Zingerman's Roadhouse Host/Lead Host

Zingerman's; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekend availability

Holiday coverage

Job summary

Zingerman's Roadhouse is seeking a Host/Lead Host for a role that can be part-time or full-time, with shifts including weekends and holidays. You will manage reservations, greet guests, and help lead the host team to deliver exceptional service.

Knowledge of OpenTable, strong communication, and a calm, guest-focused demeanor are essential. You will report to Restaurant Managers and collaborate across service and kitchen teams to ensure smooth seating and outstanding guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Punctual and reliable for all shifts.
• Strong knowledge of OpenTable reservation system.
• Excellent guest service and communication skills.
• Ability to lead a host team on shift.
• Weekend and holiday availability required.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests and manage check-in with a warm, professional manner.
• Review reservations and prepare seating plans ahead of arrivals.
• Provide accurate wait times and assist with seating decisions.
• Delegate tasks and support front-of-house staff as needed.
• Maintain a neat workspace and collaborate with managers.

Skills

Guest service

Team leadership

Communication

Organization

Calm under pressure

Tools

OpenTable

Job description

Description

Part-time/Full-time; All shifts available. Must be available on weekends & holidays

Wage: $13-14/hr + tips (avg $18-$20/hour+)

Performance Expectations

The Host/Lead Host is responsible for delivering the Zingerman’s Roadhouse experience to all guests and reports directly to the Restaurant Managers and leads the other hosts on shift.

Essential Functions:

• Arrives on time for all shifts, meetings, and classes.
• Follows the training compact and takes responsibility for his or her training.
• Follows the three steps to great service, the four steps to order accuracy and the five steps to handling a customer complaint.
• Gives great service over the phone and is able to handle multiple phone lines.
• Responsible for reviewing all reservations and being prepared in advance of their arrival including accommodating requests
• Give accurate wait times to guests in order to maximize business and minimize wait
• Keep cover counts equitable across the serving staff whenever possible
• Provide great internal service to all staff (with a focus on servant leadership)
• Has advanced knowledge of OpenTable reservation system, able to plot tables in advance, correctly give wait times and make judgment calls regarding reservations.
• Understands the flow of seating and has positive communication with the managers and the kitchen.
• Responsible for accurate cash handling
• Is a leader in collecting, connecting and communicating guest information and reservation details to the appropriate service provider.
• Carries themselves with confidence, gives positive first and last impressions to guests.
• Positively responds to requests for help from guests, managers, and staff.
• Is knowledgeable about the menu and is able to answer questions about the menu, is able to complete a Roadhouse menu tour.
• Knowledgeable about upcoming special dinners and private events.
• Maintains neat workspace; thoroughly checks running and closing sidework of all
• members of the host team on any given shift and completes all assigned door runner side work.
• Effectively and consistently delegates tasks to the rest of the host team, asking for help from leaders and other staff when appropriate.
• Attends and participates in weekly huddles and/or is responsible for knowing Roadhouse key measures and numbers.
• Follows the staff member guidelines.

Success Patterns

The ideal candidate for this position:

• Has one to three years experience as a door runner/maître d’ in a high-end service environment (prerequisite for Lead Host)
• Has a reputation for excellent relations with guests and front and back of house staff.
• Has worked effectively as part of a team.
• Has successfully managed guest’s dining experience in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Personal Characteristics:

• Passionate about great food and great service.
• Interest in learning about food, people, business.
• Self-motivated, especially under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Able to effectively manage their emotions in the workplace.
• Communicates effectively and efficiently.
• Detail-oriented.
• Can handle complexity and paradox.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Bold! Engaging! Entertaining!

Physical Demands:

• Bending, stooping, and being positioned upright for long periods at a time
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to balance and relocate a tray with drinks and/or dishes