Restaurant Host

About the role

Host position in the Food & Beverage department at Truth Be Told, the British-inspired tavern located within The Study at University of Chicago in Chicago, IL. This is an hourly role paying $20.60 per hour. As one of the first and last points of contact for restaurant guests, the Host creates a warm, welcoming, and memorable dining experience by welcoming guests, managing reservations, seating, guest inquiries, and overall restaurant flow. Truth Be Told is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves hotel guests, university visitors, neighborhood regulars, and the Hyde Park community.

Responsibilities

• Warmly welcome and acknowledge guests upon arrival and create a positive first impression of Truth Be Told
• Manage the restaurant entrance and host stand while maintaining an organized, welcoming, and professional environment
• Seat guests according to established procedures while considering reservations, table availability, server sections, guest preferences, and overall restaurant flow
• Manage reservations accurately through OpenTable, including online, telephone, and in-person requests
• Confirm reservation details and accurately communicate special requests, celebrations, accessibility needs, or other relevant information to the appropriate team members
• Maintain and communicate accurate wait times and manage the guest waiting list during high-volume periods
• Answer incoming telephone calls professionally and assist internal and external guests with restaurant reservations, hours, menu questions, and general inquiries
• Assist with to-go and hotel guest dining orders, including receiving orders, entering information accurately, coordinating with the restaurant team, and communicating anticipated completion or delivery times
• Accurately process cash, credit card transactions, hotel room charges, and other approved forms of payment when required
• Maintain working knowledge of restaurant menus, ingredients, allergy considerations, beverage offerings, hours of operation, and hotel services
• Communicate allergy and dietary concerns to Servers, Culinary team members, and restaurant leadership according to established procedures
• Monitor the dining room and guest experience, recognizing opportunities to assist guests or support the service team
• Communicate guest concerns promptly and professionally and involve restaurant leadership when appropriate
• Coordinate with Servers and restaurant leadership to maintain balanced seating and efficient table utilization throughout service
• Assist Servers and Restaurant Support team members with appropriate service tasks when needed, including delivering items to tables and supporting the overall flow of service
• Complete opening, closing, and ongoing side work, including organization, stocking, cleaning, and maintenance of the host stand and surrounding guest areas
• Maintain menus and other guest-facing materials in clean, organized, and presentable condition
• Work collaboratively with Servers, Bartenders, Restaurant Support, Culinary team members, and restaurant leadership to provide seamless service
• Communicate effectively with Front Office and other hotel departments to assist hotel guests and coordinate restaurant-related requests
• Follow established food safety, sanitation, safety, security, and restaurant operating procedures
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and promptly communicate maintenance, cleanliness, safety, or operational concerns
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on restaurant and hotel operational needs

Requirements

• Previous host, restaurant, hospitality, or comparable customer service experience preferred
• Experience in an upscale casual, full-service restaurant, hotel, tavern, or comparable hospitality environment is a plus
• Friendly, engaging, and professional demeanor with a genuine passion for hospitality and connecting with guests
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage reservations, seating, guest requests, and multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to remain composed, welcoming, and solutions-oriented during high-volume service periods
• Previous experience with OpenTable or another restaurant reservation and table management system preferred
• Previous experience with restaurant POS systems and handling guest transactions preferred
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including professional telephone etiquette
• Ability to communicate effectively with restaurant, culinary, and hotel team members
• Working knowledge of food, menu ingredients, allergy considerations, and restaurant service preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Availability to work a flexible schedule based on restaurant needs, including early mornings, days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Proficiency in English required; a second language is a plus
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods throughout the shift
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move items weighing up to 40 pounds
• Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace; pre-employment drug test and background check required

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Pay

$20.60 per hour (hourly