Host

HHG; Westwood (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Heritage Hospitality Group is seeking a friendly Host/Hostess in New Jersey to welcome guests and manage reservations with warmth and professionalism. You will seat guests, coordinate with servers, and uphold the restaurant's service culture.

The role requires strong communication and multitasking, a neat appearance, and the ability to remain calm in a fast-paced environment while helping with phone inquiries and front-of-house tasks as needed.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome guests with warmth and professionalism.
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and table assignments.
• Escort guests to tables and hand out menus.
• Maintain guest flow and assist service staff.
• Handle phone inquiries about reservations and hours.
• Support front of house operations and keep entry areas clean.
• Assist with take-out orders when needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

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

• 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.