Social Gatekeeper
VIP Hostess
Position Summary
The Social Gatekeeper sets the tone for the Imperial Room experience. As the first and last person guests interact with, this team member delivers a warm, polished welcome while managing reservations, coordinating seating, and keeping the front door organized.
This role requires someone who can make guests feel recognized and cared for while staying calm, confident, and attentive during busy service.
Responsibilities
- Welcome every guest promptly and professionally, creating a memorable first impression.
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, waitlists, and seating assignments through the restaurant’s reservation platform.
- Confirm reservations and accurately document guest preferences, special occasions, and seating requests.
- Coordinate guest arrivals and table availability with bartenders, servers, and management.
- Communicate realistic wait times and provide updates to waiting guests.
- Recognize returning guests and communicate VIP notes discreetly to the service team.
- Maintain an organized front entrance, host stand, and waiting area.
- Answer phone calls and guest questions about reservations, hours, and the lounge experience.
- Follow established entry, capacity, and seating procedures, involving management when needed.
- Handle guest concerns with professionalism and promptly escalate issues requiring manager assistance.
- Protect guest privacy and handle reservation information with discretion.
- Thank departing guests and invite them to return.
- Complete assigned opening and closing duties.
Qualifications
- Previous hosting, reservations, or guest-service experience preferred; upscale restaurant, lounge, or hotel experience is a plus.
- Strong communication, organization, and attention to detail.
- A warm, confident presence and a genuine interest in hospitality.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfort using digital reservation systems; OpenTable experience is a plus.
- Professional appearance consistent with company standards.
- Availability for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Work Environment
This position involves extended periods of standing and walking, frequent guest interaction, and working in a lively cocktail-lounge environment. Essential duties may be performed with reasonable accommodation.