Host

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

Benefits offered by this job

50% Dining discount

40% Retail wine discount

20% Retail and Private Events discount

Monthly wine tasting for two

Health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vis

Company 401(k) match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Flexible schedules

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery is seeking a friendly Host to set the tone for a warm guest experience. You will welcome guests, manage seating flow, and support servers to ensure smooth service.

The role requires at least 18 years of age, a genuine love for hospitality, multitasking in a fast-paced setting, and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds. Weekend and holiday availability is preferred.

Qualifications

• Genuine love for hospitality and creating unforgettable experiences.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced dining environment.
• Strong teamwork and clear communication skills.
• Must be able to read, write, and understand English.

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 dining room pacing to deliver a great guest experience.
• Adjust seating plans to avoid bottlenecks and long wait times.
• Manage special seating requests while considering table availability.

Skills

Hospitality mindset

Multitasking

Team player

English literacy

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/hr.

Pay offered is determined by skills, qualifications, and experience.

What You’ll Get

• Incredible Discounts:
  • 50% Dining and Carryout
  • 40% Retail Wine
  • 20% Retail and Private Events
  • Monthly Complimentary Wine Tasting for Two
• Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Insurance plus Telemedicine and Wellness Program
• Company Matching 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts- Health and Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Highly Competitive Pay plus Team Member Incentives & Rewards
• Pay Access before Pay Day
• Flexible Schedules
• Paid Time Off
• Access to Team Member Relief Program
• Employee Assistance Program, providing mental health, legal and financial counseling.
• “Everyday Benefits” Program to include insurance coverage (pet, life, auto, home/property) and employee discounts on goods and services
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Wine and Culinary Education
• Career GrowthFlight Plan
• Team Member Rewards, Tenure 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

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

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

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

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.