Stratus Restaurant Host/Hostess

Stratus Restaurant, located within the Toronto Athletic Club, is known for its exceptional dining experiences and commitment to excellence. We are seeking an experienced Host/Hostess to join our small, tight-knit team and help create memorable moments for our guests.

Purpose and Objective

We seek a creative and dedicated individual who makes a positive first impression and consistently delivers outstanding experiences to our members and guests. You will be responsible for promptly answering phone inquiries and efficiently managing reservations through the OpenTable system.

Key Responsibilities
• Guest Engagement: Warmly greet and seat guests, exceeding their service expectations with professionalism, genuine care, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Team Collaboration: Actively demonstrate teamwork and uphold safe work practices, maintaining professional communication and accuracy in all interactions. Show respect, sincerity, helpfulness, courtesy, and humility in every interaction.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure adherence to all company policies, standards, and core practices.
• Management Support: Follow management directives willingly and maintain a positive attitude, including assisting with side work and cleaning tasks as needed.
• Relationship Building: Foster positive internal and external relationships, staying informed about events and Stratus Restaurant’s hospitality standards.
• Reservation Management: Handle guest reservations, verify online bookings, maintain the seating chart, and address service needs as appropriate. Communicate special occasions, dietary concerns, and unique requests to colleagues to ensure exceptional service.
• Issue Resolution: Be the first point of contact for guest feedback regarding food or beverage quality and service. Escalate concerns to management as necessary while providing outstanding customer service.
• Database Management: Accurately update the customer database to ensure all information is complete and current.

Working Relationships

You will collaborate closely with the Food & Beverage Manager, Events Director, Supervisors, and both serving and kitchen staff.

Qualifications and Requirements
• Customer Service Excellence: A warm, friendly demeanor with a genuine passion for service excellence. You should be proud of your work and exhibit graciousness and humility in all interactions.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication and social skills, with 100% fluency in English. You should maintain impeccable standards of hygiene and grooming.
• Safety Focus: A commitment to safe work practices and a proactive approach to minimizing workplace injuries.
• Decision-Making Ability: Capable of prioritizing tasks and making prompt, fair, and reasonable decisions.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Skilled at managing multiple needs and resolving issues calmly, respectfully, and creatively.
• Emotional Maturity: Interact with others respectfully, demonstrating sincerity, helpfulness, courtesy, and humility.
• Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of integrity in fulfilling responsibilities.
• Technology Proficiency: Competent in operating and maintaining departmental equipment, including Micros POS and OpenTable Reservations system.

Skills, Knowledge, and Attributes
• Experience in upscale or fine-dining restaurant service, with a minimum of 2 years in a similar role.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotational basis, with advance notice.
• Current Smart Serve certification is required.

Working Conditions

Hours of Work: Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends. Must be able to work shifts totaling 40 or more hours per week.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $18 - $19 per hour

Additional pay:
• Overtime pay
• Tips & Gratuities

Benefits:
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• On-site gym
• Extended Health and Dental Benefit (after 3 months probation)