Host

About Kees

Inspired by glamorous mid-century New York nightlife, Kees evokes the timeless elegance of that era. Meticulously-crafted cocktails, top-notch service and a sophisticated design combine to create an elevated, destination-worthy cocktail lounge in the West Village.

Position Summary

Hospitality at Kees is a team sport. Due to the intimate nature of the space, it is essential that the entire team that works closely together and is aligned on creating memorable experiences for everyone they encounter from guests, to fellow employees, to vendors, as well as the community.   In this tight knit ecosystem, Hosts are responsible for creating hospitable guest experiences from the guests’ first interaction at Kees to their last. Kees is a high volume bar, which requires a great deal of foresight, planning, and organization to seat efficiently.  An overall awareness of what is going on around you at all times is critical to your ability to anticipate guests, create memorable moments of hospitality and develop lasting relationships with first-time guests and regulars. Creating a welcoming environment for guests upon arrival and departure is one of the primary responsibilities of a host. Because they are the first and last Kees team member to interact with guests, the host must have exceptional customer service skills to ensure guest satisfaction.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Maintain an understanding of the front door policies and consistently execute them with efficiency and grace while maintaining a sense of urgency throughout service.
• Demonstrate speed and accuracy when using the Resy platform during service, alongside Maitre D
• Must be able to provide accurate table updates and maintain a waitlist.
• Responsible for alerting bartenders and servers of VIP guests.
• Excellent communication skills
• Proactive approach to problem solving
• Ability to multitask effectively with a controlled heightened awareness of their surroundings
• A passion for food, wine, and service
• A strong sense of urgency while exuding a calm demeanor 
• Ability to maintain a tidy and organized station
• A desire to learn and grow
• Have long term goals in the service industry
• Actively participate in assisting service, including running food, bussing tables, clearing and resetting when needed
• Ability to connect with new guests and maintain greatest relationships with regulars
• A strong attention to detail

Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety

• Maintains sanitation to Department of Health standards; keeps work area clean and organized. 
• Maintains and strictly abides by state sanitation/health regulations and restaurant requirements and procedures.
• Maintains complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; uses equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safely.
• Inspects the cleanliness and organization of the line and workstations; rectifies any deficiencies.
• Inspects the cleanliness and working condition of all tools, equipment, and supplies, ensuring everything complies with standards.
• Informs manager on duty immediately of any DOH or OSHA/workplace safety violations.
• Maintains proper storage procedures as specified by Department of Health requirements.

Guest Engagement 

• Commits to passionate, intense, uncompromisingly high-quality hospitality and guest experience.
• Consistently executes food, beverage, service, and hospitality that aligns with the One Cornelia brand. 

Additional Skills and Responsibilities

• Exudes excellence in hospitality both for internal and external guests.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in a variety of technology systems, especially POS systems.
• The ability to define and effectively solve a variety of changing situations under stress.
• Passion for exceptional hospitality, food, and beverages.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; ability to adapt to changing circumstances.  
• Flexible work schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to lift, carry, push, or pull heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
• Kneel, bend, or stoop, ascend or descend stairs; be on feet for extended periods of time.
• Working in an environment that may be exposed to hazardous situations and conditions that produce cuts or minor burns.
• Exposed to hot and cold temperatures, such as when working near ovens or retrieving food from freezers.
• Sometimes wear protective and safety attire, such as gloves.
• May work near contaminants and hazardous equipment.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a host in a high-volume restaurant.
• TIPS certification required.
• New York City Food Protection Certificate (Food Handler’s) or ServSafe Certification preferred.