Restaurant Host

Reports to: Director of Food + Beverage – Non-Exempt (Full Time or Part-Time available)

About the Hotel

Located in the historic Hippee Building in downtown Des Moines, Surety Hotel celebrates the city’s past while helping shape its future. Housed in a beautifully restored, 1913 Beaux-Arts landmark and now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Surety blends independent character with world-class hospitality. Inspired by the meaning of a surety bond, we make a promise of unmatched service, incredible design, and a superior level of hospitality rooted in connection and community. With 137 guest rooms and suites, vibrant gathering spaces, and onsite dining at Mulberry Street Tavern, Surety is both a destination for travelers and a point of pride for the City of Certainties.

About You

Your past experiences have led you to understand that there is an art and science to hospitality. Food and beverage culture are part of your identity, and you keep up with new restaurant openings or local favorites. You love creating memorable experiences and take pride in delivering exceptional service. It’s in your nature to take care of others, and you’re known among friends and family as a planner who enjoys organizing people and tasks. You thrive in busy environments, making smart, in-the-moment decisions naturally. Above all, your mission is to spread joy to everyone you encounter.

About the Role

The Restaurant Host reports to the F&B Managers and works in a team environment with other F&B professionals, including barbacks, bartenders, servers, dishwashers, cooks, and chefs. This role requires a background in basic service techniques, a natural ability to manage time, and a passion for assisting customers. As the first point of contact, you’ll create memorable guest experiences while upholding the company’s principles of People, Place, and Character. You’ll collaborate with a phenomenal team that values humility, experience, and open-mindedness—no egos allowed.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and model the company’s principles of People, Place, and Character, driving collaboration, intuition, and translocal hospitality.
• Assist in all aspects of a guest’s experience, from greeting to ensuring proper steps of service, executing requests in a timely manner, and adjusting as needed to ensure satisfaction.
• Participate in daily line-ups and quarterly all-staff meetings to develop ideas, provide constructive feedback, and strategize improvements.
• Maintain a working knowledge of menus, ingredients, and daily specials; serve alcohol safely, responsibly, and legally; and accurately account for all monetary transactions during your shift.
• Serve food and beverage items based on guest requests while adhering to health and safety measures.
• Keep your workstation clean and organized, demonstrating urgency in responding to guest requests.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic culinary and beverage terms, using your knowledge to enhance dining experiences.
• Monitor physical facilities and communicate challenges to the F&B leadership team for corrections or improvements.
• Collaborate with F&B and Culinary teams to ensure guests receive their orders promptly and accurately.
• Assist in other areas of the F&B Department as needed, including Banquets, Bar, and In-Room Dining.

Requirements

• Passion for People, Place, and Culture, along with a love for restaurants and guest service.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Restaurant or Event/Banquet server in a free-standing or hotel restaurant.
• IPACT Alcohol service certification and SafeStaff Certificate of Completion, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Must meet local age requirements to serve alcohol.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Fluency in English, both verbally and non-verbally.
• Evening availability required.

Physical Requirements

• Continuous standing and walking, including navigating wet tile floors and steps.
• Fine motor coordination for tasks such as pouring beverages, decorating cocktails, and folding napkins.
• Ability to roll and/or carry tables and chairs.
• Standing and walking continuously for 4-5 hours at a time.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 30 lbs (trays, crates, or boxes).
• Continuous negotiation of varied floor surfaces.
• Occasional carrying of items over the shoulder.
• Hand and elbow movements for polishing glassware, setting up tables, shaking, pouring, and mixing drinks.
• Excellent sight and balance for navigating varied floor surfaces.
• Handling lighted candles and hot fluids (coffee and tea).
• Ability to work in extreme temperatures, such as freezers (-10°F) and kitchens (+110°F).