Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Compensation
Hourly
Exact $28.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Flexible spending account
Health savings account
Commuter Benefits
Referral Bonus Program
Career advancement opportunities
Employee recognition awards
employee dining discounts
Paid Time Off
Job Description
Gracious Hospitality Management is a renowned hospitality company known for its award-winning restaurant concepts and exceptional service standards. The company is expanding its operations with a highly anticipated and ambitious new project located at 550 Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. This project represents a significant milestone for Gracious Hospitality Management as it introduces a multi-level, 15,000-square-foot dining destination inside the iconic Sony building, promising to elevate the culinary and dining experience to unprecedented levels. The new 550 Madison venue will host three distinct dining experiences: the second New York location of the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, the all-day multi-bar and dining concept Chimera, and an intimate sushi restaurant, Sushi Yoshitake, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Masahiro Yoshitake. Designed by the acclaimed Rockwell Group with collaboration from Yoshio Itai on the sushi concept, 550 Madison aims to redefine immersive, immersive dining with innovative design and culinary excellence.
The role of Lead Host at Gracious Hospitality Management's 550 Madison project is a dynamic hospitality position offering an exciting opportunity to be part of this prestigious endeavor. As Lead Host, you will play a crucial role in shaping the first impression of the restaurant for all guests by warmly welcoming and bidding farewell to customers with professionalism and grace. This position requires close collaboration with the Maitre D' to oversee the front entryway, coat check, guest seating, and overall customer satisfaction. The Lead Host will have full ownership of the reservation book, managing booking protocols in coordination with management and the Events Department, ensuring smooth operations and optimal seating patterns. Special attention will be given to VIP relations, handling personalized attention and maintaining detailed guest profiles to deliver unparalleled dining experiences.
This position demands excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment. You will train new staff, maintain a polished and professional appearance, and uphold the brand’s culture and core values of people, learning, culture, relationships, sustainability, and stewardship. Comprehensive on-site training will be provided to qualified and eager candidates to ensure readiness for the grand opening and ongoing operations. The employment type includes flexible scheduling with weekend, night, and holiday availability required, and compensation is structured with a competitive pay rate of $28 per hour.
In addition to managing reservations, the Lead Host is responsible for maintaining front-of-house tidiness, conducting restroom and table checks, managing communication within the team about seating or customer issues, and continuously updating customer profiles with relevant preferences and information. A key component of the role is fostering and managing VIP relationships, sending thank-you notes, liaising with concierge and booking partners, and ensuring the highest standards of guest interaction via email and phone.
This role also requires maintaining safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards in compliance with company policies and local regulations. Physical demands include standing and walking for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in a varied temperature environment. Adherence to New York State's Pay Transparency Law ensures clear and equitable compensation. Robust benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, employee dining discounts, commuter benefits, and career advancement opportunities among others.
Gracious Hospitality Management is committed to equal employment opportunity, embracing diversity, and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are passionate about hospitality, thrive in a vibrant team setting, and want to contribute to a landmark dining experience in New York City, we invite you to apply for the Lead Host position at 550 Madison.
The role of Lead Host at Gracious Hospitality Management's 550 Madison project is a dynamic hospitality position offering an exciting opportunity to be part of this prestigious endeavor. As Lead Host, you will play a crucial role in shaping the first impression of the restaurant for all guests by warmly welcoming and bidding farewell to customers with professionalism and grace. This position requires close collaboration with the Maitre D' to oversee the front entryway, coat check, guest seating, and overall customer satisfaction. The Lead Host will have full ownership of the reservation book, managing booking protocols in coordination with management and the Events Department, ensuring smooth operations and optimal seating patterns. Special attention will be given to VIP relations, handling personalized attention and maintaining detailed guest profiles to deliver unparalleled dining experiences.
This position demands excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment. You will train new staff, maintain a polished and professional appearance, and uphold the brand’s culture and core values of people, learning, culture, relationships, sustainability, and stewardship. Comprehensive on-site training will be provided to qualified and eager candidates to ensure readiness for the grand opening and ongoing operations. The employment type includes flexible scheduling with weekend, night, and holiday availability required, and compensation is structured with a competitive pay rate of $28 per hour.
In addition to managing reservations, the Lead Host is responsible for maintaining front-of-house tidiness, conducting restroom and table checks, managing communication within the team about seating or customer issues, and continuously updating customer profiles with relevant preferences and information. A key component of the role is fostering and managing VIP relationships, sending thank-you notes, liaising with concierge and booking partners, and ensuring the highest standards of guest interaction via email and phone.
This role also requires maintaining safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards in compliance with company policies and local regulations. Physical demands include standing and walking for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in a varied temperature environment. Adherence to New York State's Pay Transparency Law ensures clear and equitable compensation. Robust benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, employee dining discounts, commuter benefits, and career advancement opportunities among others.
Gracious Hospitality Management is committed to equal employment opportunity, embracing diversity, and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are passionate about hospitality, thrive in a vibrant team setting, and want to contribute to a landmark dining experience in New York City, we invite you to apply for the Lead Host position at 550 Madison.
Job Requirements
- Must have the ability to read, speak, understand, follow written directions, and verbal instructions in English
- Must be reachable by email and able to communicate via phone
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Possesses a positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality
- Ability to perform job duties and responsibilities well and maintain professionalism and composure under pressure and in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
- Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and local Department of Health standards
- Food Handler’s Certification or the ability to obtain in accordance with federal, state, or local regulations and/or company policy
- Able to work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate business levels (weekend, nights, and holiday availability required)
- Must be of legal age to serve alcohol
- Certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within 6 months
- Familiarity with restaurant management software such as point of sales, reservations management, inventory management, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
- Ability to execute steps of service in adherence with company policy
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Excellent communication with management and teammates
- 1+ year similar experience preferred
Job Qualifications
- Ability to read, speak, understand, follow written and verbal instructions in English
- Reachable by email and able to communicate via phone
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality
- Ability to maintain professionalism and composure under pressure
- Knowledge of workplace safety and Department of Health standards
- Food Handler’s Certification or ability to obtain
- Flexible schedule availability including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Legal age to serve alcohol
- Certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within 6 months
- Familiarity with restaurant management software and Microsoft Office
- Ability to adhere to company service steps
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Excellent communication with management and teammates
- One or more years of similar experience preferred
Job Duties
- Complete all assigned side work related to opening and closing the front desk, coat check, and customer restrooms
- Manage all restaurant reservations and booking protocols in coordination with Maitre D' and Events Department
- Provide reservation roll-ups prior to shifts and inform management of special events or VIP customers
- Assist in creating floor plans and table arrangements for shifts
- Manage flow of reservations for optimal seating and service
- Maintain VIP relations including personal reservations and personalized attention
- Monitor and audit reservationist customer interaction via email and phone
- Develop relationships with concierges and partner booking sites
- Hold host team accountable and report service issues to management
- Maintain a clean and orderly front desk with stocked collateral
- Warmly welcome customers, check-in reservations, and escort to tables
- Inform customers of wait times and ensure rapid service
- Set host stand for service and assist with coat check
- Perform routine table and restroom checks and maintain cleanliness
- Update table statuses and client profiles on the reservation system
- Report to shifts on time, in uniform, and ready to work
- Train new employees as assigned
- Assist other areas of the restaurant when requested
- Lead department in preparation, execution, and breakdown
- Regularly report on department performance and issues to management
- Adhere to standards of brand knowledge, behavior, appearance, and company policies
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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