Host

The Cooper; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cooper is seeking an attentive Host to warmly greet guests and manage seating, reservations, and waitlists, ensuring a smooth dining start. The role emphasizes guest communication, menu familiarity, and impeccable host-area upkeep.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, hospitality experience, and strong verbal/written communication. Training includes POS usage and fine-dining service standards to support a positive guest experience.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Hospitality and/or food & beverage experience preferred.
• Must communicate clearly with guests, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Must read and write to facilitate communication.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of POS systems.
• Knowledge of proper table settings and service ware.
• Ability to describe menu items, prices, and prep methods; upsell house specialties.
• Knowledge of products and specifications on the dinner menu.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly and assess seating preferences.
• Escort guests to tables and present menus.
• Communicate wait times and update guests while they wait.
• May perform a combination of supportive functions.
• Manage reservations and seating chart for efficiency.
• Use reservations/waitlist system to assign tables.
• Update waitlist and ensure prompt seating.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the host station and entrance area.
• Ensure menus are clean and replace damaged menus.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Basic computer skills

Menu knowledge and upselling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS system

Job description

The Primary role of the Host is to be responsible welcoming guest warmly and ensuring they have a positive start to their dining experience. The Host manages reservations, seating arrangements, and waitlist and communicates effectively with the serving team to provide seamless service. Exceptional organizational and customer service skills are key to creating a memorable dining experience for all guests.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly as they enter the restaurant and assess their seating preferences.
• Escort guests to their table and present menus, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience.
• Communicate wait times to guests when necessary and keep them updated while they wait.
• In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of supportive functions.
• Manage reservations and maintain an organized seating chart to maximize table turnover and efficiency.
• Use the reservation or waitlist system to assign tables based on reservations, guest preferences, and server sections.
• Update the waitlist and communicate with guests, ensuring prompt seating as tables become available.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the host station and entrance area.
• Ensure menus are clean and presentable, replacing any damaged menus as needed.

Required Skills & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior hospitality and/ or food & beverage experience preferred.
• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in communication with guests, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must possess basic computer skills. Must have complete knowledge of POS system.
• Knowledge of the appropriate table settings and service ware.
• Ability to describe all menu items, prices and methods of preparation. And to use suggestive selling techniques to encourage the guests to choose items that are house specialties.
• Must have complete knowledge of products and specifications that is outlined in the dinner menu.

BHC is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and are not based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, uniformed service, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other factor or characteristic protected by applicable law. BHC participates in E-Verify.