anticipate guest needs, recognize regulars, and encourage future visits through thoughtful follow-up and seamless communication.

Qualifications

• Requires restaurant or hospitality experience.
• Must remember details and build genuine guest relationships.
• Able to stay calm and solution-oriented in a busy service environment.

Responsibilities

• Build genuine relationships with Grove guests and recognize regulars, returning guests and first-time visitors.
• Review upcoming reservations and communicate preferences, celebrations, allergies, and special requests to the team.
• Manage guest information and relationships across platforms.
• Handle reservation communications and appropriate guest follow-up.
• Identify guests who may be interested in events and wine dinners.
• Work the door during Friday and Saturday evenings to create a warm welcome and proper goodbye.
• Support the GM during service by anticipating guest needs and communicating them.

Skills

Guest relations

People skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Calm under pressure

Hospitality knowledge

Tools

Reservations system

Job description

Guest Relations/ Lead Host/ Maitre d' | Grove

Part-time | Friday & Saturday evening availability required | Grand Rapids, MI

Grove is a small restaurant with a big approach to hospitality.

We’re looking for a Guest Relations Lead who genuinely likes people, remembers the details, reads a room well and understands that exceptional hospitality is often less about what you spend and more about how closely you pay attention.

You’ll work closely with our General Manager, chef and service team to help us know our guests, prepare for their visits and create the kind of personal experience that keeps them coming back.

What You’ll Do

• Build genuine relationships with Grove guests and recognize regulars, returning guests and first-time visitors.
• Review upcoming reservations and make sure the team knows what matters before service: celebrations, preferences, special requests, allergies, returning guests and other useful details.
• Help manage guest information and relationships through various platforms.
• Handle reservation communication, special requests and appropriate guest follow-up.
• Identify guests who may be interested in upcoming wine dinners, events and special experiences.
• Work the door during designated services, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, creating an intentional welcome and goodbye.
• Support the GM during service by noticing what is happening with guests and communicating needs before they become problems.
• Help turn what we learn about our guests into better hospitality the next time they visit.

You may be a great fit if you

• Naturally remember people and details.
• Notice things others miss.
• Are warm, polished and genuinely comfortable talking with guests.
• Are highly organized and follow through.
• Stay calm and solution-oriented in a busy restaurant.
• Understand restaurant service and how the dining room works.
• Are comfortable learning technology and maintaining accurate guest information.
• Know how to take ownership without needing to run the show.

Restaurant or hospitality experience is strongly preferred. Experience with reservations, hosting, guest relations, events, wine or other highly guest-focused environments is a plus.

The Schedule

This is a part-time hourly position combining flexible guest-relations/administrative hours with designated service shifts. Friday and Saturday evening availability is required, along with additional availability surrounding special events and wine dinners. The base hourly wage is dependent upon experience. Eligible service shifts also participate in the tip pool, providing additional earnings beyond the base wage.

Grove is part of Essence Hospitality Group, a locally owned Grand Rapids restaurant group that also includes Bistro Bella Vita and Lucy’s.