Host / Hostess - PR

Des Plaines, IL, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

flexible schedule

Training and Development

Job Description

Shakou is a contemporary Asian restaurant renowned for blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques to provide a unique dining experience. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, Shakou focuses on guest satisfaction by creating a welcoming environment that encourages patrons to enjoy their meals and social time fully. The restaurant prides itself on offering a diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, making it a popular destination for both casual diners and special occasions. As a well-established name in the hospitality industry, Shakou seeks to maintain high standards not only in its food but also in its customer service and overall dining experience to ensure that every guest leaves with a positive impression and a desire to return.

The Host/Hostess position at Shakou is an essential frontline role, acting as the first and last point of contact for guests during their visit. This position requires a warm, attentive, and friendly demeanor to greet guests upon arrival and bid them farewell with the same level of courteous interaction, ensuring an inviting atmosphere throughout their dining experience. Hosts and hostesses are responsible for managing reservations, seating guests promptly, and maintaining an organized seating chart to ensure smooth operations and minimize wait times. Additionally, the role demands keeping track of table statuses, monitoring cleanliness, and providing menus or QR codes to guests efficiently. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for customer service.

This role highlights a customer-centric approach, emphasizing the importance of exceeding guest expectations by anticipating needs and providing thorough attention to detail in managing dining logistics. Hosts and hostesses must be able to work as part of a team, understanding the menu thoroughly to answer questions, and supporting the overall workflow of the restaurant. They must handle multi-tasking with ease, maintain composure during busy or stressful situations, and effectively communicate with patrons and team members alike. Adherence to safety and sanitation procedures is critical to providing a safe dining space. Training is provided, and no previous hosting experience is necessary, although candidates must be prepared to learn about the menu through a written test as part of the onboarding process. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the hospitality industry while working in a dynamic and team-oriented environment.

Job Requirements

Report to work in a neat and clean uniform
maintain well-groomed hair and personal hygiene as established by company policy
must be able to determine wait time based on the company’s procedures
comply and execute all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
encourage customers to join the Shakou rewards program if they are not currently signed up or remind customers who have the rewards program what benefits are available

Job Qualifications

Basic reading and writing skills
excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
excellent communication skills
multi-task oriented
strong organizational skills
ability to remain calm when dealing with unruly and argumentative patrons
promote a positive and collaborative employee culture designed to support customer needs

Job Duties

Interact with guests in a friendly and efficient manner as they come in and leave
ensure guests' complete satisfaction by exceeding their expectations including ensuring the table is clean and that utensils, napkins, and other needs have been provided
manage the reservation software, seating guests promptly and efficiently, and maintaining an organized seating chart
observe tables and keep track of clean, dirty, and occupied tables
take guest information for the waiting list and quote wait time to guests accurately when tables are not immediately available
greet and seat guests and present menus or QR coasters
clean, organize, and stock menus at the host/hostess stand
answer phone calls, take reservations, and carry out orders, as well as provide information about the restaurant
fill to-go orders if applicable
understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
verify that the food is correct based upon what the customer ordered and to customers' satisfaction, if incorrect or unsatisfied notify the manager on duty
maintain complete knowledge of the restaurant’s food and beverage preparation and menu, with the ability to answer customer questions
work as a team with all personnel to maintain an effective atmosphere and an efficient food and beverage service
other duties may be assigned as needed