Restaurant Host - City Cruises Chicago

Hornblower Corp; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Hornblower Corp. is seeking a Host to assist the Restaurant Manager on duty with daily front-of-house operations aboard our vessel. You will help ensure high levels of quality, service, and guest satisfaction while coordinating seating and basic service tasks.

Responsibilities include greeting guests, supporting servers, and maintaining safety and sanitation aboard the vessel. Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong customer service, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to convey written and verbal information clearly to coworkers and guests.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Restaurant Manager on duty with day-to-day front-of-house activities.
• Ensure safety and sanitation aboard the vessel for guests and crew.
• Greet and seat guests, coordinate buffets and seating on assigned deck.
• Support servers and assist with table service as needed.
• Participate in post-cruise cleanup and deck inspections.

Skills

Customer service

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suites

Job description

Position Summary:

The host assists the Restaurant Manager on duty with the day-to-day activities of the front-of-the-house to ensure consistency high levels of quality, service and guest satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers.


• Responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment aboard the vessel, focusing constantly on the safety of all guests and shipmates.


• Actively participate in meetings including the Manager pre-cruise briefing.


• Oversee the setting of assigned deck(s), including package assembly & placement, and side work & section assignments.


• Assist with the warm and efficient greeting and seating of guests when they arrive.


• Coordinate buffets and table invitations on assigned deck(s)Assist Servers and Server Assistants with table service.


• Comprehensive knowledge of all F& B Menu items, packages & POS systems.


• Table touch all individuals on deck and meet all group leaders.


• Participate and lead post cruise clean up; assign duties and ensure the completion of all side work.


• Perform a walk-through inspection with the manager(s) at the completion of each cruise to ensure proper deck arrangement and sanitation.


• Check in with managers following the cruise to address any issues or situations, and to offer solutions to problems.


• Additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Previous restaurant experience preferred.


• Will work for extended periods of time without sitting.


• Required to lift furniture and other heavy items.


• Strong customer service, organization, and interpersonal skills.


• Maintain a high level of organization, detailed oriented and meet deadlines.


• Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.


• Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.


• Listen effectively, assess the situation, determine relevant issues, & suggest solutions.


• Have a working knowledge of computer skills, including but not limited to proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.


• Must be able to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to coworkers and guests.


• Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.


• Will be required to be available for work nights, weekends and on all major holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work onboard a moving vessel in varying weather and sea conditions, including maintaining balance and stability while underway.


• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently throughout a shift.


• Ability to navigate stairs, ladders, narrow passageways, and confined spaces commonly found onboard vessels.


• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, equipment, and inventory weighing up to 40 pounds independently.


• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, and perform repetitive motions as required in food service and hospitality operations.


• Ability to respond quickly and effectively during normal operations, guest service situations, and emergency procedures.


• Ability to safely work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to moving equipment, wet surfaces, temperature variations, and moderate noise levels.


• Ability to visually inspect service areas, food presentation, cleanliness standards, and safety conditions.


• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, crew members, and management in person and via radio or other communication devices.


• Successfully complete vessel-specific safety and emergency training.


• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily onboard a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel, with duties split between dining, service, storage, galley-adjacent, and administrative areas.


• Position requires regular movement throughout multiple decks and may involve occasional exposure to outdoor marine environments, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight.


• Must be able to safely perform duties while the vessel is docked or underway.