Required Years of Experience
3 years
Job Details
Position: Lead Host
Position Type: Full-time
Location: Chicago, IL
Reports to: General Manager / Assistant General Manager
About Us:
Ox Bar & Hearth™ is a neighborhood restaurant in Lincoln Park, rooted in seasonality, hospitality, and craftsmanship. We’re building a team of passionate, talented individuals who take pride in delivering exceptional guest experiences in a warm, welcoming environment.
Position Overview:
We’re seeking a hospitality-forward Lead Host to join our team. The Lead Host ensures a seamless and welcoming guest experience by managing reservations, pacing the dining room, and coordinating with the co-host. This role requires excellent communication, grace under pressure, and a deep understanding of service flow and hospitality. The Lead Host is the main point of contact for guests and helps coordinate communication with the rest of the team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide professional and warm hospitality at all times.
- Communicate between bar, kitchen, service team and leadership to ensure a consistent, timely and memorable experience for our guests.
- Warmly greet and seat guests with genuine hospitality and professionalism.
- Maintain an accurate plan and seating rotation.
- Communicate wait times and seating updates with clarity and warmth.
- Update table status in OpenTable.
- Communicate special requests and notes with the team clearly.
- Recognize returning guests, maintain accurate guest notes and profiles.
- Anticipate guest needs and address them promptly.
- Manage the reservations & waitlist pace to maximize flow and minimize wait times.
- Adjust wait times and track table turns throughout service.
- Maintain a calm, composed demeanor.
- Train and support new Hosts in guest service, reservation tools, and floor procedures.
- Coach and delegate to Co-Hosts.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with leadership, service team, and the kitchen to adjust pacing as needed.
- Be ready to speak about our concept.
- Show understanding of our food and beverage offerings.
- Jump in where needed to help the team and the guest experience.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with leadership, service team, and the kitchen to adjust pacing as needed.
- Keep an eye on the entrance, lounge, and restrooms for cleanliness.
- Complete opening, mid-shift, and closing duties to our standards.
- Perform duties as assigned by leadership in order to drive and maintain our passion for hospitality, quality food and beverage.
- Support fellow team members during service.
- Participate in daily preshift meetings.
Qualifications:
- 2-3 years of experience in a Lead Host, Maître d’, or similar guest-facing role in an upscale or fine-dining restaurant.
- Strong working knowledge of the OpenTable reservation platform (or equivalent).
- Exceptional multitasking, time management, and organizational skills.
- Ability to lead with professionalism and coach others in a team setting.
- Friendly, proactive communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Natural team player with a calm, solutions-oriented attitude.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and navigate a physically active service environment.
- Weekend, evening, and holiday availability required.
Job Type: Full-time
Compensation: $22-24 / hr
Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Dining Discounts and staff meals, Paid Sick Leave, PTOCompensation Details
Compensation: Hourly ($22.00 - $24.00)
Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, Dining Discounts
Required Skills
Ability to Manage Stress Effectively
Strong interpersonal skills
Attention to Detail
Ability to Work Collaboratively in a Team
Adaptability to Changing Situations
Customer Service Orientation
Problem Solving Skills
Ability to prioritize tasks
Read more
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Ox Bar & Hearth is a new dining destination opening in Lincoln Park in Summer 2025, created by Chef John Asbaty and restauranteur Alain Uy. With a rich history in the culinary and hospitality industry, the duo is bringing their shared vision to life with a refreshed take on Midwestern cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a wood-burning hearth.
Influenced by their shared experiences opening restaurants over the years and their commitment to community, Ox Bar & Hearth will offer a reimagined take on the neighborhood restaurant, blending comfort and simplicity. The warm, inviting design of the space reflects theit focus on creating a place where guests can feel at ease while enjoying food that feels both familiar and inspired.
