Host
Position Summary
The Host/Hostess is the first and last impression of The Reef experience. This role greets and seats guests, manages the waitlist and reservations, and keeps the flow of the dining room organized during busy waterfront service.
What You'll Do
• Warmly greet every guest upon arrival and departure, setting a welcoming tone for the visit.
• Manage reservations, walk-ins, and the waitlist across the patio, harbor bar, and indoor dining rooms.
• Seat guests efficiently and fairly, balancing sections to support smooth service for the team.
• Answer phones, take reservations, and respond to guest questions about the menu, hours, and seasonal spaces (patio, igloos, harbor bar).
• Keep the host stand, entryway, and waiting area clean, organized, and guest-ready at all times.
• Communicate wait times accurately and manage guest expectations with a positive, hospitable attitude.
• Coordinate closely with servers, management, and bussers to keep tables turning smoothly during peak hours.
• Assist with special events, private parties, and large-group seating as needed.
What We're Looking For
• A friendly, outgoing personality and genuine enthusiasm for hospitality.
• Prior host, server, or customer-facing experience preferred, ideally in a busy or waterfront restaurant.
• Ability to stay organized and calm under pressure during high-volume seasonal rushes.
• Strong communication skills and a team-first attitude.
• Comfort using a reservation/waitlist system (training provided).
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays; flexibility for seasonal scheduling.
• Must be at least 18 years of age, or as required by local law.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand and walk for the full length of a shift (up to 8 hours), including outdoor patio areas.
• Ability to move confidently through indoor and outdoor spaces in varying weather conditions.
Why Join The Reef
• Competitive hourly pay plus tip-share, based on experience.
• A dynamic, high-energy waterfront setting with year-round and seasonal opportunities.
• Growth opportunities across Audrain Hospitality Group's Newport restaurant portfolio.
• A team-oriented culture that takes pride in genuine hospitality.