Maitre d'

Momofuku; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Momofuku is seeking a Maitre D for their new Caribbean-inspired restaurant, Kabawa, in New York City. This role requires a warm and professional individual dedicated to providing excellent service while managing guest interactions and reservations. Competitive hourly compensation, along with comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for personal growth await the right candidate.

Benefits

Vision/Dental/Medical benefits

401k

Paid time off

Flexible spending account

Employee assistance program

Dining discounts

Qualifications

• 2+ years as a Reservationist, Lead Host, or Maitre D in a high-volume, casual fine dining setting.
• Proficient in reservation platforms.
• Exceptional communication skills in both verbal and written forms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary liaison for guest communications and ensure a seamless dining experience.
• Manage the reservation system and assist with guest interactions.
• Engage professionally with guests, promoting a high level of customer service.

Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Empathy

Job description

Momofuku

Momofuku was founded by chef David Chang in 2004 with the opening of Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City. Credited with “the rise of contemporary Asian-American cuisine” by the New York Times and named the “most important restaurant in America” by Bon Appétit magazine, Momofuku has restaurants in the New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas as well as Momofuku Goods, a line of restaurant-grade products for home cooks.

About Kabawa

Kabawa and Bar Kabawa are the forthcoming projects from Chef Paul Carmichael and Momofuku. They are dedicated to celebrating Caribbean culture in the East Village and reflect Chef Paul’s culinary journey.

As the first (and last) point of contact and representative of Kabawa, the Maitre D will be warm, hospitable, yet professional and exacting while providing above and beyond service in line with Momofuku standards and values. We are looking for well-presented, organized individuals who want to be part of a team that tests limits.

Compensation Band:$24.00 - $27.00 per hour plus applicable tips

Why Momofuku?

At Momofuku, we value our team members and make it a priority to offer competitive compensation packages that encourage longevity with the company and long-term growth. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including vision/dental/medical, 401k, paid time off, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, and dining discounts, plus more after required wait periods. We encourage our team members to grow and learn, and offer many opportunities for personal and career development.

Responsibilities

• Has awareness of total covers, guest information, and special notes for each shift and communicates this to the team during each service
• Serve as a primary liaison for guest communications during service, ensuring seamless interaction between guests and the team to deliver an exceptional dining experience
• Properly set-up front desk area, performs side-work and other opening/closing procedures as directed by management
• Manages the reservation system and relevant guest communications, such as voicemails
• Must possess great communication skills with a polished presence and professional demeanor on the floor or via phone/email
• Has full knowledge of Momofuku and Kabawa to be able to answer FAQs, including a general knowledge of food and beverage offerings
• Recognizes key people in the industry/company-related and communicates it to all FOH and BOH staff, particularly management
• Engages with guests and colleagues in a professional and dignified manner in a busy environment
• Greet guests as they arrive, escort them to their tables, and ensure preferences are communicated
• Promote and maintain the highest level of customer service to all guests while staying alert to their needs
• Proficient in building relationships with guests to facilitate return visits or private event bookings
• Maintains integrity of service by proactively communicating with managers to address any potential negative experiences
• Strategizes table turn times with relevant FOH managers and team, knowing when and where we can accommodate walk-ins in order to maximize covers for the shift
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the Maitre d’ work station
• Constantly pushes to creatively interpret positive guest relations and industry standards

Required Qualifications

• At least 2 years as a Reservationist, Lead Host or Maitre D in a high-volume, casual fine dining setting
• 2 year proficiency experience in reservation platforms
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, service, and floor skills
• Must possess strong empathy and team spirit
• Ability to work in an organized and meticulous manner with strong attention to small details
• Solution-focused, receptive to constructive criticism, and general performance feedback
• Ability to demonstrate quick thinking and adaptability in a constantly changing environment
• Must have strong interest in food, wine, and the business of hospitality
• Uncompromising work ethic with a relish for new challenges
• Available to work nights, holidays and long days as necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ year as a Reservationist, Lead Host or Maitre D in a high-volume, casual fine dining setting
• Proficiency in Resy or similar reservation system
• A proven track record of dependability, a continuous focus on learning and development, and a history of consistently and successfully fulfilling all role responsibilities

Physical Demands

• The physical demands for this position are seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting, standing, for 4 to 8 hours, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations. The duties of this position may change from time to time. Momofuku reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Momofuku or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Momofuku is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, ancestry, national origin, alienage or citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, or other protected status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.