Maitre'd

About the role

Oversee the dining experience to ensure impeccable service and excellent food and wine pairings that exceed the expectations of discerning guests.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests in a warm and friendly manner, ascertain their dining preferences and needs, determine best seating, and communicate specials, promotions, and wait times.
• Maintain and update the seating chart, including making reservations, tracking available tables, and managing waiting lists in coordination with kitchen and serving staff.
• Direct diners to their table or the bar, provide menus, and answer questions about the chef’s specials and other menu features.
• Respond to guest requests and questions politely and efficiently, note food allergies and dietary restrictions, and coordinate with kitchen staff and other team members as needed.
• Greet diners who arrive for takeout orders and coordinate delivery orders with mobile food delivery services.
• Create and develop a dynamic, interesting wine program for the restaurant.
• Order, receive, inventory, organize, and sell wine for all departments.
• Assist guests and team members during dinner service with wine recommendations, selection, decanting, and service.
• Develop a training program for team members to increase knowledge of general service, wine tasting, and wine service.
• Guide opening and closing of the restaurant in cooperation with the chef and back‑of‑house manager.
• Pitch in to clear and set tables and deliver food and other requested items to diners.
• Keep waiting areas clean and organized and ensure waiting customers are comfortable.
• Hire, train, and lead front‑of‑house staff to ensure diners have an excellent, welcoming, and memorable dining experience.
• Resolve conflicts or address issues to prevent disappointment with meals or service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and coordinated work‑study programs may be available for enrolled members of the Yavapai‑Apache Nation.
• Required education: High school diploma.
• Preferred education: Associate’s degree (2‑year).
• Work experience: Minimum 7 years of fine‑dining and hospitality experience.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Excellent customer‑service focus.
  • Ability to maintain poise, professionalism, composure, and patience in high‑paced, stressful situations.
  • Effective communication with customers, staff, and vendors.
  • Strong multitasking, organization, judgment, and problem‑solving skills.
  • Capability to stay calm, diffuse tense situations, and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
  • Adaptability to a constantly changing environment and set of challenges.
  • Leadership ability to effectively lead a team and collaborate with other departments.
  • Basic math and computer skills; familiarity with POS software, OpenTable, Excel, and Word, with willingness to learn additional systems.
• Professional licenses & certifications:
  • Food handler and alcohol service certifications (or ability to obtain).
  • Wine education certification required; alternatively, 3 years’ experience as a sommelier in a 4‑star or better fine‑dining restaurant may substitute.
  • Must be 18 years or older and available for all shifts, including weekends and holidays.
  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S., pass a drug test and background check for an AZ Gaming License.
  • Must adhere to all Cliff Castle Casino Hotel policies and procedures.
  • Commitment to providing exceptional guest service through a welcoming, friendly, and professional environment, aiming to exceed guest expectations with attentive, personalized service and prompt resolution.