Cookshop, a beloved neighborhood favorite dedicated to seasonal, locally sourced food, is seeking an experienced and hospitality-driven Maître d' to join our front-of-house leadership team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume dining environment and takes pride in creating a welcoming and seamless experience for every guest.
As the first and last impression of the restaurant, the Maître d' plays a critical role in shaping the guest experience, managing reservations and seating, and ensuring smooth communication between the host team, dining room, and management.
Cookshop is part of The Bowery Group, home to celebrated neighborhood favorites Rosie’s, Shuka, Shukette, and Vic’s. Our group has been recognized with accolades including a James Beard Nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur (2022), Best Chef Greater New York (2022), and recognition in the New York Times “Top 10 New Restaurants of 2021,” along with numerous other press highlights.
We believe American cuisine is defined by its diversity — a vibrant mix of cultural, regional, and ethnic influences. At Cookshop, we honor this variety while staying rooted in seasonal, sustainable agriculture. “Seasonal and local” is more than a tagline for us; it’s a commitment to supporting the health of our land, our bodies, and our communities – ensuring a sustainable relationship with the farmers, schools, and businesses around us.
Responsibilities
- Provide a warm and professional first point of contact for all guests
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlists while maintaining optimal seating flow
- Communicate wait times and table status clearly and graciously
- Coordinate large party reservations and special accommodations with management
- Supervise and support the host team to ensure service standards are maintained
- Work collaboratively with management and the dining room team to maximize covers while prioritizing guest experience
- Maintain accuracy and organization within the reservation platform and guest database
Qualifications
- 2+ years experience as a Maître d' or lead host in a high-volume, fine dining restaurant
- Strong hospitality instincts and guest engagement skills
- Exceptional communication and organizational abilities
- Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced service environment
- Experience with Resy or similar reservation systems preferred
- Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours)
- Ability to bend, reach, and move throughout the restaurant as needed
Benefits We Offer:
- Paid Time Off
- Transit Benefits
- Dining Discounts
- Shared Medical Plan
- 401(k)
- Professional Career Development
This position requires daytime hours, evening hours and weekends with FULL TIME AVAILABILITY.
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Cookshop provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.