Host - The Ridley

Austin Grill LLC; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ridley in Charlottesville is seeking a Host to welcome guests, manage reservations, and guide seating, creating a warm first impression. The role emphasizes clear communication and a calm presence in a busy dining setting.

You will respond to guest questions, share information about menu items and promotions, and help maintain an organized host station as part of Thompson Hospitality’s team. This full-time position is on-site at The Ridley, located near the university.

Qualifications

• Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours).
• Lift and carry up to 20 lbs (menus, high chairs, booster seats).
• Clear verbal communication with guests in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests with a friendly and professional demeanor.
• Manage reservations and seating to ensure efficient turnover.
• Provide accurate wait times and inform guests about table status.
• Answer guest inquiries and share information about the restaurant, menu, and promotions.
• Maintain a clean, organized host station and assist with front-of-house duties.

Skills

Clear communication

Stamina 6–8 hours

Multitasking

Tools

Reservation system

Job description

Overview

Join the front-of-house team at The Ridley, Charlottesville's destination for high-quality American fare, local beer, and craft cocktails. As a Host, you will be the first point of contact for our guests, providing a warm and inviting welcome to all who visit The Ridley. Your friendly demeanor, excellent communication skills, and ability to handle guest inquiries with professionalism will set the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests with a friendly and professional demeanor, creating a positive first impression.
• Manage reservations and coordinate seating arrangements to ensure efficient table turnover.
• Provide accurate wait times and communicate with guests about the status of their table.
• Answer guest inquiries and provide information about the restaurant, menu, and special promotions.
• Maintain a clean and organized host station, assisting with various front-of-house duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours).
• Lift and carry up to 20 lbs (e.g., menus, high chairs, booster seats).
• Reach, bend, and stoop occasionally.
• Use hands and arms to operate reservation systems and phones.
• Clear verbal communication skills and ability to interact with guests in a busy environment.
• Ability to remain calm and composed while multitasking in a fast-paced setting.

Who We Are:

The Ridley is a Charlottesville-based restaurant located within The Draftsman Boutique Hotel near The University of Virginia. As part of Thompson Hospitality, the nation's largest minority-owned food and facilities management company, we take pride in being one of Charlottesville's Black-owned restaurants, paying homage to Dr. Walter Ridley, a trailblazer in education. Our menu is designed with inclusivity in mind, offering a modern Southern dining experience that celebrates diversity and brings people together through food.

Thompson Hospitality

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.