Host

Raines Company; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina is seeking a Host / Hostess to create an exceptional dining experience. The ideal candidate will manage guest reception, reservations, and coordinate with staff ensuring seamless service. Responsibilities include warmly greeting guests, managing the reservation system, and supporting service teams during peak hours. No direct applications via email are accepted. This position requires a passion for hospitality and outstanding communication skills.

Qualifications

• Must warmly greet guests upon arrival with fine-dining courtesy.
• Ability to manage reservations and guest flow efficiently.
• Strong communication skills to liaise between teams.

Responsibilities

• Warmly greet and escort guests to their tables.
• Manage the reservation system and coordinate seating.
• Support communication between front and back-of-house.

Skills

Outstanding communication skills

Professionalism

Grace under pressure

Passion for hospitality

Tools

OpenTable

Job description

Raines Co. - Your Future is Now!

Job Title: Host / Hostess - Ladder 13 Restaurant

Position Overview

The Host/Hostess is the first point of contact for guests and plays a critical role in setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience. This position requires professionalism, grace under pressure, outstanding communication skills, and a genuine passion for hospitality. The ideal candidate is warm, polished, and able to manage reservations, guest flow, and special requests with ease and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Reception & Experience

• Warmly greet guests upon arrival, exhibiting fine-dining-appropriate courtesy, tone, and demeanor.
• Escort guests to their tables, ensuring a smooth and welcoming introduction to the dining experience.
• Provide menus, share information about the restaurant, and answer initial questions.
• Maintain a polished and professional appearance consistent with luxury hospitality standards.

Reservation & Seating Management

• Manage the reservation system (OpenTable) with accuracy and efficiency.
• Coordinate seating to optimize flow, balance server sections, and maintain the highest level of guest satisfaction.
• Track and manage waitlists, providing accurate wait-time estimates and offering thoughtful communication during delays.
• Note and communicate guest preferences or special occasions (e.g., anniversaries, allergies, VIP guests).

Communication & Coordination

• Liaise between the front-of-house and back-of-house teams to support smooth operations.
• Communicate guest needs or concerns to management promptly and discreetly.
• Keep servers and managers informed of table status, pacing, and any special requests.

Service Support

• Assist with coat check, door service, or phone support as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of the entrance, host stand, menus, and dining room as required.
• Support the service team by helping with minimal tasks during peak hours (presenting menus, resetting tables, etc.) while maintaining host responsibilities.

Raines is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pre-employment background check required.

EEO/D/V

Application Tips: We encourage job seekers to protect themselves from email and recruiting scams. Please note: 1) We do not accept applications via email or fax; 2) We never ask for money as part of the application process; 3) We only contact job applicants from approved email domains.