Maitre’d - KiaJia LLC
Palo Alto, CA 94301
About the Job
Who We Are
At the heart of our endeavor lies a commitment to honesty and integrity, reflected not only in the sourcing of our ingredients but also in the warm, genuine service provided by our team. We are dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate the essence of India’s food culture. We unite people through the celebration of a remarkable cuisine, fostering genuine human connections over a shared love for soulful food, wine and spirits.
We seek colleagues and leaders who embody:
Respect: regard for feelings, rights, traditions & efforts of others
Right Intentions: a mental commitment to act with good will and compassion
Integrity: being honest; having a strong set of moral and ethical principles that are consistently followed
Inclusivity: equal access to opportunities and resources
Professionalism: conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence
Authenticity: being genuine, real
JOB SUMMARY
The Maître’d sets the tone and flow of the restaurant with an exceptional ability to look after guests while also controlling the pace of seating in a way that maximizes covers without compromising service. This role is also responsible for recognizing repeat guests, anticipating guest needs, setting realistic expectations for wait times and easing guest frustrations should expectations not be met. This job description reflects the general level and nature of the job. It is not intended to be all inclusive.
PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Model and grow a positive, inspired, respectful culture
Possess a deep understanding of the flow of service and how seating affects all other aspects of the restaurant.
Keep track of reservations, the waitlist and updating table status.
Use a reservation and seating software to manage guest flow.
Keep a pulse on the status of the restaurant as a whole during service to make the best decisions possible regarding wait times and seating.
Extend a genuine welcome and good-bye to all guests.
Be knowledgeable about all food, drink and services as a main point of contact for guests.
Communicate with floor staff about necessary table arrangements before and during service.
Have a keen eye on and take action to ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the host area and restaurant in general.
Communicate special guest requests, VIPs or celebrations to servers and FOH management
Learn how to ring orders and close checks in Toast
Communicate with service staff to gather guest notes regarding preferences, relationship to restaurant, etc.
Train all door staff
Learn restaurant closing procedures, cash handling to close service up to 2 nights per week
Work closely with GM and AGM and Events Manager on how best to improve the flow of service
SECONDARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with preparing the floor for service, organizing and cleaning
Support service when time allows by dropping and processing checks, gathering menus, etc.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES - REQUIRED
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Current Food Handler and Unlawful Harassment training certificates
Possess a genuine love of hospitality and guest service
Maintain composure under pressure with quickly changing priorities
Be comfortable with delegating and leading
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements listed are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Stand stationary at the host stand throughout the shift for periods of time (up to 6 hours per day, 4-5 days per week)
Continuous physical activity including walking, standing, twisting, bending,
lifting, reaching, kneeling, stooping, wiping, pushing and pulling items weighing 50 pounds for distances of up to 20 ft.;
Stand and move throughout the restaurant
Interpret and follow a variety of instructions and procedures furnished in written and oral formats
Work under pressure with changing, ambiguous priorities
Auditory and visual skills – Specific vision abilities required by this job include
close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
Ability to work additional hours or shifts occasionally at the last minute.
Ability to perform moderately strenuous physical work and repetitive hand and arm motions
Understand and respond to staff requests in a loud environment;
EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
- Shifts will be a mix of days and nights / weekdays and weekends varying based on business needs and employee availability. This position requires 35-40 hour per week schedule, 4-5 days per week.
- Required availability for most major holidays
- Wages:
$22-$28 per hour + tips
Benefits:
- 401k + 2% match
- Kaiser Bronze Plan 50% covered