Host

Hawkers-Asian-Street-Food-; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wage

Tip share eligibility

Flexible scheduling

Meal benefits

Job summary

Hawkers Asian Street Food in Arlington, VA seeks an energetic Host to create a welcoming first impression and manage seating flow throughout service. You will balance tables, greet guests, and lead the host team to ensure smooth dining experiences.

The role requires strong hospitality, excellent communication, and the ability to work with a fast-paced team. Flexible scheduling and meal benefits accompany growth opportunities within the brand.

Qualifications

• Experience in a guest-facing role preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced restaurant.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive, guest-first attitude.

Responsibilities

• Route guests to tables and balance server sections to optimize flow.
• Manage waitlists and VIP requests; communicate wait times clearly.
• Welcome guests warmly and escort to tables; handle special occasions.
• Coordinate with servers to maintain seating efficiency.
• Keep the host stand and service areas clean and organized.
• Answer phone inquiries about seating availability.
• Operate the POS system as needed.

Skills

Guest service

Communication

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Hospitality mindset

Job description

Description

Who We Are

At Hawkers Asian Street Food, our purpose is simple: we spark adventure. Everything we do is driven by three mantras that define who we are and how we show up every day. We always care — for each and every guest as if they are our only guest, and for our team as family. We never compromise — paying attention to the details and maximizing the potential in every team member and every experience. And we be disruptive — challenging the status quo, refusing to succumb to industry norms, and continually raising the bar.

If you’re ready to bring that spirit to work every single day, we want you on our team.

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive hourly wage (commensurate with experience and market).
• Tip share eligibility per restaurant policy.
• Flexible scheduling with part-time and full-time opportunities.
• Meal benefits during scheduled shifts.
• Opportunity for growth within a rapidly expanding brand.

Position Summary

As a Host at Hawkers Asian Street Food, you are the first impression of the entire dining experience. Your energy, warmth, and organizational skill set the tone the moment a guest walks through the door. You are responsible for managing the flow of the dining room, leading the host team, and ensuring every guest feels welcomed, valued, and excited to return. This role requires exceptional guest service, strong communication, and a genuine passion for hospitality. You play a critical role in driving the flow of the restaurant by balancing guest experience, seating efficiency, and accurate wait time communication.

Requirements

Managing Table Assignments

• Assign guests to appropriate sections based on party size, server availability, and the overall flow of the restaurant.
• Balance server sections by distributing tables evenly to maintain service efficiency.
• Monitor and manage the waitlist, ensuring timely seating while keeping track of table availability.
• Prioritize VIP and special requests, including seating preferences for regular guests or special occasions (e.g., anniversaries, birthdays).

Guest Interaction

• Welcome guests with a warm and friendly attitude, acquiring guest details or adding them to the waitlist as needed.
• Manage guest expectations by keeping guests informed of wait times, ensuring they feel valued and comfortable.
• Escort guests to their assigned table, ensuring they are settled comfortably.
• Thank guests as they leave and invite them to return.
• Open the doors for guests whenever possible.

Team Communication & Leadership

• Work closely with servers to manage the flow of guests and table availability.
• Notify leaders of any special needs, concerns, or changes in guest flow (e.g., large parties, complaints, or VIP arrivals).

Operational Efficiency & Problem Solving

• Oversee the dining room’s seating arrangement to ensure efficient movement and avoid congestion.
• Accommodate special seating requests, including highchairs, accessibility requirements, or area preferences (bar, patio, etc.).
• Monitor table turnover rates to ensure tables are cleaned promptly and ready for new guests.
• Address guest concerns regarding seating or wait times quickly and professionally.
• Manage overflow and full-capacity situations by maintaining accurate waitlists and providing guests with realistic wait time updates.
• Keep waitlist systems up to date, adding walk-ins and adjusting as necessary.
• Answer phone calls to address guest questions about seating availability.
• Operate the Point of Sale (POS) system accurately and efficiently as needed.

General

• Maintain clean and organized service areas, guest areas, and the host stand.
• Complete restroom checks and ensure restrooms are clean and restocked with paper products.
• Take to-go orders if necessary or as directed by leadership.
• Be a team player, supporting team members at every opportunity.
• Other duties may be assigned as the need arises.

Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Availability based on location’s business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Positive, guest-first attitude and genuine enthusiasm for hospitality.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Success in this role requires genuine hospitality, urgency, adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to stay composed in a high-volume environment.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a restaurant, hospitality, or guest-facing role.
• Familiarity with reservation or waitlist management systems.
• Passion for food, culture, and delivering memorable guest experiences.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to frequently stand, walk, bend, squat, and reach above shoulder level for the duration of a shift.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• Must be able to work in a climate-controlled restaurant environment with varying noise levels.