Host

Burl Evanston is a new wood-fired restaurant opening in early 2026 in the Central Street Merchant District in Evanston, Illinois. The first restaurant from Chef Tom Carlin and partner Rachel Canfora-Carlin, known for their craftsmanship, warmth, and genuine hospitality, Burl will offer a refined yet approachable dining experience rooted in seasonality and community. 

We are seeking an experienced a Full-Time Host who will be an excellent first and last impression for every guest, and will play a vital role in creating a welcoming, thoughtful, and well-paced dining experience. Hospitality at Burl begins the moment a guest arrives– and hosts set that tone with warmth, clarity, and care. 

Experience & Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 1 years working in a fast paced, full service restaurant
• Passion for excellence, superior service standards, and a positive attitude.
• Must have open availability including evenings & weekends 
• Strong interpersonal & communication skills
• Comfort using OpenTable or similar reservation platforms (training provided)
• Ability to multi-task and stay composed in a high-volume environment 
• Arrive on time, prepared, and in proper uniform 
• Must be able to frequently lift items weighing up to 50 pounds and have the ability to stand for extended periods. 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Participate fully in pre-opening training, mock services, and system testing
• Remain adaptable and solution-oriented during opening phases
• Greet all guests promptly and warmly upon arrival, creating  an inviting, calm, and organized first impression
• Maintain a clean, organized, and polished host stand
• Engage guest as they are being seated, offering brief menu or concept touchpoints when appropriate 
• Communicate realistic wait times and manage guest expectations with care
• Operate and manage OpenTable for reservations, waitlists, and guest notes
• Maintain accurate floor plans, pacing, transitions, and table assignments
• Monitor reservation flow to ensure balanced seating for service teams
• Utilize guest preferences, visit history, and notes to personalize experiences
• Communicate clearly with management regarding table availability, walk-ins, and changes
• Manage coat closet operations during service, including tagging, storage, and efficient retrieval
• Relay guest needs, special occasions, and accessibility requests to the team
• Assist with pre-shift preparation and post-shift reset of the host stand
• Ensure menus, reservation tools, and guest materials are prepared, current and in good repair
• Maintain a professional, composed, and welcoming presence on the floor
• Update the team in real-time on table status, turns, and guest needs
• Clearly and efficiently disperse chits and table information to servers and management
• Arrive on time, prepared, and in proper uniform 
• Complete all closing duties including closing sidework, general cleaning projects, and any additional tasks assigned by leadership.
• Perform regular restroom checks to ensure cleanliness and stocking
• Uphold Burl’s service philosophy and culture at all times

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to help build an opening team culture rooted  in hospitality, excellent service, and community. 
• Restaurant closed every Monday & Tuesday, providing reliable, predictable days off
• Restaurant closure twice per year at the discretion of ownership to allow our team rest & reset; all eligible employees will receive (2) weeks of paid time off during this time
• Health insurance available with employer contribution
• Employee Dining Discount 
• Ongoing training & continued education opportunities 
• Opportunity for advancement as Burl grows 

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the job and does not represent a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications required for the role.