Lead Host

Lead Host – Alternate Ending Beer Co. Position Details

Reports To: General Hospitality Manager & General Operations Manager

Location: Alternate Ending Beer Co. – Matawan, NJ

Estimated Weekly

Hours:

28–32 hours

At Alternate Ending Beer Co., the host stand is more than a check‑in point; it sets the tone for the entire guest experience. We are seeking a Lead Host to oversee front‑door hospitality, pacing, reservation flow, and guest communication while helping create a warm, organized, hospitality‑driven environment. This leadership role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced setting, communicates confidently, and takes pride in creating memorable guest experiences.

The Lead Host plays a critical role in shaping the pace, energy, and hospitality experience of every service.

• Host Rate: $14/hour + tips (guaranteed minimum effective rate of $18/hour)
• Administrative Rate: $18/hour
• Administrative Time: 2 hours weekly (Monday & Thursday)
• Additional training, merch support, or approved admin projects compensated at the administrative rate

• Monday:
  Admin + Host shift
• Thursday:
  Admin + Lead Host shift
• Friday & Saturday:
  Lead Host shifts
• Sunday:
  Lead Host shifts as needed

Specific scheduling and shift times may vary based on business needs.

• Maintain a strong and consistent presence at the host stand during peak service
• Manage guest flow and pacing
• Communicate accurate wait times
• Balance server sections fairly and effectively
• Manage reservations and guest expectations
• Help ensure smooth transitions throughout service

• Review reservations and guest notes during weekly admin hours (Monday & Thursday)
• Identify birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions
• Flag large parties and potential operational challenges
• Identify projected rush periods
• Communicate important notes to management and service team prior to service

• Assist with monthly merchandise inventory counts
• Help maintain organization of merchandise storage and displays
• Identify low stock levels
• Work toward building a streamlined and repeatable inventory process

• Assist in onboarding and training new hosts
• Model hospitality standards and professionalism
• Support consistency in guest‑facing communication and service

• Strong communication and hospitality instincts
• Comfortable leading in a fast‑paced environment
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to multitask while staying calm under pressure
• Restaurant or hospitality experience preferred
• Strong ownership, accountability, and a team‑first mentality

• Fewer seating bottlenecks
• Improved pacing and section balance
• Cleaner reservation notes and stronger communication
• More consistent recognition of guest celebrations
• Smoother weekend service flow
• A front‑door experience that feels organized, welcoming, and intentional

• Flexible availability required, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Knowledge of food, beverage, and hospitality service standards
• Knowledge of POS systems and basic computer skills
• Craft beer knowledge a plus; interest in learning encouraged
• Cicerone Level 1 certification encouraged, but not required
• Positive, hospitality‑driven attitude with a professional appearance and demeanor
• Team‑oriented and willing to support fellow staff members
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Reliable, observant, organized, and punctual
• Able to remain calm and efficient during busy, high‑pressure service periods
• Enthusiasm for hospitality and for the Alternate Ending experience

• Must be able to stand and/or walk for up to 8 hours
• Must be able to bend, push, pull, and lift up to 25–50 lbs
• Frequently stands, walks, talks, hears, and uses hands and arms
• Occasionally sits, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls
• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions
• Noise level is moderate