Restaurant Host/Hostess

Position Overview

The Hostess at Patterson Kitchen serves as the first point of contact for guests, delivering a warm, genuine, and memorable welcome. This role is responsible for creating an exceptional arrival experience, managing reservations, coordinating the flow of the dining room, and supporting the overall guest journey with grace and professionalism. As an ambassador of Hotel Hartness hospitality, the Hostess ensures every guest feels valued and well-cared for.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Service

• Greet and welcome guests with a friendly, polished, and professional demeanor.
• Escort guests to tables, present menus, and ensure a smooth handoff to service staff.
• Maintain a warm and approachable presence at the host stand, anticipating guest needs.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of restaurant offerings, hotel amenities, and local information.

Reservation & Seating Management

• Manage reservations through the restaurant’s reservation platform; assist with phone inquiries.
• Strategically organize seating to support service flow and optimize guest experience.
• Communicate wait times accurately and manage waitlists efficiently.
• Coordinate with servers and management to ensure balanced sections and timely table turns.

Operational Support

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand and entrance areas.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, including menu setup, station stocking, and ambiance checks.
• Work collaboratively with servers, bartenders, and management to support seamless operations.
• Uphold brand standards and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere reflective of Hotel Hartness.

Professionalism & Safety

• Follow all hotel and restaurant policies, including uniform standards and service guidelines.
• Adhere to safety, sanitation, and guest privacy protocols.
• Represent Patterson Kitchen and Hotel Hartness with professionalism at all times.

Qualifications

Required

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Positive attitude with a genuine passion for guest service.
• Ability to remain calm, organized, and professional in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork orientation.

Preferred

• Previous experience in hosting, guest relations, or hospitality service.
• Experience using restaurant reservation systems (e.g., OpenTable).
• Knowledge of high-end or boutique hospitality environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Light lifting (up to 20 lbs) when needed.
• Ability to move throughout restaurant and hotel as required.

Why Join Patterson Kitchen & Hotel Hartness

• Be part of a luxury, service-focused environment with a commitment to exceptional hospitality.
• Work in one of Greenville’s most distinctive and thoughtfully designed properties.
• Opportunities for growth within the Hotel Hartness hospitality team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person