Host

Cooper's Hawk Winery; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining/Carryout discount

Wine discount

Events discount

Wine tastings

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery is looking for a friendly Host to set the tone for guest experiences from the moment guests arrive. You will greet guests with energy, manage seating and reservations, and help ensure a smooth dining room flow.

In a fast-paced, hospitality-driven environment you will follow checklists, maintain a professional appearance, coordinate with servers and managers, and contribute to memorable moments through attentive conversations and personalized service.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong hospitality mindset and desire to create unforgettable experiences.
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment with multitasking skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with energy and enthusiasm from the first interaction.
• Answer guest phone calls with professionalism and hospitality.
• Follow checklists to set up the host area for a smooth shift.
• Maintain a professional image at all times by adhering to appearance guidelines.
• Keep track of table flow and seating to deliver an excellent guest experience.
• Adjust seating plans to avoid bottlenecks and wait time surprises.

Skills

Guest service

Phone etiquette

Communication

Multitasking

Education

At least 18 years old

Tools

Reservation system

Job description

At Cooper’s Hawk, our Hosts set the tone for the entire guest experience. From the first greeting to the final farewell, you will bring Uncompromising Hospitality to life. Through warm welcomes, smooth table flow, and helpful conversations, you will ensure every guest feels personally taken care of from the moment they walk through the door.

Compensation Range: $15.00 - $18.00/hour

Pay offered is determined by skills, qualifications and experience.

What You Will Get

• 50 percent Dining and Carryout Discount; 40 percent Retail Wine Discount; 20 percent Discount on Retail and Private Events
• Monthly Wine Tastings for Two
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth
• 401k with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Flexible Schedules
• Early Pay Access
• Wellness and Mental Health Support
• Wine and Culinary Education
• Career Growth Flight Plan
• Team Member Rewards, Milestone Recognition, and Referral Bonuses

How You Will Succeed

Show Up Ready: Come Prepared, stay sharp, and start strong.

• Greet guests with energy and enthusiasm from the very first interaction
• Answer guest phone calls with professionalism and hospitality
• Follow checklists to set up the host area for a smooth shift
• Maintain a professional image at all times by adhering to all appearance and behavior guidelines

Own What You See

Own What You See: Take Responsibility, jump in, and do what needs to be done.

• Keep track of table flow and dining room pacing to deliver an excellent guest experience
• Adjust seating plans as needed to avoid bottlenecks and wait time surprises
• Manage special seating requests of guests consistent with table availability

Stay in Sync

Stay in Sync: Communicate often, move with your team, and keep service flowing.

• Communicate constantly with Managers and Team Members to keep service moving seamlessly
• Support servers and service assistants when needed to help the team shine

Make It Personal

Make It Personal: Be genuine, listen well, and tailor each experience.

• Answer questions about food, wine, and experiences with warmth and knowledge
• Share insights about our Barrel Reserve wine during each escort to the table

Add a Touch

Add a Touch: Go beyond the expected to create memorable moments.

• Help with light side work and maintain the entry area so every guest’s first impression is a great one
• Keep phone etiquette polished and professional when answering calls and handling reservations

What You Will Bring

• At least 18 years of age
• A genuine love for hospitality and a desire to create unforgettable experiences
• Comfort in a fast paced environment with strong multitasking skills
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays
• Team spirit and clear communication
• Ability to read, write, and understand English

Cooper’s Hawk reviews several factors when establishing compensation. Salaries and hourly wages appearing in a job posting may be published by third parties and may not reflect the salaries or hourly wages offered by Cooper’s Hawk.

Cooper’s Hawk is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Cooper’s Hawk makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process.

The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. The Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply.

About Us

Cooper's Hawk features a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail for entertaining and a full-service restaurant, bar and private event space, offering a modern-yet-casual dining experience. Each scratch-kitchen menu item is designed to pair with our wines. Speaking of wine...the Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering not only top-notch award-winning wines but also exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, we've brought the Napa Valley experience to our guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, we’re bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, we’re creating a lifestyle brand like no other.