Inn Library Lounge Host - Flex

BWM Biltmore Workforce Management; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Biltmore Estate Inn seeks a Restaurant Host to greet guests, seat them with courtesy, and manage reservations in a welcoming, upscale setting.

Part-time position (20–29 hours/week) with weekend/holiday availability. Starting pay is $16.32/hour, with schedule often 12pm–8pm or 3pm–11pm.

Qualifications

• Experience in guest service, ideally in upscale full-service dining.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work as part of a service-oriented team.
• Ability to think clearly in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure.
• Familiarity with reservations software; OpenTable knowledge helpful.
• Detail-oriented with cash/credit handling ability.
• Professional appearance and demeanor aligned with Biltmore standards.

Responsibilities

• Warmly welcome guests and escort to tables.
• Manage seating chart for balanced station flow.
• Record reservations using the designated system.
• Maintain cleanliness of host stand and dining area.
• Assist with restaurant setup before service.
• Communicate guest preferences to service team.
• Support staff to deliver seamless guest experience.
• Uphold Biltmore standards and professional image.
• Set up host station with documents and supplies.
• Inspect menus and wine lists; update as needed.
• Monitor environment and maintain cleanliness.
• Follow alcohol service standards and note overserved guests.
• Provide general support to leadership and department.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Tools

OpenTable

Job description

The Restaurant Host is the first point of contact for our guests and plays a key role in delivering a welcoming and seamless dining experience. This position is responsible for greeting and seating guests courteously, managing reservations, and supporting the overall flow of service in alignment with the Inn's elevated hospitality standards. Flex: a position working 20-29 hours per week (between 1,000-1,559 hours per year). Weekend and holiday availability is a requirement of this position. The starting pay range for this position begins at $16.32/hour and is based on the level of qualifications and relevant experience above the minimum requirements. Schedule will vary but generally 12pm - 8pm or 3pm - 11pm. Wednesday - Sunday availability is required.

Essential Job Duties

1. Warmly welcome guests upon arrival and escort them to their tables with professionalism and courtesy.
2. Manage the seating chart to ensure balanced station flow and optimal guest experience throughout the dining period.
3. Accurately take and record reservations using the designated reservation system if appropriate.
4. Maintain the cleanliness and readiness of the host stand, entry area, and dining room at all times.
5. Assist with preparation and setup of the restaurant prior to service, including menus and materials.
6. Communicate guest preferences and special occasions to service team members.
7. Monitor guest satisfaction and support service staff in delivering a seamless and gracious experience.
8. Uphold the Inn's service standards and represent the Biltmore Estate with professionalism and poise.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Set up Host station with necessary documents, information and supplies; maintain organization at all times.
2. Inspect condition and cleanliness of all menus and wine lists; ensure adequate amounts are available. Update menus and wine list inserts as changes occur.
3. Inspect the Restaurant environment and entrance area, ensuring that all standards are met; rectify any deficiencies; maintain cleanliness at all times including tables.
4. Follow proper alcohol service standards and record any guests inebriated, informing bartenders and management of anyone perceived to be overserved.
5. Provide general assistance and support for the leadership, department, and company as required.

Qualifications

1. Previous customer/guest service experience strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will have had previous food and beverage experience in the same or similar role in a full-service restaurant, preferably in an upscale service setting.
2. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
3. Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.
4. Demonstrated commitment to providing world class guest service and the ability to work effectively as part of a service oriented team.
5. Ability to think clearly and quickly in a fast-paced environment; must be able to exercise good judgment and maintain composure in pressure situations.
6. Familiarity with and/or the ability to quickly become proficient with reservations software. Knowledge of Open Table reservations system helpful.
7. Perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy.
8. Basic math skills and the ability to handle cash and credit transactions as needed.
9. Ability to be proactive and take initiative where appropriate.
10. Ability to present a professional image, in both appearance and demeanor, and handle guest situations in a manner consistent with Biltmore standards.

Physical Requirements

1. Occasionally transport 25 - 50 pounds.
2. Endure various physical movements throughout work areas and over duration of work shift.
3. Ability to remain ambulatory or in stationary position throughout work shift.
4. Exposure to fumes, dust and chemicals
5. Ability to work in an environment that may include: Variable temperature conditions and noise levels
6. Outdoor environments

Biltmore is interested in people who strive for excellence; who are committed to working together, supporting each other, and sharing a sense of stewardship to protect this special place. Our employees shape and enrich extraordinary experiences for guests, using judgment and skills based on our Vanderbilt-inspired legacy of hospitality. We invite you to join our dedicated team.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the result of a security background check, reference checks, and—for certain positions—a drug screen, a physical examination, credit report, and/or driving record report prior to the commencement of employment.