Paradise Park - Lead Host

Happy Camper; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discounts during shift

Flexible schedules

Medical, Dental and Vision Options

Job summary

Happy Hospitality seeks a Lead Host in Chicago to lead the host team, greet guests warmly, and ensure smooth seating and guest flow. The role requires standing for long periods and handling a busy shift with a positive attitude.

You will train hosts, manage OpenTable, and deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the restaurant's vibrant culture and high service standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in a host role is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to provide top notch customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• A positive attitude and ability work well under pressure with all restaurant staff.
• Ability to stand for long periods and safely lift and maneuver trays when necessary.
• Experience with POS systems and guest flow management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Interact with, direct, train, and develop host employees.
• Greet guests with energy and a positive attitude.
• Communicate clearly to perform and follow job requirements.
• Multitask calmly under pressure and manage waiting areas.
• Maintain wait list and use OpenTable effectively.
• Seat guests and manage rotations to balance server load.
• Answer phones, take reservations, and address general inquiries.
• Provide menu knowledge and assist guests as needed.
• Support company culture and guest experience.

Skills

Customer service

POS Systems

OpenTable

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

OpenTable

POS Systems

Job description

Position Opening: Lead Host

About Us
We are the marinara-muddled minds behind Happy Camper, Homeslice, and Paradise Park. Our restaurants are wall to wall with lights, murals, and vignettes for the perfect gram. We are known for our art inspired spaces, delicious food and great vibes. Our brand is glued together by our company culture. Currently, we are looking for other folks who are enthusiastic about being part of our team and growing our ever-evolving brand. Many of our employees have been with the company from the first installment of the brand. Our careers feel like a life purpose for many of us and a common thread is that we pay a distinct amount of attention to detail in creating this atmosphere. The ideal candidate wants to really enjoy their work environment and the people they work with. With a restaurant group expanding as rapidly as we have, we need someone who is self-motivated, and willing to take initiative. The ideal candidate wants to really enjoy their work environment and the people they work with. With a restaurant group expanding as rapidly as we have, we need someone who is self-motivated, and willing to take initiative.

Paradise Park - Wicker Park - Happy Hospitality
1913 W North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

Job Summary

In addition to being responsible for all host training, Lead Hosts provide friendly and responsive service to create an exceptional experience for all of our guests by welcoming and warmly greeting guests upon arrival. Manage the efficient and timely seating of our guests or waiting areas when applicable. To do well in this role you should be comfortable standing for long periods and managing a very busy shift. You represent the guests first exposure to our staff as they walk in the door; a positive attitude is a must!

Responsibilities

• Interact with, direct, train, and develop host employees
• Greet guests as they enter with energetic & positive attitude
• Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
• Ability to multitask calmly and under pressure
• Use tact and good judgment when dealing with guest challenges and respond to guests with patience and courtesy
• Observe host employee’s service standards and communicate observations to management; assist in developing and implementing necessary plans of action
• Create and maintain wait list if necessary
• Effective use of OpenTable
• Provide guests with menus and answering any initial questions
• Seat guests at tables or in designated waiting areas
• Assign guests to tables they prefer, while keeping table rotation in mind so that servers receive the right number of customers
• Respond to complaints and help resolve them or get a manager involved
• Answer phone calls, take reservations and answer any general inquiries guests may have
• A running knowledge of food and beverage menu
• Acknowledging guests as they leave
• Maintain company culture

Other Functions

• Be available to fill in as needed to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of therestaurant as directed by the restaurant manager or immediate supervisor
• Comply with health and food safety standards
• Restock floor and bathrooms as needed
• Maintain cleanliness in all areas of the host stand including counters,
• Menus, computer, shelves and storage areas

Physical Functions

• Ability to stand/walk a minimum of 8 hours or as needed
• Work in both warm and cool environments
• High levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic
• Must be able to tolerate potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish

Qualifications/Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years in a host role is required
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Ability to provide top notch customer service in a fast-paced environment
• A positive attitude and ability work well under pressure with all restaurant staff
• Does high-quality work while unsupervised
• Able to work in a standing position for long periods of time
• Able to safely lift and easily maneuver trays of food when necessary
• Willing to follow instructions and ask questions for clarification if needed
• Able to handle money accurately and operate a point-of-sale system
• Able to work in a busy restaurant environment
• Restaurant experience a plus
• Customer Service
• POS Systems

Certifications

Food Handlers Certification

Compensation Details

Compensation: $23-25 Hourly (Based on Experience)

Benefits

Get Paid $ to Refer your Friends*
50% dining discounts during shift
25% dining discounts at other Happy Hospitality locations
Flexible schedules in a fun, family friendly, team environment
Medical, Dental and Vision Options**
Paid time off – vacation and sick**
Free Uniform (Up to two branded T-Shirts)

**Eligibility based off of time in position and average hours worked
*Referred Employees Must Be in Good Standing

Department: Front of House
Reports to: General Manager
Status: Variable Hour
FLSA Code: Non-exempt
Location: Chicago

Happy Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, veteran status, life experiences and ideas. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and strive to provide an inclusive culture that embraces diversity.

Must be eligible to legally work in the United States.