Burl Evanston is a new wood-fired restaurant in the Central Street Merchant District in Evanston, Illinois. The first restaurant from Chef Tom Carlin and partner Rachel Canfora-Carlin, known for their craftsmanship, warmth, and genuine hospitality, Burl will offer a refined yet approachable dining experience rooted in seasonality and community. We are seeking an experienced a Full-Time Host who will be an excellent first and last impression for every guest, and will play a vital role in creating a welcoming, thoughtful, and well-paced dining experience. Hospitality at Burl begins the moment a guest arrives- and hosts set that tone with warmth, clarity, and care.

Experience & Qualifications:

Minimum of 1 years working in a fast paced, full service restaurant MUST have availability to work Sunday Brunch service Passion for excellence, superior service standards, and a positive attitude. Must have open availability including evenings & weekends Strong interpersonal & communication skills Comfort using OpenTable or similar reservation platforms (training provided) Ability to multi-task and stay composed in a high-volume environment Arrive on time, prepared, and in proper uniform Must be able to frequently lift items weighing up to 50 pounds and have the ability to stand for extended periods.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Greet all guests promptly and warmly upon arrival, creating an inviting, calm, and organized first impression Maintain a clean, organized, and polished host stand Engage guest as they are being seated, offering brief menu or concept touchpoints when appropriate Communicate realistic wait times and manage guest expectations with care Operate and manage OpenTable for reservations, waitlists, and guest notes Maintain accurate floor plans, pacing, transitions, and table assignments Monitor reservation flow to ensure balanced seating for service teams Utilize guest preferences, visit history, and notes to personalize experiences Communicate clearly with management regarding table availability, walk-ins, and changes Manage coat closet operations during service, including tagging, storage, and efficient retrieval Relay guest needs, special occasions, and accessibility requests to the team Assist with pre-shift preparation and post-shift reset of the host stand Ensure menus, reservation tools, and guest materials are prepared, current and in good repair Maintain a professional, composed, and welcoming presence on the floor Update the team in real-time on table status, turns, and guest needs Clearly and efficiently disperse chits and table information to servers and management Arrive on time, prepared, and in proper uniform Complete all closing duties including closing sidework, general cleaning projects, and any additional tasks assigned by leadership. Perform regular restroom checks to ensure cleanliness and stocking Uphold Burl's service philosophy and culture at all times

What We Offer:

The opportunity to help build an opening team culture rooted in hospitality, excellent service, and community. Restaurant closed every Monday & Tuesday, providing reliable, predictable days off Restaurant closure twice per year at the discretion of ownership to allow our team rest & reset; all eligible employees will receive (2) weeks of paid time off during this time Health insurance available with employer contribution Employee Dining Discount Ongoing training & continued education opportunities Opportunity for advancement as Burl grows

Note:

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the job and does not represent a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications required for the role.