Host

The Happy Crane, a modern Chinese restaurant in San Francisco that seeks to change the perception of what a Chinese restaurant can be, is hiring Hosts. At The Happy Crane, we aim to create an environment which celebrates both the individual and the collective. Our Hosts are the first impression of the restaurant and guest experience. The goal of the Host is to provide exceptional hospitality, making sure our guests are fully seen, heard, and understood. As The Happy Crane Host, you play a vital role in ensuring guests have a memorable dining experience being the first and last impression for our guests. Our hosts are responsible for providing exceptional service, managing guest flow, and maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. Your dedication to delivering excellent guest service will contribute to the overall success and reputation of the restaurant. The Happy Crane culture we are building is one that encourages learning and growth, striving to push ourselves to be the best version of ourselves, to nurture talent, hard work, and respect. Qualified Host candidates will be aligned with that curiosity and dedication to theirs, their team, and the restaurant’s evolution.

Responsibilities:

1. Greeting and welcoming guests as they enter the restaurant with a warm and friendly demeanor.
2. Managing guest reservations, seating arrangements, and waiting lists effectively to optimize table turnover.
3. Providing accurate wait times to guests and keeping them informed of any delays or changes.
4. Escorting guests to their tables, presenting menus, and assisting with seating arrangements based on the size of the party.
5. Answering phone calls, taking reservations, and handling guest inquiries in a professional and courteous manner.
6. Run OpenTable before and during service to make sure all guests reservations are secure and special requests are handled in a timely manner.
7. Answer the [email protected] email account to address any guests inquiries, large party reservations, and pass on any event inquiries to leadership team.
8. Assist with menu edits and printing for service for both food and beverage.
9. Observing the dining area to ensure tables are clean, set up properly, and ready for the next guest.
10. Collaborating with the kitchen and service team to ensure a smooth flow of service.
11. Monitoring and maintaining cleanliness and organization at the host stand, entrance area, and waiting areas.
12. Assisting with any special requests, such as dietary restrictions or seating preferences, and ensuring they are communicated to the appropriate staff members.
13. Providing recommendations and information about Chinese cuisine through the unique perspective of Chef James, menu items, and daily specials to guests.
14. Maintaining a strong knowledge of the restaurant's offerings, including food and beverage menus.
15. Upselling and promoting additional menu items, beverages, or desserts to enhance the guest experience.
16. Handling guest complaints or issues promptly and escalating them to leadership when necessary.
17. Collaborating with the restaurant team to address any logistical or operational challenges that may arise.
18. Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and maintaining a clean and safe environment for guests and staff.

Qualifications:

1. Previous experience in a host or guest service role, preferably in a restaurant or hospitality setting.
2. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and communicate effectively with guests and team members.
3. Excellent guest service skills, including attentiveness, patience, and the ability to handle difficult situations diplomatically.
4. A friendly and welcoming personality, with a genuine desire to create a positive dining experience for guests.
5. Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
6. Knowledge of Chinese cuisine and familiarity with traditional dishes is a plus.
7. Proficiency in English, Mandarin and/or Cantonese, both spoken and written, to effectively communicate with guests is a plus but not required.
8. Flexibility in working evenings, weekends, and holidays, as per the restaurant's operational needs.
9. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift moderate weights when needed.
10. Familiarity with reservation management software, OpenTable or equivalent.
11. Familiarity with POS (Toast) and basic computer skills.
12. Familiarity with InDesign and/or equivalent for menu editing.

Benefits: Medical Benefits (50% Contribution from The Happy Crane), Dental Insurance option, Wellness Practices, Daily Meals during scheduled shift (Family Meal), 50% off dining experience in restaurant for party up to 4 guests (exclusive of alcohol), Set schedule