Restaurant Host, Mexican Cuisine & Guest Services
Overview
Own the front-of-house flow at Comal, a Michelin-recognized Mexican restaurant in downtown Berkeley. You'll manage reservations, seating, and guest expectations for a 200+ seat operation with a lively, seasonal menu. You'll partner with a service team known for craft cocktails and wood-fired cooking, directly shaping the guest experience. This role stands out for its focus on genuine hospitality and the chance to work at a top-tier independent restaurant.
What You'll Do9
- 1Control the flow of seating across the dining room, bar, and patio, balancing walk-ins with reservations to maximize covers without rushing service.
- 2Own the OpenTable reservation system, adjusting seating assignments in real-time to accommodate guest preferences and special requests.
- 3Recognize repeat guests by name and preference, proactively anticipating needs from dietary restrictions to preferred tables.
- 4Set realistic wait times during peak hours, and turn frustrated guests into advocates by offering clear updates and bar seating alternatives.
- 5Coordinate with the kitchen and service staff to align seating with food timing, especially for wood-fired hearth dishes and tasting menus.
- 6Master the host stand's technology stack, including the POS and reservation tablet, to track guest flow and generate nightly reports.
- 7Maintain composure during rush periods, shifting priorities smoothly as the restaurant fills and events unfold.
- 8Communicate clearly with guests and team members, using bilingual skills in Spanish to enhance service for our diverse clientele.
- 9Assist with opening and closing side work, including menu restocking, host stand cleanliness, and reservation list auditing.
Requirements8
- 11+ years of experience as a restaurant host, cashier, or in a similar guest-facing service role.
- 2Ability to work 3-4 nights per week, including weekends and holidays, with a flexible schedule.
- 3Strong command of English, with Spanish fluency a plus.
- 4Comfort with learning and using restaurant technology, including OpenTable and Toast POS.
- 5A genuine passion for hospitality and a track record of delivering warm, attentive guest service.
- 6Ability to remain composed under pressure, handling rapid seating changes and guest complaints gracefully.
- 7Excellent verbal communication, with the skill to explain wait times and restaurant policies clearly.
- 8Local to the San Francisco Bay Area with reliable transportation to downtown Berkeley.
Salary Insight
$20 - $23k per year
Location
Required Skills
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