Maître D’

Maître D’ – Forest (Birmingham, MI)

About Forest: Defined by elegant precision and a polished Mediterranean perspective, Forest is a staple of the Birmingham dining scene. Located in the heart of the Triangle District, our sleek, glass-encased dining room serves contemporary Continental cuisine with strong Italian leanings. We are looking for a Maître D’ who embodies this same philosophy—providing service that is sophisticated, seamless, and deeply personal.

The Role: As the Maître D’, you are the face of Forest and the architect of the evening’s flow. You are the first and last point of contact for our guests, responsible for settting a tone of refined hospitality from the moment they walk through our doors. This is a high-visibility leadership role that requires a master of "the floor"—someone who can balance the technical demands of a busy reservation book with the grace of a seasoned host.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Arrival Experience: Warmly and graciously welcome guests, managing the transition from the entryway to the dining room with poise.
• Strategic Reservation Management: Oversee the seating chart and reservation system (Resy) to maximize the dining room’s potential while ensuring the kitchen and service teams are never overwhelmed.
• Guest Recognition: Cultivate relationships with our regulars and identify VIPs, ensuring personalized touches that make every visit feel unique.
• Service Orchestration: Act as the primary liaison between the front-of-house, the kitchen, and management to ensure a perfectly timed service.
• Ambiance Oversight: Maintain the “Forest vibe” by monitoring lighting, music levels, and the overall cleanliness and organization of the host stand and waiting areas.
• Conflict Resolution: Handle guest concerns with "humble swagger" and a commitment to "finding the yes," resolving issues before they reach the table.

What We Are Looking For:

• Experience: 2+ years of experience in a high-end or fine-dining front-of-house role.
• Presence: A polished, professional demeanor with the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency with modern reservation platforms (experience with Resy is a plus).
• Communication: Exceptional verbal communication skills and a natural ability to connect with a diverse, sophisticated clientele.
• Team Spirit: A "campsite" mentality—someone who leaves every shift better than they found it and supports the host team through mentorship and leadership.

Details:

• Schedule: Dinner service only (Monday–Saturday). Closed Sundays.
• Location: 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, MI.
• Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience.

To Apply: If you are passionate about the art of hospitality and want to join a team dedicated to excellence, please submit your resume and a brief note about why you are the right fit for Forest to careers@forestbirmingham.com.

Forest is an equal opportunity employer. we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person