Lead Host

Ema; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Restaurant Discounts

Employee Assistance Program - Mental/2

Paid Vacation

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical

Dental & Vision Insurance

Life, Accident & Critical Illness

Domestic Partner Benefits

401(k)

Job summary

Ēma, a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North, is hiring a Lead Host to coordinate seating, reservations and guest flow. You are the first and last touchpoint for guests and will train hosts, manage wait times, and ensure smooth table turnover.

The role requires at least 2 years of host experience in a high-volume setting, a warm and professional demeanor, and the ability to work varied hours including weekends. Join a team focused on hospitality and care.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of Host experience in a high-volume restaurant.
• Warm, professional demeanor and guest-focused mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and stay organized during peak hours.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate guest seating and reservations for the host team.
• Maintain wait lists and provide accurate wait times.
• Greet guests, assist with coat check, and respond to guest needs.
• Assist with training and guiding fellow hosts as directed.

Job description

We’re hiring people to join our team as LEAD HOST STAFF!

The Lead Host coordinates the flow of the restaurant and is the first and last point of contact with our guests.

Responsibilities include:

• coordinating guest seating and reservations for the host team
• effectively managing wait lists and providing accurate wait times
• coordinating with management to ensure smooth table turnover
• maintaining a professional, warm demeanor throughout each shift

At least 2 years of Host experience in a high-volume restaurant is required.

A Few of Our Lead Host Benefits:

• Restaurant Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness
• Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
• Domestic Partner Benefits
• 401(k)

Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The menu highlights local produce, unique spices and ingredients and is built around mezze, Mediterranean small plates meant for sharing. Signature dishes include Hummus, Charred Eggplant Spread, House-made Labneh and Stracciatella, Green Falafel, Grilled Octopus and Chicken Kefta Kebabs. The bar program features a wine list with selections from the Mediterranean coastline, surrounding islands and California producers, as well as hand-crafted cocktail and Reserve cocktail menu.

EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify

LEAD HOST JOB DESCRIPTION

Lead Hosts

are responsible for host training, the maintenance of training manuals and upholding standards of guest service. Responsible for the initial warm greeting and seating of guests, answering of telephones, taking reservations and messages, maintaining accurate guest counts and wait times and saying goodbye to all guests. Assist with Coat Check duties as directed.

Essential Functions

• Interact with, direct, train and develop host employees in a fair and dignified manner
• Warmly greet and seat guests in the restaurant
• Answer telephones, and take orders, messages and reservations
• Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends
• Safely and effectively move chairs, tables, highchairs and booster seats
• Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment
• Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
• Multitask calmly and effectivelyunder pressure
• Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels
• Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests’ needs
• Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile
• Use tact and good judgement when dealing with guest challenges and respond to guest needs with patience and courtesy
• Assist with processing hosts’ new-hire paperwork
• Schedule, conduct and/or oversee all aspects new-hire and on-going host training
• Review and maintain host manuals and training materials
• Observe host employees’ service standards and communicate observations to Management, Partners and Trainers; Assist in developing and implementing necessary plans of action
• Assist with maintaining and updating restaurant’s “zoning” procedures
• Use proper phone and voicemail etiquette and guidelines
• Assist with clearing, cleaning and resetting tables and maintaining restrooms
• Sell and accurately account for gift cards
• Understand and respond knowledgeably to questions about the restaurant and menu
• Follow all steps of service
• Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
• Proficiency in the use and operation of all necessary tools and equipment, including the reservation, telephone, paging and voicemail systems
• Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
• Successfully complete alcohol awareness training
• Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Get along well with others and be a team player
• Other duties will be assigned as needed