Job duties include but are not limited to:
Opening Duties: Set up and organize host stand (iPad, reservation system, menus, waitlist tools) Ensure entrance, lobby, and host area are clean and presentable. Review reservations, large parties, and event notes for the shift. Communicate with management about floor plan, sections, and service strategy. Confirm dining room readiness (clean tables, proper setup, overall flow)
Running Duties (During Shift): Greet and seat guests with warmth and professionalism. Manage waitlist, reservations, and seating rotation to support service flow. Maintain clear communication with servers, bussers, and managers on table status. Monitor dining room cleanliness, table turns, and guest experience. Answer phones, take reservations, transfer calls to appropriate dept. and assist with online/takeout coordination. Support guests with questions, concerns, and general needs. Keep the host stand and entrance area clean and organized at all times.
Closing Duties: Clean and organize host stand, entrance area and glass windows/doors.Ensure all menus, iPads, and materials are accounted for, cleaned and stored properly. Confirm all reservations and notes are closed out or documented for the next shift. Communicate any important updates or issues to management.
Required to wear the company-approved Busboys & Poets dress code at all times, including casual business attire, but is not limited to jeans, slacks, khakis, polo/cotton shirts, skirts/dresses (4in above the knee), turtlenecks, sweaters, loafers, and well-kept athletic shoes, no loose hair (hairnet/hat/hair tied).
Maintain proper personal hygiene and a clean, professional appearance at all times in accordance with company grooming standards and health regulations (clean dress code, practicing regular handwashing, maintaining neat hair and grooming, short nails, and avoiding strong body odors or unsanitary conditions, in accordance with health regulations).
Provide hospitable service with a smile. Excellent customer service starts with a warm and genuine approach at the hoststand.
Maintain strong awareness of the dining room to ensure all guests are acknowledged and attended to.
Follow all health, safety, and sanitation standards.
Assist with additional duties and support other departments as needed during service, including stepping in to perform FOH tasks.
Inspect restrooms for cleanliness and availability of supplies and clean restrooms when necessary.
Support the food runner for to-go orders, verify 3rd party/guest pick up orders.
Assist/redirect guests with Kiosk orders.
Support guests with book purchases and to collect payment when needed.
Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must work a minimum of 3 full shifts that includes one weekend shift (Saturday/Sunday).
Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to receive feedback and direction with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Must be a team player and able to thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
Previous host experience in a full service restaurant for at least a year.
Ability to accurately use a point-of-sale (POS) system for orders and payments.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of hospitality and enjoys engaging with guests in a friendly, professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and remain organized.
Dependable, on time attendance, and able to follow company policies, procedures, and service standards.
Must have a hospitable welcoming personality, patience, and love talking to people.
Physical Requirements:
Being able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Spend time bending, reaching, crawling and/or twisting the body.
Spend time lifting heavy weights up to 25 pounds.
Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, and tools.
Spend time walking.
Busboys and Poets is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Please note the above listed is intended to describe the general duties, responsibilities, and requirements for performance in this position. It should not be construed as a comprehensive or complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Company reserves the right to amend this job description as it deems necessary.
Busboys and Poets owns and operates 8 multi-concept restaurant, bar, event and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our locations include: 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington, and Takoma with more on the horizon!Job duties include but are not limited to:
Opening Duties: Set up and organize host stand (iPad, reservation system, menus, waitlist tools) Ensure entrance, lobby, and host area are clean and presentable. Review reservations, large parties, and event notes for the shift. Communicate with management about floor plan, sections, and service strategy. Confirm dining room readiness (clean tables, proper setup, overall flow)
Running Duties (During Shift): Greet and seat guests with warmth and professionalism. Manage waitlist, reservations, and seating rotation to support service flow. Maintain clear communication with servers, bussers, and managers on table status. Monitor dining room cleanliness, table turns, and guest experience. Answer phones, take reservations, transfer calls to appropriate dept. and assist with online/takeout coordination. Support guests with questions, concerns, and general needs. Keep the host stand and entrance area clean and organized at all times.
Closing Duties: Clean and organize host stand, entrance area and glass windows/doors.Ensure all menus, iPads, and materials are accounted for, cleaned and stored properly. Confirm all reservations and notes are closed out or documented for the next shift. Communicate any important updates or issues to management.
Required to wear the company-approved Busboys & Poets dress code at all times, including casual business attire, but is not limited to jeans, slacks, khakis, polo/cotton shirts, skirts/dresses (4in above the knee), turtlenecks, sweaters, loafers, and well-kept athletic shoes, no loose hair (hairnet/hat/hair tied).
Maintain proper personal hygiene and a clean, professional appearance at all times in accordance with company grooming standards and health regulations (clean dress code, practicing regular handwashing, maintaining neat hair and grooming, short nails, and avoiding strong body odors or unsanitary conditions, in accordance with health regulations).
Provide hospitable service with a smile. Excellent customer service starts with a warm and genuine approach at the hoststand.
Maintain strong awareness of the dining room to ensure all guests are acknowledged and attended to.
Follow all health, safety, and sanitation standards.
Assist with additional duties and support other departments as needed during service, including stepping in to perform FOH tasks.
Inspect restrooms for cleanliness and availability of supplies and clean restrooms when necessary.
Support the food runner for to-go orders, verify 3rd party/guest pick up orders.
Assist/redirect guests with Kiosk orders.
Support guests with book purchases and to collect payment when needed.
Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must work a minimum of 3 full shifts that includes one weekend shift (Saturday/Sunday).
Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to receive feedback and direction with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Must be a team player and able to thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
Previous host experience in a full service restaurant for at least a year.
Ability to accurately use a point-of-sale (POS) system for orders and payments.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of hospitality and enjoys engaging with guests in a friendly, professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and remain organized.
Dependable, on time attendance, and able to follow company policies, procedures, and service standards.
Must have a hospitable welcoming personality, patience, and love talking to people.
Physical Requirements:
Being able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Spend time bending, reaching, crawling and/or twisting the body.
Spend time lifting heavy weights up to 25 pounds.
Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, and tools.
Spend time walking.
Busboys and Poets is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Please note the above listed is intended to describe the general duties, responsibilities, and requirements for performance in this position. It should not be construed as a comprehensive or complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Company reserves the right to amend this job description as it deems necessary.
Busboys and Poets owns and operates 8 multi-concept restaurant, bar, event and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our locations include: 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington, and Takoma with more on the horizon!