Host

Alternate Ending Beer Co.; Matawan (NJ); Hybrid; USD 15,911 - 22,661; Part time

Job summary

Alternate Ending Beer Co. in Matawan, NJ, is looking for a Lead Host to manage front-door hospitality and ensure a memorable guest experience. This role involves overseeing reservations, managing guest flow, and continually training staff to maintain high hospitality standards.

The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and organizational skills, flexible availability, and be familiar with the food and beverage industry. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are dedicated to exceptional service, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Flexible availability required, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge of food, beverage, and hospitality service standards.
• Craft beer knowledge a plus; interest in learning encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Oversee front-door hospitality and reservation flow.
• Communicate accurate wait times and manage guest expectations.
• Assist in onboarding and training new hosts.

Skills

Communication skills

Hospitality instincts

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Restaurant experience

Tools

POS systems

Basic computer skills

Job description

Lead Host – Alternate Ending Beer Co.

Position Details

Reports To: General Hospitality Manager & General Operations Manager

Location: Alternate Ending Beer Co. – Matawan, NJ

Estimated Weekly Hours: 28–32 hours

Position Overview

At Alternate Ending Beer Co., the host stand is more than a check‑in point; it sets the tone for the entire guest experience. We are seeking a Lead Host to oversee front‑door hospitality, pacing, reservation flow, and guest communication while helping create a warm, organized, hospitality‑driven environment. This leadership role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced setting, communicates confidently, and takes pride in creating memorable guest experiences. The Lead Host plays a critical role in shaping the pace, energy, and hospitality experience of every service.

Compensation

• Host Rate: $14/hour + tips (guaranteed minimum effective rate of $18/hour)
• Administrative Rate: $18/hour
• Administrative Time: 2 hours weekly (Monday & Thursday)
• Additional training, merch support, or approved admin projects compensated at the administrative rate

Typical Weekly Schedule

• Monday: Admin + Host shift
• Thursday: Admin + Lead Host shift
• Friday & Saturday: Lead Host shifts
• Sunday: Lead Host shifts as needed

Specific scheduling and shift times may vary based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Front Door Leadership

• Maintain a strong and consistent presence at the host stand during peak service
• Manage guest flow and pacing
• Communicate accurate wait times
• Balance server sections fairly and effectively
• Manage reservations and guest expectations
• Help ensure smooth transitions throughout service

Pre‑Shift Planning & Communication

• Review reservations and guest notes during weekly admin hours (Monday & Thursday)
• Identify birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions
• Flag large parties and potential operational challenges
• Identify projected rush periods
• Communicate important notes to management and service team prior to service

Merchandising Support

• Assist with monthly merchandise inventory counts
• Help maintain organization of merchandise storage and displays
• Identify low stock levels
• Work toward building a streamlined and repeatable inventory process

Training & Team Development

• Assist in onboarding and training new hosts
• Model hospitality standards and professionalism
• Support consistency in guest‑facing communication and service

What We’re Looking For

• Strong communication and hospitality instincts
• Comfortable leading in a fast‑paced environment
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to multitask while staying calm under pressure
• Restaurant or hospitality experience preferred
• Strong ownership, accountability, and a team‑first mentality

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Fewer seating bottlenecks
• Improved pacing and section balance
• Cleaner reservation notes and stronger communication
• More consistent recognition of guest celebrations
• Smoother weekend service flow
• A front‑door experience that feels organized, welcoming, and intentional

Qualifications

• Flexible availability required, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Knowledge of food, beverage, and hospitality service standards
• Knowledge of POS systems and basic computer skills
• Craft beer knowledge a plus; interest in learning encouraged
• Cicerone Level 1 certification encouraged, but not required
• Positive, hospitality‑driven attitude with a professional appearance and demeanor
• Team‑oriented and willing to support fellow staff members
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Reliable, observant, organized, and punctual
• Able to remain calm and efficient during busy, high‑pressure service periods
• Enthusiasm for hospitality and for the Alternate Ending experience

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand and/or walk for up to 8 hours
• Must be able to bend, push, pull, and lift up to 25–50 lbs
• Frequently stands, walks, talks, hears, and uses hands and arms
• Occasionally sits, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls
• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions
• Noise level is moderate