Restaurant Host

About Appellation

Born from the elegant merger of the culinary and hospitality worlds, Appellation is much more than a typical hotel company. Inspired by its name, this new hotel brand brings together the best of local elements in a new way: a hotel collection powered by people, connected by food, and defined by place—all designed to celebrate its destinations’ culture, community, and craftsmanship. Developed by visionary co-founders Charlie Palmer, one of America’s best-known, award-winning chefs and pioneer in the American hotel-restaurant model, and Christopher Hunsberger, a 30-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and its former president of North Americas. Join Appellation as its first hotels and resorts take root in 2025.

Overview of Position:

The Host is responsible for greeting guests, managing the waitlist, seating guests, and ensuring the dining area runs smoothly. The role requires exceptional customer service skills, a friendly attitude, and a strong ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. The Host serves as the first point of contact for guests and plays a key role in creating a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere. This is a non-exempt, hourly position that adheres to California wage and labor laws, including meal and rest break compliance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Guest Greeting & Seating

• Greet guests warmly and professionally as they arrive at the restaurant.
• Manage reservations and walk-ins, ensuring guests are seated promptly and according to the restaurant’s seating plan.
• Escort guests to their assigned tables and provide them with menus.
• Maintain a clean and organized host stand and waiting area, ensuring that guests are comfortable while waiting for a table.

Waitlist & Reservation Management

• Monitor and manage the restaurant’s reservation system, ensuring that all reservations are accurately noted and managed.
• If the restaurant is busy, maintain an accurate and organized waitlist, providing wait times and communicating with guests as necessary.
• Communicate effectively with servers and kitchen staff to ensure smooth guest flow and table turnover.

Customer Service & Communication

• Answer the phone, take reservations, and provide guests with information about the menu, specials, and restaurant services.
• Handle guest inquiries or concerns in a professional manner, escalating issues to management when necessary.
• Assist with coordinating guest seating preferences (e.g., window seat, booth) when possible.
• Maintain a positive, friendly demeanor at all times to ensure an excellent guest experience.

Compliance & Safety

• Follow all California health and safety regulations, including proper sanitation practices at the host stand and throughout the dining area.
• Ensure that guests are seated in accordance with social distancing guidelines or any other applicable regulations.
• Comply with California Labor Code, including accurate timekeeping, meal/rest break compliance, and safety standards.