Host / Hostess

Norfolk, VA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Day Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k

Paid Time Off

Paid holidays

Earned wage access

Job Description

Olympia Hospitality is a esteemed hospitality company committed to creating welcoming and enjoyable dining experiences for guests across its various restaurant locations. As part of The Olympia Companies, Olympia Hospitality stands out by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, concern for others, and trust among its team members. This unique approach has allowed the company to develop a supportive, fun, and growth-oriented environment where every employee can flourish both personally and professionally. Olympia Hospitality prioritizes employee well-being, offering excellent health benefits, financial security options, and a family-first organizational culture. Joining Olympia Hospitality means becoming part of a community that is not only dedicated to delivering exceptional service but also to nurturing its teams with integrity, collaboration, and respect.

The Host/Hostess role at Olympia Hospitality is vital for setting the tone of a guest's dining experience from the moment they enter the restaurant. This position requires a personable, organized, and efficient individual who can warmly welcome guests, manage seating arrangements, and ensure a smooth flow of service. Hosts and Hostesses are expected to go beyond basic customer service by proactively engaging with guests, anticipating their needs, and effectively communicating with both guests and internal teams. The position emphasizes creating a positive and memorable experience that encourages guests to return and recommend the restaurant to others. The Host/Hostess will handle reservations, assist with seating preferences, address inquiries and concerns, and support the overall dining operation in collaboration with kitchen and service teams.

At Olympia Hospitality, the Host/Hostess role offers more than just a job; it provides a career path enriched with excellent benefits that underscore the company’s commitment to employee well-being. With health care coverage contributions of up to 80 percent for individual plans, dental and vision insurance, and flexible spending accounts, staff members can manage their health needs affordably. The company also offers a 401K plan with discretionary yearly matches, paid group life insurance for select positions, disability coverage options, paid time off including seven paid holidays, and an earned wage access program for quick paycheck availability. Additional support services like an Employee Assistance Program, a sober support network, and a recovery-friendly work environment contribute to a supportive workplace culture. Employees also enjoy exclusive hotel travel discounts and other location-specific perks.

Olympia Hospitality’s values-driven approach ensures that every team member feels valued and supported throughout their career journey. This is reflected in how the company operates daily, emphasizing respect, collaboration, and professional development. The role of Host/Hostess is perfect for individuals passionate about delivering excellent service, eager to grow within a dynamic hospitality setting, and looking for an employer who prioritizes their overall satisfaction and work-life balance. Applicants who are friendly, communicative, detail-oriented, and able to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment will find a rewarding and inspiring career at Olympia Hospitality.

Job Requirements

prior customer service experience is preferred
high school diploma and/or equivalent work experience preferred, but not required
ability to provide high level customer service
effective communication skills with guests and team members
ability to follow instructions accurately
strong attention to detail
ability to learn quickly
ability to maintain composure under pressure
very good phone skills

Job Qualifications

prior customer service experience is preferred
high school diploma and/or equivalent work experience preferred, but not required
ability to provide high level customer service
effective communication skills with guests and team members
ability to follow instructions accurately
strong attention to detail
ability to learn quickly
ability to maintain composure under pressure
very good phone skills

Job Duties

welcome guests warmly upon arrival, acknowledge them by name if possible, and thank them for choosing our restaurant
manage the flow of guests by taking names, managing reservations, and estimating wait times, and communicate delays or special requests to guests with courtesy and professionalism
escort guests to their tables, provide menus, and assist with seating arrangements to accommodate parties of varying sizes and preferences
answer phone calls and inquiries from guests regarding reservations, availability, and dining options, and assist with booking and confirming reservations as needed
maintain an organized and up-to-date reservation book or system, record guest preferences and special requests, and communicate relevant information to the service and kitchen staff
coordinate with the kitchen and service teams to ensure timely seating and efficient turnover of tables, while maintaining a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for guests
provide information about the restaurant, including menus, specials, promotions, and amenities, and answer questions about ingredients, dietary restrictions, and meal preparation methods
anticipate guests' needs and preferences and provide proactive assistance and recommendations to enhance their dining experience
address guest concerns or complaints promptly and courteously, and escalate unresolved issues to the management team for resolution
work collaboratively with the service and kitchen teams to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction, and assist with bussing tables, refilling water glasses, and other tasks as needed