Host

Chai Pani is slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a tasty bite, a snack, or “a little something.” For us, it means groundbreaking, fun, and delicious Indian street food, paired with a passion for making people happy and building connections through good food and compassionate hospitality.

Our restaurant group has received seven James Beard nominations, and Chai Pani Asheville WON for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022. We've also received a Zagat award, recipes published in Bon Appetit, Saveur, Food & Wine, write-ups in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Local Palate, The Huffington Post, Southern Living, USA Today, and were one of Oprah's Favorite things.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and looking ahead to the next part of the journey. If this sounds like a journey you want to take with us - providing extraordinary hospitality and changing the perception of Indian cuisine in America - we're currently accepting applications for Hosts! Pay is weekly with an average rate of $25-$32/hr.

About this role:
The primary focus for Hosts is setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience with every guest that comes through the door. This includes engaging in friendly conversation when seating guests, managing the wait list during high volume to accurately set guest expectations, and sharing genuine gratitude and thanks as they leave. Our hosts also support the rest of the front of house staff as needs arise, contributing to a smooth flow service. Weekly compensation is based on an hourly rate, plus a generous tip-share program.

Responsibilities:

• Be warm, friendly, and accommodating - providing exceptional service and hospitality for all guests
• Accurately estimate wait times, seeking managerial guidance as needed
• Support FOH team members by providing water to customers, answering questions, and pre-bussing tables
• Create a welcoming environment by maintaining cleanliness and organization of the host stand and FOH area
• Always go the extra distance for the comfort and happiness of our customers

Requirements:

• 1 year prior experience hosting in a restaurant environment or customer service related field is required
• Follow all company policies and procedures, e.g., dress code, punctuality, and professional attitude
• Provide customers with MIND BLASTING hospitality
• Be a reliable and supportive team player
• Preserve and embrace company culture of compassion, integrity, generosity, and respect
• Must be available on the weekends

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, dependent care FSA, and supplemental life insurance (full-time team members)
• Company paid life insurance (full and part-time team members)
• Tip-share program
• Flexible work schedules
• Paid sick days
• Free shift meals
• Employee discount on merch, Spicewalla products, and all of our other restaurant locations in Asheville, Charlotte & Atlanta
• Cash advance program
• Opportunity to apply to annual staff trip to India after 1 year of employment

Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani's mission. We make a difference when and where we can - from our partnership with an educational non-profit in Mumbai; to feeding the homeless with dignity in our communities; and within our own walls, offering competitive pay, schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony. We hope you’ll join our team and be a difference-maker too.