Park Tavern on Washington Square has long been a vibrant staple and foundation of the North Beach community. Now, under the helm of renowned American chef-partner Jonathan Waxman and fifth-generation San Franciscan James Nicholas, Park Tavern on Washington Square celebrates San Francisco’s vibrant dining scene with a fresh new era.
The restaurant has several private dining options available for groups and parties. As a Bay Area native and one of the pioneers of California cuisine Chef Waxman leans into his roots, celebrating the region’s local ingredients showcased in simple, seasonal dishes.
The Host represents Park Tavern on Washington Square with the highest levels of hospitality, professionalism, and sanitation safety.
The Host must interact with guests, employees, and management in a professional and collaborative manner to create an exemplary and safe dining experience.
The Host manages reservations, delivers accurate wait times, and is the first and last point of contact for guests.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Cultivate one of the most welcoming spaces in San Francisco a place for locals and tourists alike to see and be seen, ensuring a fun time for all.
- Extend a warm greeting to all guests and guide them to their tables, offering menus and personalized recommendations as required.
- Uphold a standard of exceptional hospitality, ensuring guests feel welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive.
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize regular patrons and VIPs, communicating pertinent information to the team accordingly.
- Articulate Park Tavern on Washington Squares's service style and ambiance concisely and effectively to guests.
- Establish the tone for the guest experience, understanding the significance of being the initial point of contact and embodying professionalism and attentiveness.
- Effectively manage reservations and the waitlist using the designated reservation system.
- Inform waiting guests promptly when their table is ready, assisting them in transporting their beverages when moving from the waiting area to their table(s).
- Relay any specific guest preferences or requirements noted in reservations to the front-of-house (FOH) team and managers.
- Assist with service maintenance tasks, such as clearing debris, service items, and guest possessions from the entrance, and maintaining cleanliness and organization in the host stand and dining area.
- Coordinate seating arrangements with the FOH team and managers, maintaining awareness of table turnover and floor dynamics.
- Promptly notify team members and managers of any guest dissatisfaction, disruptive behavior, or signs of intoxication.
- Ensure cleanliness and organization in the host area at all times.
- Provide support for additional FOH projects as required to contribute to the smooth operation.
WHO YOU ARE
- You have a genuine warmth and a passion for hospitality.
- You are positive, friendly, and enjoy engaging with guests.
- You have the desire to advocate on behalf of the guest as well as notice and pursue when a guest is dissatisfied.
- You have excellent communication skills, particularly with management, team members, and guests.
- You have excellent time management and organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
- You are willing to jump in and assist with additional duties when needed.
- You are able to think and act quickly and effectively while retaining self-composure.
- You are able to troubleshoot on your own and creatively problem solve, or with the assistance and collaboration of managers or other team members when necessary.
- You demonstrate appropriate workplace behavior and treat all employees with respect.
- You are comfortable and effective at taking direction from other staff, and delegating tasks.
- You are a team player who can set your ego aside and find win-for-all solutions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- 1+ years of hospitality experience
- Understanding of Park Tavern’s food & beverage and hospitality, philosophy, & menus
- Knowledge of standard restaurant service procedures
- Knowledge of each job function on the floor and understanding of the priorities of service
- Must be punctual and reliable
- Must be available to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to speak multiple languages, including English and Spanish, is a bonus
HEALTH & SAFETY
SF Food Handler’s Certification required or obtained shortly after hire date
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Involves standing and walking the entire shift
- Involves holding objects with hands
- Involves reaching, bending, and stooping frequently
- Involves lifting, moving, and carrying at least 25-50 pounds with frequency throughout the shift