Location: New York City, NY
Position: Hostess / Front Door
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Compensation: Competitive hourly pay, based on experience
About the Position:
We are looking for a polished, professional, and hospitality-driven Hostess to join our team at an upscale dining establishment in New York City.
The Hostess is the first point of contact for our guests and plays a critical role in creating an exceptional first impression. We are seeking someone who understands the importance of fine-dining hospitality, has excellent communication skills, and can manage a busy dining room while maintaining a welcoming, organized, and professional atmosphere.
The ideal candidate is confident, detail-oriented, composed under pressure, and capable of delivering outstanding guest service in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
Responsibilities:
-Guest Experience & Hospitality
-Welcome every guest warmly and professionally upon arrival.
-Maintain a polished, friendly, and attentive presence at the front door.
-Manage guest arrivals, reservations, seating arrangements, and special requests.
-Communicate wait times accurately and professionally.
-Escort guests to their tables and ensure a smooth transition to the service team.
-Handle guest concerns with professionalism and involve management when necessary.
-Reservations & Floor Management
-Manage the reservation system and maintain accurate guest information.
-Monitor table availability, seating rotations, pacing, and reservation timing.
-Coordinate with management, servers, bussers, and the kitchen to maintain a smooth service flow.
-Communicate VIP arrivals, special occasions, dietary notes, and other relevant guest information.
-Ensure tables are seated strategically and fairly according to the restaurant's seating plan.
-Monitor upcoming reservations, late arrivals, walk-ins, and table turn times.
-Communication & Teamwork
-Maintain clear communication with the management team and front-of-house staff.
-Keep the team informed of arrivals, changes, and special requests.
-Assist with phone calls, reservation inquiries, and guest follow-ups.
-Support the front-of-house team when needed to maintain service standards.
-Appearance & Organization
-Maintain a clean, organized, and professional host stand at all times.
-Follow the restaurant's dress code and grooming standards.
-Arrive on time, prepared, and ready for service.
-Maintain awareness of the entrance, waiting area, and overall presentation of the restaurant.
Expectations:
We expect every member of our team to demonstrate the following:
-Professionalism: Maintain a polished appearance, positive attitude, and respectful communication.
-Punctuality: Arrive on time and be fully prepared before the start of each shift.
-Attention to detail: Accurately manage reservations, guest preferences, seating assignments, and special occasions.
-Composure under pressure: Handle busy services, unexpected changes, and demanding situations without losing professionalism.
-Teamwork: Work collaboratively with management and the front-of-house team.
-Accountability: Take ownership of responsibilities, communicate mistakes promptly, and follow through on assigned tasks.
-Hospitality mindset: Understand that every interaction contributes to the guest's overall experience.
-Consistency: Follow restaurant procedures and maintain high standards throughout the entire shift.
Qualifications:
-Previous experience as a hostess in fine dining, upscale restaurants, or high-volume hospitality is preferred.
-Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
-Experience with reservation platforms and restaurant seating systems is a plus.
-Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain organized during busy services.
-Professional demeanor and strong customer-service skills.
-Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
-Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
How to Apply
Please reply to this Craigslist posting with the following information:
Your resume or a summary of your relevant hospitality experience.
We are looking for someone who takes pride in hospitality, understands the importance of the first impression, and is committed to delivering a consistently excellent guest experience.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.