Host/Hostess - The Café
Required skills
- greeting guests
- reservations
- waitlists
- guest preferences
- menu knowledge
- guest questions
- dining room activity
- service flow
- table rotations
- seating assignments
Nice to have
- host/hostess experience
- restaurant experience
- café experience
- hotel experience
- hospitality experience
- guest service experience
Role summary
The Café by Chef Emeril and Fairmont New Orleans is seeking a Host/Hostess to create a warm and welcoming first impression for guests. This role involves managing reservations, seating, and waitlists using a designated system, while also possessing in-depth knowledge of menu offerings and the restaurant's unique culinary philosophy. The Host/Hostess will coordinate with various F&B teams to ensure smooth service flow, handle guest inquiries and requests professionally, and maintain the cleanliness and organization of the front-of-house areas. Experience in a similar role, particularly in luxury hotels or upscale dining, is preferred, along with a passion for hospitality and strong communication and organizational skills.
- Warmly greet and welcome guests upon arrival while creating a positive and professional first impression.
- Serve as an ambassador of The Café by Chef Emeril and Fairmont New Orleans by delivering genuine, approachable New Orleans hospitality.
- Manage reservations, seating assignments, waitlists, and guest preferences using the designated reservation system.
- Escort guests to tables and provide menus while communicating relevant information about The Café.
- Maintain knowledge of menu offerings, daily features, beverages, coffee and espresso selections, hours of operation, and restaurant amenities.
- Develop knowledge of Chef Emeril Lagasse's culinary philosophy and the New Orleans influences represented throughout The Café.
- Confidently answer guest questions and provide appropriate information regarding menu items and restaurant offerings.
- Monitor dining room activity and coordinate closely with Servers, Culinary, Management, and other Food & Beverage colleagues to maintain smooth service flow.
- Manage table rotations and seating assignments while considering guest preferences and operational needs.
- Communicate estimated wait times accurately and manage guest expectations during periods of high volume.
- Maintain accurate waitlists and communicate with guests regarding table availability.
- Answer telephone calls promptly and professionally while assisting with reservations, guest inquiries, and operational communications.
- Respond to guest requests, concerns, and special accommodations with warmth, professionalism, and discretion.
- Assist with guest recovery efforts and involve leadership when appropriate.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, entrance, waiting areas, and dining spaces.
- Ensure menus, guest-facing materials, and seating areas are clean and properly presented.
- Assist with VIP guests, special occasions, hotel events, and other elevated guest experiences.
- Maintain familiarity with Fairmont New Orleans amenities, services, outlets, events, and local attractions to assist guests.
- Support the outlet during peak periods and high-volume service while maintaining composure and hospitality standards.
- Assist with opening and closing duties, stocking, cleaning, and other operational responsibilities.
- Maintain a polished and professional appearance consistent with Fairmont New Orleans standards.
- Follow all hotel, restaurant, safety, sanitation, and service policies and procedures.
- Uphold the hospitality and culinary standards associated with Chef Emeril Lagasse and Fairmont New Orleans.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Previous host/hostess, restaurant, café, hotel, hospitality, or guest service experience preferred.
- Luxury hotel or upscale dining experience is an asset.
- Passion for hospitality, food, beverage, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Ability to remain professional, composed, and welcoming in a fast-paced environment.
- Professional appearance and polished demeanor required.
- Strong guest service mindset with the ability to create positive and memorable interactions.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with reservation or POS systems preferred.
- Ability to learn and communicate detailed menu and outlet information.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Knowledge of New Orleans hospitality, culture, and local attractions is an asset.
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operationally required.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a renowned luxury hotel brand with a global presence and a commitment to creating lasting memories for our guests. With over 30,000 colleagues worldwide, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, fostering a culture of excellence, and making special happen.
Hotel Overview:
Located in the heart of downtown Fairmont New Orleans will be an impressive new addition to Fairmont’s luxury portfolio, offering 250 luxury guest rooms, four food & drink venues, a rooftop pool with expansive views of the city, more than 19,000 square feet of function space, and a 10,000 square-foot spa.
This property is destined to become an illustrious destination in the Central Business District, nearby the city’s renowned and historic French Quarter.
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