Summary: The Maître D' is responsible for overseeing the front-of-house operations of the restaurant, ensuring that guests receive high-quality service from the moment they enter until they leave. The Maître D' manages the dining room, coordinates reservations, greets and seats guests, oversees the Host team, and ensures a smooth, efficient, and pleasant dining experience. The Maître D' is also the primary point of contact for guests with special requests, complaints, or feedback.
Responsibilities:
- Welcome guests warmly as they arrive at the restaurant and create a positive and inviting atmosphere.
- Coordinate with the waitstaff to seat guests promptly according to reservation schedules, dining and seating preferences, and table availability.
- When necessary, manage a waitlist, keep guests informed of wait times, and ensure fair seating assignments.
- Develop strong relationships and ensure that VIP guests, high-profile clients, and repeat guests are recognized and extended a personalized experience.
- Maintain and manage the restaurant’s reservation system by ensuring accurate scheduling, confirming reservations, and managing changes or cancellations.
- Maximize the use of available space by balancing tables, including planning seating arrangements during peak times.
- Act as the point of contact for handling guest issues, from minor complaints to major disputes, and ensure issues are addressed and resolved quickly and satisfactorily.
- Take note of guests' preferences, allergies, dietary restrictions, or special occasions and communicate them to the relevant staff.
- Train and mentor hosts on restaurant standards, service etiquette, and guest interaction.
- Participate in pre-shift to communicate daily specials, VIP guests, special instructions, and any important updates.
- Ensure that the dining room is running smoothly, with appropriate lighting, music, cleanliness, and temperature.
- Ensure that the restaurant’s tables, floors, and restrooms are clean and well-maintained.
- Use reservation software to track reservations, guest preferences, and dining history by maintaining accurate guest records.
- Regularly check the restaurant’s office supplies and coordinate with management for restocking.
- Promote special events or promotional offers to guests.
- Provide feedback to restaurant managers regarding the quality of service, operational challenges, guest complaints, or suggestions for improvement.
- Collaborate with the restaurant manager to plan and execute special events such as private parties, corporate gatherings, and holiday celebrations.
- Act as an ambassador for the restaurant, ensuring a positive public image.
Must Haves:
- Minimum of 2 years as a Maître D, or similar role in the hospitality industry.
- Proficiency in reservation software, POS systems, and other restaurant management tools.
- Strong leadership skills and experience training front-of-house staff.
- A genuine passion for the restaurant and hospitality industry, demonstrated through a commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction.
- Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with staff, customers, and other stakeholders
- Ability to stand for long periods, move quickly, and manage the physical demands of a busy dining environment.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Employment Transparency
It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of qualified applicants and employees with a disability pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act and any applicable state and local laws unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to apply for a position or to participate in an interview, please contact the Human Resources department.
Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities including essential job functions may change at any time with or without notice, to the extent permitted by applicable law.