Host

HHG; Westwood (NJ); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Heritage Hospitality Group is seeking a Host/Hostess to greet guests, manage reservations, and ensure a smooth flow of dining operations. The role emphasizes warmth, professionalism, and a collaborative attitude with front-of-house teams.

The position requires strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to stay calm in a fast-paced setting while maintaining knowledge of the menu and promotions. This is a front-of-house role committed to a respectful, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Customer service experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome guests with warmth and professionalism. Make eye contact and smile.
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and table assignments using the restaurant’s reservation system.
• Escort guests to their tables and provide menus while ensuring a smooth handoff to service staff. Always try and pull the chair and assist guest with seating when appropriate.
• Do not rush or walk too fast, stay engaged with your guest while guiding them to the table.
• Anticipate guest needs and resolve concerns promptly or elevate to management when necessary.
• Maintain an energetic, professional demeanor to set the tone for the guest experience.
• Coordinate with servers, bartenders, and managers to ensure smooth table flow and timely seating.
• Track guest preferences and special requests to personalize service.
• Note any food restrictions and allergies with the service staff and the rest of the team.
• Assist with providing the water service where applicable. Help in clearing tables as needed to support a smooth and seamless experience for the guest.
• Assist with phone inquiries regarding reservations, hours of operation, and menu questions.
• Support front of house operations, including maintaining cleanliness of entry, host stand, and guest waiting areas.
• Assist with take-out orders or other guest service functions when needed.
• Follow all company service standards and hospitality procedures.
• Maintain full knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions to communicate with guests.
• Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Professional appearance

Calm under pressure

Reservation platforms

Tools

Resy/OpenTable

Job description

Job Description – Host

Heritage Hospitality Group

Summary

The Host/Hostess is the first and last point of contact for our guests, playing a critical role in shaping their overall dining experience. This role requires a warm, welcoming personality, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage reservations, waitlists, and guest flow efficiently while embodying the service culture of Heritage Hospitality Group.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Service & Hospitality

• Greet and welcome guests with warmth and professionalism. Make eye contact and smile.
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and table assignments using the restaurant’s reservation system.
• Escort guests to their tables and provide menus while ensuring a smooth handoff to service staff. Always try and pull the chair and assist guest with seating when appropriate.
• Do not rush or walk too fast, stay engage with your guest while guiding them to the table.
• Anticipate guest needs and resolve concerns promptly or elevate to management when necessary.
• Maintain an energetic, professional demeanor to set the tone for the guest experience.

Operations & Team Support

• Coordinate with servers, bartenders, and managers to ensure smooth table flow and timely seating.
• Track guest preferences and special requests to personalize service.
• Note any food restrictions and allergies with the service staff and the rest of the team.
• Assist with providing the water service where applicable. Help in clearing tables as needed to support a smooth and seamless experience for the guest.
• Assist with phone inquiries regarding reservations, hours of operation, and menu questions.
• Support front of house operations, including maintaining cleanliness of entry, host stand, and guest waiting areas.
• Assist with take-out orders or other guest service functions when needed.

Standards & Compliance

• Follow all company service standards and hospitality procedures.
• Maintain full knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions to communicate with guests.
• Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Qualifications

• Previous host/hostess or customer service experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Professional appearance and friendly, approachable demeanor.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of reservation platforms (e.g., Resy, OpenTable) a plus.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent reaching, bending, and light lifting (up to 20 lbs).
• Requirements can be met with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

We maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace, with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination from employees, vendors, or guests.

Other Duties

This description outlines the core responsibilities of the Host/Hostess role but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve at management’s discretion.