Lead Host

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel; Prior Lake (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is hiring a Lead Host to serve as the primary steward of the guest experience from arrival through departure. The Maître D’ will oversee the host stand, manage reservations and walk-ins, coordinate seating flow, and set hospitality standards for a seamless front-of-house experience.

The role focuses on guest flow, first impressions, and service orchestration. It requires working evenings, weekends, and holidays with flexibility for events and reservations.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of front-of-house experience in an upscale or fine-dining environment.
• Prior experience as Maître d’, Lead Host, or similar elevated guest-facing role.
• Strong knowledge of reservation systems and table management best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm, polished, and show sound judgment in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the host stand and seating flow to optimize guest experience.
• Greet guests, set a polished welcoming tone, and monitor real-time dining room conditions.
• Coordinate with management to execute service recovery and guest satisfaction initiatives.
• Manage reservations and walk-ins, balance server sections, and optimize seating and table turns.
• Collaborate with Restaurant Manager to ensure smooth service execution and clear shift communication.
• Support front-of-house tasks, including minor cleaning and guest assistance as needed.

Skills

Front-of-house experience

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Team collaboration

Polished demeanor

Tools

Reservation systems

Table management

Job description

Job Overview

The Lead Host serves as the primary steward of the guest experience from arrival through departure. This is a new role for this location and the working title for this role is the Maitre D'. This role is responsible for overseeing the host stand, managing reservations and walk-in’s, coordinating seating flow, setting the tone for hospitality standards, and ensuring a seamless front-of-house experience aligned with service standards and expectations. This position focuses on guest flow, first impressions and service orchestration.

Illuminate Your Future: What You’ll Do:

• Guest Experience & Service Excellence
• Serves as the first point of contact for guests, setting a polished, welcoming tone.
• Personally greets VIP, returning, and special-occasion guests.
• Monitors the dining room experience in real time and proactively escalates guest concerns.
• Partners with management to execute service recovery when needed.

Reservations & Seating Management:

• Manages the reservations system and walk-in flow to optimize seating, pacing, and table turns.
• Coordinates seating assignments to balance server sections, fulfill server requests from guests, rotate large groups, avoid bottlenecks, and support kitchen flow.
• Anticipates high-volume periods and adjusts seating strategies accordingly.
• Maintains accurate wait times and communicates clearly with guests.

Host Stand Coordination:

• Leads the host stand during service, ensuring hosts are aligned with standards and expectations.
• Provides in-the-moment work direction to hosts and servers regarding seating priorities, special requests, accessibility needs, and break times.
• Ensures the host stand and entry area remain organized, professional, and guest‑ready always.

Collaboration with Restaurant Leadership:

• Partners with the Restaurant Manager and Assistant Restaurant Manager to support smooth service execution.
• Escalates staffing, performance, or operational concerns appropriately.
• Provides input on guest feedback trends and service opportunities.
• Supports pre‑shift alignment and post‑shift communication as requested.

Occasional Tasks:

• Assists in the cleaning of the front and back areas of restaurant.
• Assists in serving food to guests and bussing tables.
• Monitors guest satisfaction metrics or feedback.

Job Requirements:

• Reflects minimum education, training, certification and experience required in order to meet the expectation of this job.
• 3–5 years of front-of-house experience in an upscale or fine-dining restaurant, preferably a steakhouse.
• Prior experience in a Maître d’, Lead Host, or comparable elevated guest-facing role.
• Strong knowledge of reservation systems and table management best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm, polished, and demonstrate sound professional judgment in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate and influence without formal authority.
• Demonstrated organization and detail‑orientation in a service environment.
• This position is required to work evenings, weekends and holidays and requires flexibility to adjust hours based on reservations, events and operational needs.

Outstanding Benefits & Awesome Perks:

Enjoy competitive weekly pay, outstanding benefits, and advancement opportunities at the SMSC Gaming Enterprise. Eligible Team Members are offered a comprehensive benefits package include medical, dental, life and disability insurance, onsite medical clinics and pharmacy, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, wellness programs and more. Plus, take advantage of perks like discounts on childcare, fuel, bus passes and fitness membership, free uniforms and free uniform cleaning, and tuition reimbursement.

Who We Are:

We're not just in the business of entertainment; we're in the business of crafting unforgettable experiences. We believe in the power of possibility, to unite and uplift, rallying around every triumph, big and small. At Mystic Lake and Little Six, every moment is a chance to be the experience.

Different backgrounds, different strengths, and different passions, we value the diversity that everyone brings to the table. Our values are a direct reflection of the diverse communities that we proudly serve, represent, and invest in. We invite you to the place to learn, grow, thrive and lead. Let's create moments that matter, celebrate diversity, and build a brighter future for all.

Be the Experience. Be Bold. Be Mystic.