Job 149214 - Lead Host- Zaytinya Washington, DC

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington. Since opening in 2002, Zaytinya ranks consistently as a Top DC Dining Destination.

Lead Host
Control the flow of service in the dining room by seating guests according to station rotation. Manage reservations and incoming telephone calls, note reservations and special requests by guests. Exemplify superior service and poise under pressure. Be an agent of hospitality to everyone that walks into the restaurant.

At least 2 years of previous experience in a high volume environment strongly preferred. 

Essential Functions
To be an agent of hospitality and seek every opportunity to help guests have a positive experience.
Smile, make eye contact, have good posture and a welcoming presence at the door.
Collect, organize, update and manage menus.
Stock host stand with appropriate supplies. 
Utilize Open Table and other tools to maximize restaurant''s seating and service guests. 
Greet and thank each guest entering or leaving the restaurant.
Seat guests at a suitable table or in waiting areas and remove extra place settings. 
Manage the wait list and proactively communicate accurate seating times.
Provide guests with menus and inform guests of specialties and features. 
Check, safeguard and retrieve luggage, coats and other guest belongings.
Inspect dining and serving areas to ensure cleanliness and proper setup. 

Experience with OpenTable Required. 

Must be able to speak clearly, read, write and understand English to facilitate the communication process. 
Knowledge of appropriate table settings and service ware.
Knowledge of menu items and service procedures.
Must possess basic computational ability and basic computer skills. 
Ability to take direction and work in a team environment.
Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
Must have problem solving abilities, be self-motivated, and organized.

Abilities & Working Conditions
This position will spend 100% of the time standing or walking.
Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length.
Must be able to exert well-paced ability to maneuver between functions occurring simultaneously. 
Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis.
May be required to lift trays of food or food items weighing up to 30 lbs. occasionally.
Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.
Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests and co-workers.
Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.