MAITRE D

Description

Job Summary

The Maître d' serves as the first and last impression of the venue, delivering exceptional hospitality while overseeing the flow of the dining room. This role is responsible for managing reservations, coordinating seating, establishing and maintaining guest relationships, and working closely with management and service teams to ensure an elevated dining experience. The Maître d' balances operational excellence with personalized service, creating memorable guest experiences that reflects the venue's hospitality standards.

Job Activities

•  Welcome guests warmly and create an exceptional first impression from arrival through departure.
• Establish, cultivate, and maintain meaningful guest relationships, recognizing returning guests and anticipating their preferences.
• Manage guest relations by proactively addressing requests, resolving concerns, and ensuring every guest receives personalized, elevated service.
• Oversee reservations, waitlists, and seating assignments to maximize dining room efficiency while maintaining service standards.
• Coordinate closely with managers, servers, bartenders, and support staff to ensure smooth floor operations and an exceptional guest experience.
• Conduct concierge outreach and relationship-building efforts with local hotels, concierges, and hospitality partners to drive guest engagement and referrals.
• Strategically manage reservations and accommodate walk-in guests while balancing table turns and service flow.
• Answer incoming calls and assist guests with reservations, special requests, private dining inquiries, and restaurant information.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the host stand, entrance, and reception areas.
• Ensure menus, reservation materials, and guest communication tools are prepared and current for each service.
• Perform opening and closing procedures, including host stand setup, reservation review, menu preparation, and assigned side work.
• Report maintenance, equipment, or safety concerns promptly to management.
• Attend daily pre-service meetings, training sessions, and ongoing hospitality development.
• Maintain expert knowledge of Elephante's menus, beverage program, special events, and brand standards.
• Lead by example through professionalism, positive communication, and teamwork while supporting all front-of-house operations.
• Uphold all company policies, health and safety regulations, sanitation standards, and appearance guidelines.

Requirements

Education, Experience and Skill Requirements

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in a Maître d' or Lead Host role within an upscale or high-volume restaurant.
• Proven experience in guest relations management and delivering exceptional hospitality.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Experience with reservation management platforms and seating strategy.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hospitality-driven environment while maintaining professionalism and composure.
• Must be able to stand, lift and bend for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to bend and lift to 50 lbs.
• Role may include job duties or tasks requiring repetitive motion.
• Exposure to hot kitchen elements or cleaning materials.
• Must be able to work and remain focused in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule inclusive of varying shifts such as days, evenings, weekends and holidays.