Lead Host

NaKorn

1622 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States

Full Time

• Salary ($20.00 - $25.00)

Expires:

Oct 8, 2026 Be an early applicant

Required Years of Experience 3 years Job Details About the Position

NaKorn is seeking a warm, organized, and confident Front of House Lead who is passionate about creating exceptional experiences for our guests. This person will oversee the dining room and serve as the Manager on Duty during assigned shifts. This is a hands-on leadership position that goes beyond the responsibilities of a

traditional host. The Front of House Lead manages reservations and table flow, directs and supports the front-of-house team, communicates with the kitchen and bar, resolves guest concerns, and helps ensure that every service runs smoothly. The ideal candidate genuinely enjoys hospitality, communicates clearly with guests

and coworkers, remains calm under pressure, and is comfortable making thoughtful decisions while taking responsibility for the restaurant during service. Responsibilities Serve as the Manager on Duty during assigned shifts and take responsibility for the overall flow of service.

Welcome guests warmly and create an excellent first and last impression of NaKorn.

Manage reservations, walk-ins, wait times, and the seating chart.

Coordinate seating and table flow with servers, bartenders, and the kitchen.

Lead pre-shift meetings and communicate reservations, special events, menu updates, and service priorities.

Direct and support hosts, servers, bussers, and bartenders throughout service.

Assign sections and side work while maintaining awareness of the entire dining room.

Communicate important information between the front and back of house.

Make timely decisions regarding seating, pacing, staffing adjustments, guest recovery, and other service needs.

Handle guest questions, special requests, and concerns with professionalism and care.

Coordinate closely with the kitchen and Lead Bartender to maintain smooth service throughout the restaurant.

Support front-of-house team members wherever assistance is needed.

Maintain NaKorn's standards for hospitality, cleanliness, presentation, and professionalism.

Assist with training new hosts and other front-of-house employees.

Complete opening and closing responsibilities.

Provide ownership with clear shift notes, including guest feedback, service concerns, staffing issues, incidents, and necessary follow-up. Qualifications High School Diploma or GED graduate

Food Handler Certification required

Ability to handle stress under pressure

Previous restaurant or hospitality experience required.

Hosting, or front-of-house leadership experience strongly preferred.

Experience supervising a restaurant shift or acting as a Manager on Duty is preferred.

Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to multitask with attention to detail

Ability to handle stress under pressure and make thoughtful decisions during busy service.

Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.

Calm, professional, and solutions-oriented when handling difficult situations.

Warm, polished, and genuinely hospitable.

Reliable, punctual, and accountable.

Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Willing to lead by example and assist wherever needed. Qualifications Complimentary staff meals during scheduled shifts

Employee dining discounts

A consistent and dependable schedule

Opportunities for professional growth and increased responsibility

A respectful, supportive, and team-oriented workplace

What Success Looks Like

A successful Front of House Lead proactively understands what is happening

throughout the restaurant. Guests feel genuinely welcomed and cared for, the front-

of-house team feels organized and supported, tables move smoothly, and

communication between the dining room, bar, and kitchen remains clear.

Most importantly, ownership can trust this person to confidently lead the floor, make

thoughtful decisions, and take responsibility for the guest experience during assigned

shifts. If you are passionate about hospitality, enjoy helping a team succeed, and take pride

in creating memorable guest experiences, we would love to hear from you.

Compensation Details Compensation:

Salary ($20.00 - $25.00)

Benefits & Perks:

Paid Time Off, Potential Bonuses, Dining Discounts Required Skills Leadership Conflict Resolution Team Management Customer Service Decision Making Problem Solving Adaptability Training and Mentoring Gallery

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