Host

Jean’s is a high-energy, upscale bistro and restaurant in NoHo, known for its farm-to-table menu, stylish ambiance, and late-night lounge/club activation. Given its dual nature (dinner + nightlife), the host role is pivotal in shaping guest experience, managing flow, and coordinating between dining and lounge/club operations.

As the first and last point of contact, the Host is responsible for creating a warm, efficient, and seamless experience for guests arriving, waiting, and departing. The Host must balance welcoming guests, managing reservations & waitlists, and coordinating seating logistics to optimize the flow while maintaining service standards in a fast-paced environment.

• Greet incoming guests with a friendly, professional demeanor and maintain a polished presence at the host stand

• Manage reservations via phone, email, or reservation system (e.g. 7rooms)

• Maintain an accurate waitlist, provide estimated wait times, and communicate updates to guests

• Escort guests to their tables (dining or bar/lounge area) and present menus

• Coordinate with servers, bussers, and management to ensure tables are turned efficiently and properly set

• Track table availability and manage seating charts to balance workload across servers

• Answer phones, respond to guest inquiries, and assist with reservation changes or special requests

• Monitor the lobby/waiting area (cleanliness, seating, guest comfort)

• Assist with opening and closing duties (prepping host stand, organizing menus, cleaning, stocking)

• Support front-of-house staff during shifts (e.g. clearing menus, refilling water, light bussing as needed)

• Monitor guest flow, anticipate wait times or bottlenecks, and communicate with management to adjust operations

• Thank guests upon departure and encourage return visits

• Previous experience as a host, hostess, or in a customer-facing service role preferred

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills

• Excellent verbal communication (phone and in person)

• Ability to multitask and prioritize under pressure

• Good organizational skills and attention to detail

• Poise, calmness, and problem-solving ability when handling guest complaints or delays

• Comfortable standing and walking for the duration of shift

• Familiarity with restaurant / hospitality operation (seating logic, shift flow)

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and late nights (especially given Jean’s late-night orientation)

• Basic computer or POS / reservation system competence

• Jean’s is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, generally from ~5:00 PM and into late hours (weekends may extend until ~2:00 AM). 

• The restaurant seats about 170 patrons and may occasionally expand seating during high demand periods. Eater NY

• The venue also functions as a nighttime lounge/club in the basement; guest flow and transitions between the restaurant and lounge may require coordination

• Fast pace, high expectations for service and ambiance

• Must be able to handle guest pressure, delays, or unexpected changes gracefully