As a Host / Hostess, you will serve as one of the first points of contact for guests visiting Delmonico Steakhouse and play a vital role in setting the tone for the entire dining experience. You will create a warm and polished first impression, manage reservations and seating, coordinate the flow of the dining room, and ensure every guest feels genuinely welcomed from arrival through departure.
Responsibilities:
- Greet and welcome guests warmly, professionally, and confidently upon arrival while creating an elevated first impression consistent with Delmonico Steakhouse and Fairmont New Orleans standards
- Serve as a gracious ambassador of Delmonico Steakhouse, Chef Emeril Lagasse, and Fairmont New Orleans by demonstrating genuine New Orleans hospitality
- Manage restaurant reservations, seating assignments, waitlists, and guest preferences using the designated reservation system
- Monitor reservations and dining room capacity throughout service to optimize table utilization, pacing, and overall guest experience
- Escort guests to their tables while providing menus and communicating relevant information regarding the restaurant, menu, and dining experience
- Maintain detailed knowledge of the Delmonico Steakhouse menu, signature dishes, premium steak offerings, wine and spirits program, hours of operation, dress code, and restaurant amenities
- Develop an understanding of the culinary philosophy behind Delmonico Steakhouse and Chef Emeril Lagasse's approach to New Orleans cuisine to confidently answer guest questions
- Communicate menu highlights, special offerings, dining experiences, and appropriate restaurant information in a polished and engaging manner
- Maintain awareness of guest preferences, special occasions, VIPs, repeat guests, and other relevant details to create personalized experiences
- Monitor dining room activity and collaborate closely with Servers, Managers, Culinary, and other Food & Beverage colleagues to maintain smooth service flow
- Coordinate table assignments and seating rotations in a manner that supports both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency
- Communicate estimated wait times accurately and manage guest expectations throughout periods of high volume
- Maintain accurate waitlists and proactively communicate with guests regarding table availability.
- Answer restaurant telephone calls promptly and professionally while assisting with reservations, menu inquiries, guest questions, and operational communications
- Respond to guest requests, concerns, and special accommodations with professionalism, discretion, and a genuine desire to assist
- Support guest recovery efforts by addressing concerns appropriately and involving management when necessary
- Maintain a polished and welcoming host stand, entrance, waiting area, and surrounding dining spaces at all times
- Ensure menus, reservation materials, seating areas, and other guest-facing materials are clean, organized, and properly presented
- Assist with VIP arrivals, special occasions, private dining, and other elevated guest experiences.
- Coordinate with the appropriate teams regarding birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, dietary considerations, accessibility needs, and other guest preferences
- Support the restaurant during peak periods, special events, holidays, and high-volume service while maintaining composure and exceptional service standards
- Maintain familiarity with Fairmont New Orleans hotel amenities, dining outlets, events, services, and local attractions to confidently assist guests with inquiries and recommendations
- Assist with opening and closing duties, side work, cleaning, stocking, and other operational responsibilities as assigned
- Follow all hotel, restaurant, food safety, sanitation, security, and workplace safety policies and procedures
- Maintain a professional appearance and polished demeanor consistent with Fairmont New Orleans and Delmonico Steakhouse luxury standards
- Consistently demonstrate teamwork, professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to creating memorable guest experiences
- Uphold the culinary and hospitality standards associated with Chef Emeril Lagasse, Delmonico Steakhouse, and Fairmont New Orleans
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support operational excellence