Host / Reservationist

About Alessandro's Alessandro's is a warm, welcoming Italian-inspired dining destination committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences for every guest. We take pride in our food, our atmosphere, and above all, our people. We are looking for a personable and professional Hostess or Host to be the first and last impression our guests receive. Position Overview The Hostess / Host serves as the face of Alessandro's, greeting guests with genuine warmth and ensuring a smooth and organized front-of-house experience from the moment a guest walks through our doors. This role is essential in setting the tone for each dining experience and requires excellent communication, poise, and a passion for hospitality. Reports To Front of House Manager / General Manager Key Responsibilities Guest Welcome & Seating Greet every guest promptly and warmly upon arrival, creating a positive and lasting first impression Manage the seating chart and dining room floor plan, ensuring efficient and balanced table assignments Escort guests to their tables, present menus, and communicate any specials or relevant information Accurately quote and manage wait times during peak hours, keeping guests informed and comfortable Maintain the waiting area, ensuring it is clean, organized, and stocked with menus Accommodate special seating requests whenever possible, including accessibility needs and large party arrangements Reservations & Communication Answer incoming phone calls in a professional and friendly manner, taking reservations and answering general inquiries Manage the reservation system (e.g., OpenTable, Resy, or similar platform) accurately and efficiently Confirm reservations and communicate special requests or notes to the management and service team Coordinate with servers and managers regarding table availability, turn times, and waitlist status Relay guest feedback, complaints, or special needs to the appropriate team member promptly Front-of-House Maintenance Maintain a clean and presentable host stand, entrance, and waiting area throughout service Ensure menus are clean, current, and in proper condition; replace damaged menus as needed Monitor restroom cleanliness and alert the appropriate team member when attention is required Assist with resetting tables and clearing menus between turns as needed to support the service team Ensure the dining room floor is safe and free of hazards at all times Team Collaboration Communicate openly and proactively with servers, bussers, and management to ensure smooth service flow Support the team during high-volume periods by assisting with takeout orders, phone inquiries, or other tasks as directed Participate in pre-shift meetings and stay informed about daily specials, events, and reservation counts Assist with special events, large party coordination, and private dining room management as needed Farewell & Guest Experience Thank every departing guest sincerely and invite them to return Solicit feedback when appropriate and communicate positive or negative guest experiences to management Resolve minor guest concerns with grace and professionalism, escalating to a manager when needed Qualifications Prior hosting, front desk, or customer-facing hospitality experience preferred Warm, outgoing personality with a genuine passion for providing exceptional guest experiences Professional appearance and demeanor at all times Strong verbal communication and active listening skills Ability to remain calm, organized, and positive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Basic computer proficiency; experience with reservation management systems a plus Ability to stand for extended periods and move throughout the restaurant during service Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays Must be at least 16 years of age (18+ preferred)