Lead Host

Description

Job Title: Lead Host
Location: City, State
Reports To: Floor Manager / Assistant General Manager / General Manager
Department: Front of House – Guest Services
Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt

José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world‑class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.

The Lead Host plays a key role in creating an exceptional guest experience from arrival through departure. As a senior member of the Host team, you will help oversee the flow of the door, reservations, seating strategy, and guest communication while supporting the Host team in delivering warm, polished, and efficient hospitality.

The ideal candidate combines strong reservation and floor‑management skills with a genuine passion for hospitality. You are organized, composed under pressure, attentive to detail, and confident communicating with guests and team members in a fast‑paced restaurant environment.

• Set the tone for warm, genuine, and polished hospitality at the door.
• Welcome and acknowledge guests promptly and professionally.
• Recognize VIPs, regular guests, celebrations, and special occasions and communicate relevant information to the service team.
• Anticipate accessibility needs, special requests, and guest preferences.
• Provide accurate wait‑time estimates and thoughtful alternatives when immediate seating is unavailable.
• Maintain composure and professionalism during high‑volume arrival periods.

• Maintain strong command of the reservation book, floor plan, table availability, and expected business levels.
• Manage reservations, walk‑ins, and waitlists using the restaurant's designated reservation platform.
• Help execute the seating strategy based on reservations, table availability, server rotation, guest needs, and operational pacing.
• Monitor table status and turns throughout service to maximize seating opportunities without compromising the guest experience.
• Coordinate closely with FOH leadership regarding large parties, VIPs, special requests, late arrivals, and reservation challenges.
• Maintain accurate guest profiles, reservation notes, and preferences.
• Communicate delays or changes proactively to guests and the service team.

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource and point of support for Hosts during service.
• Help ensure the Host team understands daily reservations, VIPs, large parties, events, and service priorities.
• Assist newer Hosts with reservation systems, floor plans, phone etiquette, seating procedures, and JAG hospitality standards.
• Help organize responsibilities at the host stand, including greeting, seating, phones, reservations, and coat check when applicable.
• Model professionalism, urgency, organization, and exceptional hospitality.
• Communicate operational or guest concerns promptly to restaurant leadership.
• Support leadership in maintaining consistent Host standards throughout the shift.

• Handle guest questions, reservation concerns, and seating requests with confidence and empathy.
• Assist with resolving minor guest concerns at the door and engage a Manager when additional support is required.
• Maintain polished and courteous phone and email communication.
• Accurately capture reservation inquiries, special requests, messages, and potential event leads.
• Communicate allergies, celebrations, VIP information, and guest preferences to Servers and leadership.
• Protect guest privacy and handle sensitive guest information professionally.