Chai Pani D.C. Hiring Hosts

About Chai Pani

Chai Pani sparked a revolution. Named the 2022 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant in America, we’re on a mission to change the perception of Indian cuisine in America. From the pages of The New York Times to Oprah’s Favorite Things, our groundbreaking approach has captured the nation's imagination and its appetite.

"Chai Pani" means tea and water. It’s shorthand for a humble offering of hospitality. For us, it’s about mind-blasting street food and heartfelt service. We’re building connections, honoring tradition, and serving the world through food, love, and care.

Ready to join a team that’s changing the culinary landscape? If you have a passion for extraordinary service and bold flavors, we want you on this journey with us.

Position Summary

As the first face guests see and the last goodbye they receive, the Host sets the tone for the entire experience. You’ll greet everyone with genuine warmth, manage the flow of service with precision and calm, and create a sense of ease and excitement from the moment guests walk through the door. It’s a make-or-break position. You’ll be the compass of our dining room and a key part of our guests’ first impression.

Pay: $10.00/hour base + tips (most team members average $25–$30/hour total)

What This Role Offers

• The chance to work with a James Beard Award–winning restaurant group and Chef
• Flexibility, camaraderie, and a culture where your voice matters
• Growth, mentorship, and a community that values excellence and care
• A masterclass in hospitality systems, guest communication, and service flow
• What You Offer
• A genuine love of hospitality and being of service to others
• Warmth and empathy
• A mind for systems and puzzles
• A clear, friendly, and confident communication style
• A team-first attitude and a drive to go above and beyond for guests and coworkers alike
• A growth mindset and a commitment to upholding a culture of excellence, love, and care

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time while overseeing service, events, and daily operations.
• Ability to move frequently throughout the restaurant, including FOH, BOH, and non-public areas, as operational needs require.
• Ability to bend, reach, squat, kneel, and climb stairs as necessary to support operational oversight.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis (e.g., assisting with supplies, equipment, or event setup).
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-energy environments that may not be climate-controlled, including kitchens and event spaces.
• Exposure to hot equipment and products such as ovens, grills, fryers, and hot holding equipment.
• Ability to work variable schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
• Ability to maintain focus and sound judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to safely navigate environments with commercial cleaning chemicals and equipment while following established safety procedures.

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, dependent care FSA, and supplemental life insurance (for full-time team members)
• Company-paid life insurance (for full- and part-time team members)
• Tip-share program
• Flexible work schedules
• Paid sick days
• Free shift meals
• Employee discount on merch, Spicewalla products, and all Chai Pani Restaurant Group locations in Asheville, Charlotte, and Atlanta
• Cash advance program
• Opportunity to apply for an annual staff trip to India after one year of employment

Our Mission

Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani's mission. We make a difference when and where we can—from supporting educational programs in Mumbai to feeding the homeless with dignity, and within our own walls by offering competitive pay, flexible schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony.

Join our team and help us build something truly special in Washington, DC.