Host

About Jean’s

Jean’s is a high-energy, upscale bistro and restaurant in NoHo, known for its farm-to-table menu, stylish ambiance, and late-night lounge / club activation. Given its dual nature (dinner + nightlife), the host role is pivotal in shaping guest experience, managing flow, and coordinating between dining and lounge / club operations.

Job Summary

As the first and last point of contact, the Host is responsible for creating a warm, efficient, and seamless experience for guests arriving, waiting, and departing. The Host must balance welcoming guests, managing reservations & waitlists, and coordinating seating logistics to optimize the flow while maintaining service standards in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Greet incoming guests with a friendly, professional demeanor and maintain a polished presence at the host stand

Manage reservations via phone, email, or reservation system (e.g. 7rooms)

Maintain an accurate waitlist, provide estimated wait times, and communicate updates to guests

Escort guests to their tables (dining or bar / lounge area) and present menus

Coordinate with servers, bussers, and management to ensure tables are turned efficiently and properly set

Track table availability and manage seating charts to balance workload across servers

Answer phones, respond to guest inquiries, and assist with reservation changes or special requests

Monitor the lobby / waiting area (cleanliness, seating, guest comfort)

Assist with opening and closing duties (prepping host stand, organizing menus, cleaning, stocking)

Support front-of-house staff during shifts (e.g. clearing menus, refilling water, light bussing as needed)

Monitor guest flow, anticipate wait times or bottlenecks, and communicate with management to adjust operations

Thank guests upon departure and encourage return visits

Qualifications & Skills

Previous experience as a host, hostess, or in a customer-facing service role preferred

Strong customer service and interpersonal skills

Excellent verbal communication (phone and in person)

Ability to multitask and prioritize under pressure

Good organizational skills and attention to detail

Poise, calmness, and problem-solving ability when handling guest complaints or delays

Comfortable standing and walking for the duration of shift

Familiarity with restaurant / hospitality operation (seating logic, shift flow)

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and late nights (especially given Jean’s late-night orientation)

Basic computer or POS / reservation system competence

Working Conditions / Additional Notes

Jean’s is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, generally from ~5 : 00 PM and into late hours (weekends may extend until ~2 : 00 AM).

The restaurant seats about 170 patrons and may occasionally expand seating during high demand periods. Eater NY

The venue also functions as a nighttime lounge / club in the basement; guest flow and transitions between the restaurant and lounge may require coordination

Fast pace, high expectations for service and ambiance

Must be able to handle guest pressure, delays, or unexpected changes gracefully