Lead Host

Lead Host

Join to apply for the Lead Host role at Ditka's Restaurant Group
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Catalina Kitchen + Bar is the fourth concept from the Ditka's Restaurant Group who has been operating restaurants in Chicago and Pittsburgh since 1997. Catalina Kitchen + Bar is an elevated neighborhood restaurant featuring modern American cuisine and professional service in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Our scratch kitchen will feature a beautiful raw bar, house‑made pasta, fresh fish, and meat shipped directly from our Chicago butcher.

We offer an extensive wine list, local craft beer, and a unique cocktail program.

We are seeking a Lead Host to join our team and provide exceptional leadership at the front desk. The Lead Host is responsible for creating an outstanding first and last impression for every Guest, overseeing the host team, and ensuring smooth and efficient seating and service flow. Working closely with our management team, this role provides guidance and support to hosts, manages reservations and wait lists, and maintains a professional and welcoming atmosphere at all times.

The ideal candidate will have experience handling a reservation system during high‑volume shifts, along with strong communication skills, leadership ability, and a genuine passion for guest service while modeling our company’s standards of professionalism, cleanliness, and hospitality.

• Operational Leadership:
  Manages front desk operations in alignment with the General Manager’s direction.
• Team Training & Development:
  Trains, coaches, and counsels host team members while facilitating their growth and professional development.
• Guest Experience Excellence:
  Creates a welcoming environment by opening doors for Guests upon arrival and departure, warmly greeting and seating them, and accommodating special needs such as accessibility seating, boosters, and high chairs.
• Cleanliness & Presentation:
  Monitors and maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of all restaurant areas.
• Guest Recovery & Service Support:
  Strives for flawless recovery when addressing Guest complaints and alerts management immediately to any issues.
• Safety, Security & Professionalism:
  Upholds safety and security standards at all times.

• Core Values & Leadership:
  Lives and demonstrates the company’s Core Values and Disciplines.
• Communication & Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Displays excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
• Problem Solving & Guest Recovery:
  Handles challenges with composure, applying effective problem resolution and guest recovery skills.
• Personal Demeanor:
  Maintains a pleasant, easy‑going attitude with a genuine smile.
• Professionalism & Discipline:
  Demonstrates self‑discipline, dependability, and trustworthiness.
• Resilience & Service Commitment:
  Stays calm and positive under pressure.
• Attention to Detail:
  Applies keen attention to detail and strong analytical skills.

• Able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds.
• Able to stand and exert well‑paced mobility for up to 4 hours at a time.
• Able to speak clearly and listen attentively to Guests/employees.
• Must meet any federal, state, county or municipal regulations pertaining to the service of food and beverages.

• Extreme environmental demands on front of house people are few.
• The only chemicals involved are those of the cleaning kind. Training is given as to the appropriate use of these chemicals.
• During a typical shift a front of the house Team Member will have intense Guest contact and be involved in moderately to very stressful situations.
• Team Members must work well with limited supervision within their specific position functions but must be highly interactive with other Team Members to accomplish work.

• Minimum 3 years experience working in hospitality as a host or in a supervisor role.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

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