Host/Hostess - Oakwood Grill

Description

Reports To: Oakwood Grill Manager

Classification: Hourly | Part-time, Full-time

Established in 2023, The Gate Golf Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to golf and creating a lasting impact on the Southwest Florida community. Scheduled to open in late 2026, The Gate will feature:

· Oakwood Grill 175-seat freestanding full-service restaurant

· The Pavilion Bar

· The Gimme - quick service restaurant

· The Bays - 30-bay state-of-the-art practice range with Trackman technology

· The Gater 18-hole putting course

· Jacobsen-Hardy designed 9-hole regulation-length golf course

The Gate is designed to make golf more accessible to families and players of all skill levels, while providing high-quality golf and hospitality experiences at affordable rates.

Position Overview

The Restaurant Host/Hostess is responsible for creating a warm and welcoming first impression for every guest while ensuring an organized and efficient flow of service. This role greets and seats guests, manages reservations and waitlists, communicates estimated wait times, and coordinates closely with the service team to support a smooth dining experience. The ideal candidate is personable, attentive, organized, and able to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Key Responsibilities

· Warmly greet guests upon arrival and create a welcoming, positive first impression.

· Manage the entrance and ensure guests are acknowledged promptly, even during busy periods.

· Manage reservations, walk-ins, waitlists, and seating assignments using the restaurant's reservation or seating system.

· Provide accurate wait-time estimates and communicate updates to guests throughout their wait.

· Escort guests to their tables and provide menus or other appropriate materials.

· Monitor table availability and coordinate seating to maintain an efficient and balanced flow of service.

· Communicate effectively with servers, managers, and other team members regarding guest arrivals, special occasions, seating needs, and other relevant information.

· Answer guest questions about the restaurant, menu, amenities, and policies in a friendly and knowledgeable manner.

· Handle guest requests and concerns professionally, involving management when appropriate.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming host stand and restaurant entrance.

· Assist with phone calls, reservations, takeout inquiries, and other guest communications as needed.

· Monitor dining areas and assist with maintaining overall restaurant presentation.

· Support servers and other team members with guest service and operational tasks during busy periods.

· Follow established procedures for reservations, seating, guest recovery, and service standards.

· Perform opening, closing, and other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

· Previous experience in restaurant, hospitality, customer service, or a similar guest-facing role preferred.

· Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

· Friendly, polished, and professional demeanor.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

· Ability to remain composed and courteous when managing high-volume periods or challenging guest situations.

· Comfortable using reservation, POS, or other restaurant technology.

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with multiple departments.

· Dependable, punctual, and committed to providing exceptional guest service.

· Availability to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is warm, personable, and naturally makes guests feel welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive. They are highly organized and observant, able to balance multiple priorities while maintaining a calm and positive presence at the host stand. They communicate confidently with both guests and team members, take pride in creating a seamless arrival experience, and understand that the host plays an important role in setting the tone for the entire dining experience. A genuine passion for hospitality, strong judgment, and a team-oriented attitude are essential.